Archaeology and Heritage MA

This MA Archaeology and Heritage offers you hands-on training grounded in global case studies, rigorous methodologies and interdisciplinary theories. Delivered by leading researchers in archaeology and heritage, its teaching draws directly on ethical and inclusive research and work practices in archaeology and heritage studies.

Why choose this course?

* This course is ideal if you are fascinated by archaeology, heritage and people’s engagement with their past. It will develop your knowledge, experience and professional networks in the heritage sector, and help you prepare for a career in archaeology, museology, education or heritage management.

* You will have the opportunity to undertake an archaeological field school in London, taught in conjunction with Museum of London Archaeology, and apply for a work placement in one of London's museums, galleries or archives.

* As well as being able to design your own research project, you will join a thriving community of archaeologists and heritage professionals in the Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies.

What will I learn?

This course introduces you to critical approaches in archaeology and heritage studies by addressing the perceived divide between theory and practice in archaeological fieldwork and cultural resource management.

You will delve into the critical, integrated study of landscape, architecture and material culture, and their relationship with communities and the environment. You will also gain the skills to design, research and write a dissertation on a specialist subject.

How will I learn?

This course is available to study full- or part-time. Most modules are taught via evening seminars, but there is also the opportunity to undertake archaeological fieldwork, museum work placements or daytime intensive modules.

You will begin with a compulsory module on critical approaches to archaeology and heritage which explores key concepts and methods in the field. You will then be able to select options which draw on a range of research conducted by our School of Historical Studies, including modules from the ancient to the contemporary, and which step from Europe to Asia and beyond.

Highlights

* Applicants to this course are able to apply for Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies scholarships, in addition to other postgraduate funding including our prestigious Eric Hobsbawm Scholarships, subject to availability.

* Birkbeck was ranked in the top eight universities in the UK for its History research in the most recent 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

* Our School of Historical Studies is home to student societies and affiliated research centres that run seminars, conferences and other events where some of the world's 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.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this course you will have gained an array of transferable skills, including:

* teamwork

* oral and written communication

* research

* evaluating and assessing information

* the ability to present yourself and an argument

* the ability to look beyond Eurocentrism and include alternative understandings and experiences of the past

* how to critically engage with a variety of sources, ranging from archaeological finds and archives to museum displays, landscapes and monuments.

This course will help you prepare for a career in archaeology, museology, education or heritage management. You may find employment as:

* an archaeologist

* a researcher or social researcher

* a heritage manager

* a conservation officer.

Graduates from this course have gone on to employment at organisations including:

* Portable Antiquities Scheme

* Museum of London

* Museum of London Archaeology

* Cambridge Archaeology Unit.