Carly Ameen
Archaeology of the North, MSc
Introduction
The MSc Archaeology of the North is the only programme of its type in the world, investigating the material culture and heritage of the far northern hemisphere. With an emphasis on colonisation and culture contact, lifeways and world-views, this programme will help you develop knowledge and critical awareness of issues specific to northern archaeology, providing a solid foundation for further study or professional employment. Apply Now.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
Developing the research skills required to investigate the material culture and heritage of the far northern hemisphere, a region that includes Scotland and the circumpolar region from Mongolia to the Canadian Arctic.
With an emphasis on colonisation and culture contact, lifeways and world-views, every graduate is provided with a thorough knowledge of the theory and practice specific to northern archaeology, together with the foundation for further study or professional employment.
In addition, every graduate will have acquired detailed competence in a specialist regional or chronological field, chosen from a range of options across the entire northern world.
The degree can be taken as preparation for higher research, as a professional qualification or purely for interest.
What You'll Study
Information for part-time students: The course will be spread over two years. In year 1, students will take PD5006, AY5002*, and AY5501. In year 2, students will take AY5001, AY5504*, and AY5902.
*Subject to agreement, these courses can be replaced with other Archaeology courses or one from a sister discipline, such as Anthropology (note, only a maximum of 30 credits can be taken in non-archaeology courses across Stages 1 and 2).
Compulsory Courses
*Subject to agreement, AY5002 can be replaced with another Archaeology course or one from a sister discipline, such as Anthropology (note, only a maximum of 30 credits can be taken in non-archaeology courses across Stages 1 and 2).
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £22,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year In addition to the tuition fees, students will be required to pay an offsite training fee TBC. | |
| Self-funded international students commencing eligible postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £8,000 tuition waiver - See full terms and conditions | |
| UK | £10,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year | |
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Field Trips
- Field Work
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Assessment for each 30-credit taught module is on the basis of one 3000-word essay and one project on topics relevant to the course, chosen in consultation with the course coordinator. The nature of the project may vary from course to course and include reports, exercises and presentations.
Following successful completion of the taught modules, students are allowed to advance to the dissertation, which involves in depth original research on a topic chosen in consultation with the advisor.
Why Study Archaeology of the North?
- You will benefit from the interdisciplinary nature of the archaeological research undertaken at the University of Aberdeen. Our Archaeology Department’s research spans the arts and humanities, physical, and biological sciences and you will have the opportunity to learn from researchers who are experts in each of these areas
- The MSc Archaeology of the North is the only programme of its type in the world, investigating the material culture and heritage of the far northern hemisphere
- Reflecting this, our staff are prominent researchers and fieldworkers in Northern Europe, Scandinavia, the North Atlantic and the circumpolar region from Siberia to the Canadian arctic. Closer to home, the archaeology of Scotland is a natural priority
- The University of Aberdeen is an excellent location to study archaeology due to the vast number of archaeologically significant locations in Aberdeenshire, and the Highlands and Islands. Aberdeen is just a ferry ride away from UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Orkney and Shetland
- Study at an internationally renowned university for Archaeology. The University of Aberdeen is ranked 3rd in the UK for Anthropology and Archaeology (Guardian University Guide 2025) and in the Global Top 100 for Archaeology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
- We are ranked 1st in Scotland for Overall Student Satisfaction in Forensic and Archaeological Sciences (National Student Survey 2024)
- The University of Aberdeen Department of Archaeology, in partnership with the village corporation Qanirtuuq, Inc. and the Yup’ik village of Quinhagak, Alaska, is working to record archaeological sites threatened by rising sea levels along the Bering Sea. This is something you could volunteer to be part of
- Field trips play a major part in the teaching of the programme. These vary each year and in the past we have taken students to the Moray Coast on Pictish-focused field trips
- We have our own Facebook group which we would encourage you to become part of. This is your opportunity to engage with previous graduates
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
2:1 (upper second class) UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in Archaeology or a related discipline.
2:2 in Archaeology or related discipline plus related professional experience.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipCareers
An Archaeology degree can be the gateway to many other professions, and the training in analytical and communication skills acquired by our graduates make them employable in a wide variety of fields including industry, commerce and research.
A significant percentage of graduates are employed in private or university-based archaeological units and consultancies. In addition to more traditional occupations, a growing number of archaeologists are now employed by a range of governmental and non-governmental heritage organisations.
Graduates from the programme move into a variety of careers. This programme also forms a strong foundation for PhD research, and many graduates choose to further their academic careers by undertaking PhD study.
Career Opportunities
- Field Archaeologist
- Heritage Advisor
- Heritage manager
- Project Archaeologist
- Project Manager
- Researcher
What our Alumni Say
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Charlotta Hillerdal
- Deputy Programme Coordinator
- Professor Kate Britton
- Other Expert
- Dr Gordon Noble
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
Facilities available within Archaeology and the Colleges of Physical and Life Sciences
- Petrographic and stereomicroscopes
- Palynology laboratory
- Hydrology laboratory
- Dirty and clean sedimentary laboratories
- Soil chemistry laboratory
- Bioarchaeology laboratory and faunal reference collection
- Archaeological Chemistry laboratory
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory
Department Field work Projects
Staff and Research Students at University of Aberdeen are involved in a range of excavations and field projects, including both those directed by University of Aberdeen staff and in collaboration with other individuals and institutions.
Department Research
Archaeological research at Aberdeen spans the the arts and humanities, physical and biological sciences, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the Archaeology and the collaborative ethos within the University.
Nunalleq Project and Archaeological Field School in Quinhagak, Alaska
In partnership with the village corporation Qanirtuuq, Inc. and the Yup’ik Eskimo village of Quinhagak, Alaska, is working to record archaeological sites threatened by rising sea levels along the Bering Sea.
Find out moreGet in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX