MSc In Archaeology

The 11-month Master of Science Degree in Archaeology provides an opportunity for students to build on their knowledge from undergraduate studies and to specialise in a particular area of archaeology, while also offering an excellent foundation for those wishing to continue towards research at doctoral level. It also offers transferable skills which are beneficial to a range of professional roles. Streams are confirmed the summer proceeding the start of each academic year. 

Streams

During this taught Master's degree you will specialise in a particular area of archaeology.  For 2025 to 2026 these are the streams on offer, reflective of our current staff specialism:

Structure

The MSc in Archaeology allows subject specialisation through the choice of a subject stream, but also flexibility, by combining core modules with your option module, and topics chosen for your dissertation and summative essays. The dissertation allows you to develop a larger piece of research in which you can more fully explore a topic. It will allow you to develop your research skills and undertake self-directed and independent research that is a necessary basis for future doctoral research, and highly desirable in non-academic employment. 

Each stream comprises four modules and a dissertation. 

The core module ‘Archaeological Principles: Data and Theory’, which all students take in the first term, is designed to prepare you with necessary archaeological knowledge, research and practical skills to support your other modules and dissertation. You will take two core modules offered within your stream and a third from the wider School offering. 

You will complete a dissertation of 15,000 words on an approved topic relevant to your stream subject, chosen in consultation with a supervisor. Most of the dissertation research and writing takes place in the third term and into the summer.

The degree is a very intensive course, and you will be expected to treat the University vacations as integral parts of your academic work time.

_{Please note that the modules and streams listed on this website are indicative of the typical offerings and are subject to review each year. Whilst every effort is made to offer the full variety of modules/streams this is not possible to do every year. This is due to the fact that some modules/streams are dependent on student numbers to ensure an appropriate quality of education; timetable clashes; staff availability; etc. We aim to keep the website as up-to-date as possible but we recommend that you seek specific advice from admissions@arch.ox.ac.uk on module/stream availability.}