MA Archaeology
About this course
MA in Archaeology, focusing on the humanities and social science side of the discipline with a special northern regional emphasis. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork. The course includes a minimum two-week summer excavation after the second year and holds accreditation from the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists and University Archaeology UK.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in English is also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM in related subjects. Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.) GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3.
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What students say
Based on about 7 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 98%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 75%
- Learning resources: 100%
- Student voice: 94%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 35%
- Teaching Professionals: 25%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 60 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 2%
- South East: 3%
- Scotland: 87%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 55%
- Access course: 5%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 30%
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Archaeology in Action
- Caves to Kingdoms: an Introduction to Prehistoric Archaeology
- The Flow of Time: Introductory Field Trip
- Prehistoric Britain: from Boxgrove to Bede
- Test Tubes and Trowels: an Introduction to Archaeological Science
- Past Lives
- The Archaeology of The North: Lifeways & Cultural Change
- Professional Archaeology i: Field Methods
- Archaeological Research Project Part 1
- Professional Archaeology II: Post - Excavation Analysis and Employment
- Archaeological Fieldwork Portfolio
- Archaeological Research Project Part 2
- Current Issues in Archaeology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Archaeology at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £31,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £36,000. The £31,500 median after five years is £4,500 more than the UK median for Forensic and archaeological sciences.
What do graduates of MA Archaeology at University of Aberdeen do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Archaeology at University of Aberdeen?
98% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Archaeology at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 169 UCAS points.
Does MA Archaeology at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Archaeology at University of Aberdeen?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.