MA Material Culture and Experimental Archaeology

Program Overview

The MA Material Culture and Experimental Archaeology program at the University of York provides students with a comprehensive understanding of material culture studies and experimental archaeology through hands-on experience in reconstructing ancient technologies and crafts. The program offers a deep understanding of the archaeological record through engagement with objects and materials from different periods, developing expertise in analysis, environmental contexts, conservation practices, and digital and biomolecular methods. Graduates pursue careers in heritage studies, museums, commercial archaeology, and research, equipped with transferable skills in critical analysis, research, communication, and project management.

Program Outline

MA Material Culture and Experimental Archaeology

Degree Overview:

Unearth new answers to age-old questions

This Master's program provides students with key analytical skills in theoretical and practical approaches to material culture studies and experimental archaeology. Through hands-on experience in reconstructing ancient technologies and crafts, students gain invaluable insights into the properties of various materials and the techniques used for object and building construction. The program offers a deep understanding of the archaeological record through engagement with objects and materials from different periods. Students develop expertise in:

• Analysis of objects and materials
• Environmental contexts
• Conservation practices
• Digital and biomolecular methods

Program Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of material culture studies and experimental archaeology.
• Master key analytical skills in both theoretical and practical approaches.
• Gain hands-on experience in reconstructing ancient technologies and crafts.
• Understand the properties of various materials and their use in object and building construction.
• Develop expertise in analyzing objects and materials, environmental contexts, and conservation practices.
• Acquire proficiency in digital and biomolecular methods used in artifact studies.

Program Description:

• 1-year full-time, 2-year part-time, or 3-year part-time options
• Conducted by the Department of Archaeology at the University of York
• Start date: September 2024
• Offers students unparalleled resources through the York Experimental Archaeological Research (YEAR) Centre and specialized laboratories like BioArCh and PalaeoHub.

Program Highlights:

• Informal and supportive departmental atmosphere
• Ranked 6th overall in research based on the latest REF results (2021)
• World-renowned YEAR Centre recognized as a leader in experimental research
• Access to cutting-edge laboratories for in-depth analyses and research
# Outline:

Total Credits:

180

Program Structure:

• Semester 1: Two core modules and one option module
• Semester 2: Two option modules and an 80-credit dissertation
• Summer Semester: Completion of the 80-credit dissertation

Modules:

• Core Modules:
• Experimental Archaeology
• Thinking Through Material Culture
• Sample Option Modules:
• Artefacts and Materials Analysis
• Digital Creativity
• Virtual Reality and 3D Modelling
• Period-specific modules (students can choose from modules across prehistory, historical periods, and methodological specialisms)
• Students can also select options from a wide range of modules offered by the university.
• Dissertation:
• Students complete a 15,000-word dissertation and a related lecture on their research.
• Extensive support and guidance is provided by supervisors throughout the project.
• The program offers access to expert supervision in a wide range of topics.
# Assessment:
• Various assessment methods are employed depending on the chosen modules.
• These may include:
• Essays
• Oral presentations
• Report writing
• Dissertation
• Alternative methods: film-making, blogging, posters
# Teaching:
• Teaching employs a combination of:
• Outdoor practical sessions
• Field trips
• Lectures
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Facilities:
• Material culture research facilities are located on Campus West, in PalaeoHub and at the YEAR Centre.
• Teaching locations:
• King's Manor (city center)
• Campus West (depending on chosen module)
• Faculty:
• World-leading academics who challenge students to excel intellectually.
# Careers:
• Graduates pursue careers in various sectors like:
• Heritage studies
• Museums
• Commercial archaeology
• Museum education/outreach
• Cultural heritage journalism
• Research
• The program equips graduates with transferable skills:
• Critical analysis and decision-making
• Research skills and knowledge
• Communication across diverse audiences
• People skills and time management
• Project management
# Other:
• Minimal costs may be associated with the purchase of raw materials for experiments, particularly those involved in dissertation research.
• Various funding opportunities are available for tuition fees and living costs.
• Students who complete an undergraduate degree at York may be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
• The beautiful campus provides a student-friendly environment with easy access to the vibrant city center.
• Additional costs, like accommodation and study materials, are not included in tuition fees but can be estimated using the university's living costs guide.
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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Annual tuition fees for 2024/25 Study modeUK (home)International and EU 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. £5,295£11,950 Part-time (3 years)This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. £3,530£7,967 Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York. For courses which are longer than one year, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).