MA Medieval Archaeology

Program Overview

The MA Medieval Archaeology program at the University of York offers a comprehensive exploration of medieval archaeology in Britain and Western Europe, covering the period from the end of the Roman Empire to the Reformation. Through a flexible modular system, students can tailor their studies to their interests, focusing on themes such as settlement, trade, religion, and social structure. The program emphasizes independent research, critical analysis, and communication skills, preparing graduates for careers in archaeology, academia, and related fields.

Program Outline

Extracted Information from "MA Medieval Archaeology" (University of York)

Degree Overview:

• Focus: Medieval archaeology of Britain and Western Europe, exploring buildings, landscapes, and artefacts.
• Period: Covers end of Roman Empire to Reformation.
• Themes: Settlement, trade, religion, social structure, ethnicity, conquest, methodological and theoretical approaches.
• Structure: Flexible modular system allows tailoring to individual interests.
• Location: York, UK (archaeological capital with historic city center)
• Atmosphere: Friendly, supportive, and enthusiastic.
• Research: Ranked 6th in the UK for archaeology research (Times Higher Education).
• Learning Outcomes: In-depth knowledge of medieval archaeology, critical engagement with research, advanced theoretical and methodological application, communication skills, independent research skills, interdisciplinary collaboration.

Outline:

• Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 or 3 years part-time.
• Modules (180 credits):
• Core modules (1 semester each):
• Medieval Settlement and Communities
• The Viking Age: People, Places, Things
• Option modules (3, examples):
• Buildings Recording
• Debates in Funerary Archaeology
• Landscape survey and geophysics
• Roman Europe
• Thinking through Material Culture
• Understanding & Interpreting Historic Buildings
• (See full list in context)
• Dissertation (80 credits) with research supervision and assessed lecture.

Assessment:

• Essays, oral presentations, report writing, dissertation, and potentially film-making, blogging, or posters.
• Emphasis on independent research, critical analysis, and communication skills.

Teaching:

• Format: Lectures, seminars, workshops, site visits.
• Location: King's Manor (city center) and Campus West.
• Faculty: World-leading academics challenging students to think independently.
• Approach: Developing knowledge, opportunities, and support for global workplace success.

Careers:

• Research degrees, academic/teaching careers, museum positions, archaeology posts (local/regional
  ational levels).
• Examples: Academic researcher, archaeologist, heritage manager, museum education officer, archivist, social researcher.
• Transferable skills: Time management, research, critical thinking, independent work, writing/verbal communication, presentation skills.

Other:

• Program provides strong foundation for further studies and diverse career paths.
• Alumni pursue opportunities in heritage industry and launch own businesses.
• Beautiful surroundings and friendly environment contribute to student success.
• For specific, up-to-date information, please refer to the official University of York website or contact the department directly.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Annual tuition fees for 2024/25

Study mode

Full-time (1 year) £10,590 £23,900 Part-time (2 years)This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. Part-time (3 years)This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. Check your fee status.

Additional costs

We don't anticipate there being any additional fees associated with this course. All books and resources you need will be available in the library or online and it isn't mandatory that you buy your own copies. You may wish to set aside a small budget for photocopying, depending on how you like to work.