MA Archaeology and Art History
About this course
MA in Archaeology and Art History, an undergraduate degree combining the study of past human societies, material culture, and the historical development of art and architecture across global contexts. Core topics include Research Methods and Fieldwork. The four-year course includes an optional year abroad. The first year introduces foundational themes through compulsory modules such as Archaeology in Action, Introduction to Art History, Introduction to Modern and Contemporary Art, and Caves to Kingdoms: an Introduction to Prehistoric Archaeology. The second year expands into specialized periods and materials with modules including Prehistoric Britain: from Boxgrove to Bede, Test Tubes and Trowels: an Introduction to Archaeological Science, Past Lives, and Art Matters: Materials and Techniques. The third year emphasizes practical training through compulsory modules such as Professional Archaeology i: Field Methods and Professional Archaeology II: Post - Excavation Analysis and Employment, alongside optional choices like Curation: Theory and Practice. The final year allows further specialization through optional modules such as Art and the City, Current Issues in Archaeology, Art History Dissertation, and Archaeological Research Project Part 2.
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 10 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 81%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 69%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 76%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 10%
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: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 6%
- South East: 4%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 72%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 90%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Archaeology in Action
- Introduction to Modern and Contemporary Art
- Fashion: History and Theory
- Introduction to Art History
- Encountering Art: Museums Through History
- 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
- What is Art?
- Art Matters: Materials and Techniques
- Professional Archaeology i: Field Methods
- Professional Archaeology II: Post - Excavation Analysis and Employment
- Curation: Theory and Practice
- Women Writing Art History, C. 1850 - 1970
- Art and the City
- Current Issues in Archaeology
- Art History Dissertation
- Archaeological Research Project Part 2
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Archaeology and Art History at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £37,000. The £32,000 median after five years is £5,000 more than the UK median for Forensic and archaeological sciences.
What do graduates of MA Archaeology and Art History at University of Aberdeen do next?
70% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Archaeology and Art History at University of Aberdeen?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Archaeology and Art History at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 168 UCAS points.
Does MA Archaeology and Art History 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 and Art History at University of Aberdeen?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.