MA Archaeology and Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies
About this course
MA in Archaeology and Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies, an undergraduate degree exploring human activity, ancient societies, and the legacy of Celtic and Anglo-Saxon peoples. Core topics include Research Methods and Communication & Writing. Students have the option to undertake a year abroad as part of their studies. The first year covers foundational archaeological discoveries and prehistoric societies through compulsory modules like Archaeology in Action, Caves to Kingdoms: an Introduction to Prehistoric Archaeology, and Ancient Empires: Religion, Power and Politics, alongside optional language choices such as Gaelic for Beginners 1a and Latin 1. The second year examines past human lives and scientific approaches to archaeology via compulsory study in Prehistoric Britain: from Boxgrove to Bede, Test Tubes and Trowels: an Introduction to Archaeological Science, and The Archaeology of The North: Lifeways & Cultural Change. In the third year, students focus on practical field methods and post-excavation analysis through compulsory modules including Professional Archaeology i: Field Methods and Professional Archaeology II: Post - Excavation Analysis and Employment. Optional modules across later stages allow specialisation in areas like Scottish Archaeology, Old English Language, and Current Issues in Archaeology, with opportunities to complete an independent dissertation.
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 44 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 88%
- Academic support: 97%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 70 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 9%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Secretarial and related occupations: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 50%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 30%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 100 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 4%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 13%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 69%
- Northern Ireland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 95 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 91%
- A degree: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 8%
Modules
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature
- Archaeology in Action
- Caves to Kingdoms: an Introduction to Prehistoric Archaeology
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Ancient Empires: Religion, Power and Politics
- Gaelic Scotland
- Gaelic for Beginners 1a
- Latin 1
- Latin 2
- Gaelic for Beginners 1b
- 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
- The Celts, Their Neighbours, and The Classical World
- Ancient Empires: Religion, Power and Politics
- Scottish Folklore and Oral Traditions
- Professional Archaeology i: Field Methods
- Professional Archaeology II: Post - Excavation Analysis and Employment
- Archaeological Research Project Part 1
- Introduction to Old English Language
- Scottish Archaeology
- Dissertation in Celtic & Anglo - Saxon Studies
- Current Issues in Archaeology
- Archaeological Research Project Part 2
- Introduction to Old English Language
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Archaeology and Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £28,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £36,500. The £28,000 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Celtic studies.
What do graduates of MA Archaeology and Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies at University of Aberdeen do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Archaeology and Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies at University of Aberdeen?
96% 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 Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 163 UCAS points.
Does MA Archaeology and Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies 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 Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies at University of Aberdeen?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 9% left higher education.