Archaeological Studies MLitt

What is special about this course?

This course is unique in its focus on the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. It offers the opportunity to consider wider archaeological concepts and theoretical issues, utilising world-class sites in Orkney and the North Atlantic region.

The MLitt Archaeological Studies will enable you to engage critically with current themes and debates in archaeological practice, theory and method.

There are a wide range of module options which draw on the research specialisms of the Archaeology Institute staff and these provide you with the flexibility to combine taught modules and dissertation research according to your own research interests.

You can develop chronological specialisms grounded in the archaeology and heritage of the region, for example in Prehistoric Archaeology or in Celtic through to Viking/Norse and Medieval Archaeology. Or you may choose to combine period-based modules with our professional skills modules to gain a broader knowledge and understanding of the diversity of methods and theory practiced within archaeology. 

Special features

• Study in the outstanding archaeological landscape of the Orkney Islands
• You will be taught by internationally recognised experts in the field and take advantage of cutting edge research, taking place at world-renowned sites including the Ness of Brodgar World Heritage site excavations
• A suite of residential and/or practical modules in excavation and post-excavation approaches is available to those who choose to study on campus
• You can also study from your own location, studying online and by video-conference, in real-time or recordings - see study mode tab for more information
• You can study individual modules for personal or professional development, or work towards the PgCert, PgDip, or full Masters degree
• The course offers preparation for specialised research at PhD level

Entry requirements

• 2:2 Honours degree or above in archaeology or a relevant subject, or equivalent academic or professional qualifications

Postgraduate Loans (SAAS) (Scotland-domiciled and EU students)

Loans for tuition fees are available from SAAS for eligible Scotland-domiciled and EU students, and loans for living costs for eligible Scottish students.

(see fees/funding tab for more information)

Access routes

Students can access the programme from a range of UHI undergraduate programmes including:

• BA (Hons) Archaeology
• BA (Hons) History and Archaeology
• BA (Hons) History
• BA (Hons) Culture and Heritage
• BA (Hons) Culture, Heritage and Archaeology
• BA (Hons) Social Sciences

PgCert

Core modules are:

• Archaeology of the Highlands and Islands
• Research and dissertation skills

You will also choose one option module listed under the PgDip.

PgDip

Option modules, from which you must choose three, may include:

• Archaeological and geophysical survey
• Art and archaeology: contemporary theory and practice
• Death and burial archaeology
• Digital heritage
• Early medieval archaeology in Scotland
• Excavation: includes a field school in the summer at a site location off-campus
• From archaeology to archaeozoology
• Iron Age Scotland in the Atlantic World
• Maritime archaeological heritage
• Neolithic studies
• Runology and Old Norse
• Scottish historical archaeology
• Vikings and Norse in the North Atlantic

MLitt

To achieve the MLitt award you must complete a research dissertation.

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

• EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
• EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
• EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), studying this course on-campus or online from their home, the following fees apply:

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. These students will get an automatic fee scholarship.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union, studying on-campus or online, the following fees apply:

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international postgraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.

Funding

Eligible Scotland-domiciled students studying full-time can access loans up to £11,500 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). This comprises a tuition fee loan up to £7,000 and a non-income assessed living cost loan of £4,500. 

Eligible Scotland-domiciled students studying part-time can apply for a tuition fee loan from SAAS.  You must be intending to complete the course in no longer than twice the length of time it would take for a full-time student. For example, if your course is available to full-time students as a one-year programme, you will be funded for a maximum of two years' part-time study. If your course does not have a full-time option, you must complete within three years. You can apply for a tuition fee loan up to £7,000, which will be paid pro-rata for each academic year of study. 

Full details can be found on the SAAS website. Applications for loans open in April.

Students from the rest of the UK who meet the eligibility requirements may be able to apply for a loan from the Student Loan Company.

Additional costs

A suite of residential and/or practical modules in excavation and post-excavation approaches is available to those who choose to study on campus. You will be responsible for covering the costs of any travel and accommodation associated in your participation in the residential modules.