Archaeological Practice MA

Birkbeck’s MA Archaeological Practice offers hands-on postgraduate training that is grounded in the latest theories and techniques. This Masters in archaeology meets the need for work-based professional training in archaeology and it will help you understand how contemporary archaeologists think, draw and write about archaeology. You can take advantage of the expertise of our world-leading academics in history, classics and archaeology.<br/><br/>We will introduce you to the major techniques, principal bodies of evidence, research themes and concepts of archaeology. This archaeology Masters programme addresses the perceived divide between theory and practice in archaeological fieldwork and cultural resource management. It aims to produce a new kind of professional: one who is theoretically aware but also grounded in the craft of archaeology. In doing so, the course will also develop your capacity for interdisciplinary, innovative research, based on the critical, integrated study of landscape, architecture and material culture. Context, and an engagement with its material and historical conditions, is crucial to this training.<br/><br/>**Highlights**<br/><br/><br/>- Birkbeck was ranked in the top eight universities in the UK for its History research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.<br/><br/><br/>- All Master’s students are eligible to apply for our prestigious Eric Hobsbawm Scholarships, subject to availability. One of the most influential historians of the twentieth century, Eric Hobsbawm taught at Birkbeck for over five decades and embodied what is central to our teaching and research: a continued commitment to critical enquiry and public engagement.<br/><br/><br/>- In history, classics and archaeology, Birkbeck is home to thriving student societies and a number of affiliated research centres that actively run seminars, conferences and other events where some of the worlds best scholars present their latest research. These include the Birkbeck Institute for the Study of Antisemitism, the Raphael Samuel History Centre and the Birkbeck Institute for the Humanities. <br/><br/><br/>- We are also at the heart of academic London with access to world-class research resources. We are five minutes walk from the British Museum and the British Library, and the Institute of Historical Research - with its internationally renowned library collection and seminars that you can attend - is nearby. The Museum of London is a short tube ride away. <br/><br/><br/>- Birkbeck Library has an extensive history collection, including the major specialist journals, and access to online materials. <br/><br/><br/>**Careers and employability**<br/><br/>Graduates can pursue career paths in developer-funded archaeology, heritage and conservation, or museums. Possible professions include:<br/><br/><br/>- archaeologist<br/><br/><br/>- researcher/social researcher<br/><br/><br/>- heritage manager<br/><br/><br/>- historic buildings inspector<br/><br/><br/>- conservation officer<br/><br/><br/>- higher education lecturer<br/><br/><br/>- tourism officer.<br/><br/><br/>We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.