Archaeology MSc

The MSc Archaeology provides strong foundations for a career in different professional settings, including academia, development-led archaeology, and museums or heritage bodies. 

Studying archaeology at the University of Edinburgh offers opportunities for advanced archaeological research to reimagine and reconstruct the lives of past societies, in ways that also contribute to contemporary themes such as planetary health, endangered heritage, and globalisation.

The degree covers themes in the archaeology of Europe, the Mediterranean, South-West Asia, Egypt and beyond, and will help you gain new skills in archaeological and heritage sciences, and up-to-date archaeological theory. 

Studying in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology you will benefit from access to interdisciplinary networks and supervision from nationally and internationally-renowned scholars.

Breadth of expertise

We have a wide range of expertise covering different areas, time periods and themes, including

* Bioarchaeology and isotope studies

* Egyptology

* Roman and ‘Celtic’ archaeology  

* Megalithic monuments

* Mediterranean archaeology

* Prehistory of Europe, the Mediterranean and North-East Africa

* Early civilisations and urban societies

* The archaeology of Scotland

* Cultural heritage and sustainability

* Digital heritage and heritage policy

* Archaeomaterials analysis  

* Human evolution

* Conflict archaeology

* Medieval archaeology

* Computational archaeology

* Marine and coastal archaeology

* Buildings archaeology

* Archaeological survey-Landscape Archaeology

Focal areas of research include:

* Bioarchaeology/ Human Osteoarchaeology/ Biological Anthropology

* Human–environment interactions

* The transition from hunter-gatherer to farming communities

* The development of complex societies

* Cultural heritage perspectives on the past, present, and future