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MA History and Archaeology

University of Edinburgh

Institution
University of Edinburgh
Level
undergraduate
Subject
History
Duration
4 years
UCAS code
VV1K
Typical offer
A-level AAB, IB 37

Entry requirements

A level: from A*A*A to AAB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: from 37 points with 666 at HL to 34 points with 655 at HL

About this course

MA (Hons) in History and Archaeology, an undergraduate degree in history and archaeology focusing on material remains and written records of the human past. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Human Behaviour. Students complete three weeks of archaeological fieldwork at the end of the first year. The first year covers the medieval period, the early modern period, methods of site discovery, and excavation. The second year explores American history, European history, British history, Scottish history, and global history. The third year involves compulsory courses in historical and archaeological skills and methods alongside specialised elective courses. The fourth year includes a year-long history special subject course, specialist option courses in archaeology or classical art and archaeology, and an independent research honours dissertation in either history or archaeology.

Modules

  • a course covering the medieval period
  • a course covering the early modern period
  • methods of site discovery
  • excavation
  • recording and analysing artefacts
  • scientific analysis of animal and human remains
  • recent and innovative approaches to reconstructing the lives of past peoples
  • further fieldwork
  • projects in heritage management and public engagement
  • lab-based analysis of archaeological remains
  • American history
  • European history
  • British history
  • Scottish history
  • global history
  • 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 compulsory courses in historical and archaeological skills and methods
  • study courses from a wide range of specialised elective courses in history and archaeology (depending on the courses you choose in Years 1 and 2, you may have the option to choose one from another subject outside history)
  • study a year-long history special subject course
  • take further specialist option courses in archaeology or classical art/archaeology
  • engage in independent research to produce an honours dissertation in either history or archaeology on a topic of your own choosing