MA Architectural History and Archaeology
About this course
MA (Hons) in Architectural History and Archaeology, a history of art and archaeology degree exploring buildings and the human past. Core topics include Fieldwork and Human Behaviour. The course requires three weeks of fieldwork before starting the second year. The first year covers introductory material through Architectural History, Archaeology 1A and Archaeology 1B, alongside a mandatory fieldwork course. The second year focuses on topics such as the recolonization of Scotland after the last ice age, the world heritage sites in the heart of Scotland, the ways the environment shapes human behaviour, the lasting impact activities like farming had on the Scottish landscape, and the Roman advances into Scotland. The third year includes the course Texts and Theories in Western Architecture, alongside studies of the history of archaeology, archaeological theories, and contemporary practice in the 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: ABB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 58%: 7 offers from 12 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 26 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 76%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 77%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 15 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 5%
- London: 15%
- Scotland: 75%
Who gets in
Based on about 40 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 65%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 15%
Modules
- Study introductory courses (modules) in Architectural History, which look at buildings and places over a long time period and in a range of places.
- Study Archaeology 1A and Archaeology 1B which offer a broad introduction to our human past. They cover the period from the evolution of the first humans several million years ago, to the emergence of farming and the development of civilisations in Europe, Egypt and the Near East.
- Be able to take an optional course from other academic areas across the University.
- You will also take a fieldwork course. As part of this course, you will need to complete three weeks of fieldwork before starting Year 2.
- the recolonization of Scotland after the last ice age
- the world heritage sites in the 'heart' of Scotland (such as Neolithic Orkney)
- the ways the environment shapes human behaviour
- the lasting impact activities like farming had on the Scottish landscape
- the Roman advances into Scotland
- take the course Texts and Theories in Western Architecture
- study the history of archaeology from its antiquarian beginnings in the 18th and 19th centuries and its development as an academic discipline
- consider the theories that archaeologists have used to understand and interpret the remains that they have found and examine how these ideas have changed over the past 150 years
- study the contemporary practice of archaeology in the UK and beyond
- gain insights into the roles and activities of professional archaeologists, and the practical and transferable skills sought by employers in the cultural heritage sector
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Architectural History and Archaeology at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £19,000 after 3 years, £23,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,500 and £29,000. The £23,000 median after five years is £6,500 less than the UK median for History of art, architecture and design.
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Architectural History and Archaeology at University of Edinburgh?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Architectural History and Archaeology at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 177 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA Architectural History and Archaeology at University of Edinburgh?
58% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 7 offers from 12 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA Architectural History and Archaeology at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Architectural History and Archaeology at University of Edinburgh?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.