Archaeology MRes

Program Overview

The MRes in Archaeology offers an opportunity to conduct original research and develop advanced skills in archaeology and heritage. Students can tailor their research to their interests, supervised by leading experts. The program provides a thorough grounding in current theory and method, preparing students for further research or careers in the archaeology and heritage sectors. Distance learning is also available.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Our MRes in Archaeology offers an excellent opportunity to conduct original archaeological research into a chosen topic and become proficient in advanced research skills and project management. The course also provides ideal preparation for MPhil/PhD research and valuable training for a career in the archaeology and heritage sectors. Our course provides a thorough grounding in the current archaeological theory and method, and will lead to the completion of a 28,000-word Research Dissertation. We offer supervision in a broad range of archaeological and heritage subjects and topics for Britain and neighbouring regions drawing on the expertise of our well-known archaeology and heritage specialists. Our areas of research expertise include: the history and theory of archaeology; Mesolithic archaeology; Iron Age and Roman Britain; Anglo-Saxon and Viking Age archaeology; geoarchaeology; mortuary archaeology; archaeologies of memory, materiality and material culture; art and aesthetics; stone sculpture; and public archaeology. Students also have the option to study our MRes Archaeology course via distance learning.

Outline:

Year 1

• Research Skills in Archaeology and Heritage (Compulsory): This provides an archaeology and heritage-specific Master's level research skills and methods module, affording students the necessary tools for Master’s level research in archaeology and heritage.
Students gain the opportunity to explore a range of skills and build on their existing knowledge and expertise, including how to identify relevant resources, how to appraise and critique research publications, and how to construct and analyse archaeological evidence. Students can opt to gain more detailed experience in those skills they wish to enhance most.
• Module aims:
• Enable students to acquire an understanding of research methods, presentation and study skills relevant to the disciplines of archaeology and heritage.
• Enable students to acquire an independent approach to developing their research methods and skills, including the effective use of research facilities and sources.
• Enable students to select and apply appropriate methodologies for different types of research questions and to make informed judgements in the absence of complete data or evidence.
• Research Essay (Optional): Each student researches and writes a 4000-word research essay.
The topic and title is negotiated between the student and the supervising tutor; tutor approval of the topic and title is an essential requirement. The research essay is based upon guided, but largely independent, research and upon substantial use of a range of primary source materials.
• Module aims:
• To enable students to pursue selected topics in depth via independent research.
• To familiarise students with the range of sources/texts/material available for the study of their selected research essay topic.
• To enable students to explore and critically examine the nature and characteristics of their selected research essay topic.
• Research Dissertation (Compulsory): Each student researches and writes a 28,000-word dissertation.
The topic and title is negotiated between the student and the supervising tutor; tutor approval of the topic and title is an essential requirement. The research dissertation is based upon guided but largely independent research and upon substantial use of a range of primary source materials.
• Module aims:
• To enable students to pursue selected topics in depth via independent research.
• To familiarise students with the range of sources/texts/material available for the study of their selected dissertation topic.
• To enable students to explore and critically examine the nature and characteristics of their selected dissertation topic.
• Landscapes and Memory (Optional): The module explores the rich interdisciplinary and growing research field of ‘the archaeology of memory’ in relation to landscapes.
The module draws on case studies worldwide from different periods and places to illustrate current debates on the roles of material culture, monuments and landscapes in the creation and recreation of the past in the past.
• Module aims:
• Introduce students to the principal approaches and perspectives in memory studies and links between landscape and commemoration.
• Introduce students to key case studies in the archaeology of memory and landscapes.
• Enable students to critique theories and methods in the study of memory in past societies.
• Enable students to develop an innovative PhD proposal or carry out soundly-based work.

Assessment:

• Assessment for the core modules is via written work and other methods equivalent to approximately 4,000 words per 20-credit module.
• The Research Dissertation will be approximately 28,000 words in length.

Teaching:

• The principal methods of delivery for taught modules will be a mixture of lectures, seminars, individual tutorials and field visits to archaeological and heritage sites.
• The Research Dissertation is taught through regular supervisory meetings.
• The taught modules are delivered online for those students on the distance learning route.
• Each 20-credit module runs for 2.5 hours per week across an eight-week period.
• The Programme Leader will serve as your Personal Tutor.

Careers:

• The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
• Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
• We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability.
We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

Other:

• The UK's national assessment of research quality recognises that our archaeology and heritage team produces research of 'world leading' (4 ) standard.
Our students studying on the course will have access to, and contribute towards, this research and professional environment.
• Guided by leading archaeology and heritage experts, the programme allows you to tailor your advanced original postgraduate research to suit your individual interests.
• This MRes Archaeology course is open to those with a first degree in archaeology and/or heritage, related disciplines, as well as those returning from the workplace.
We also offer students the option to study this course via distance learning.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Home Students

The tuition fees for home students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Classroom) in the academic year 2024/25 are £4,786 per year.

International/EU Students

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Classroom) in the academic year 2024/25 are £14,644 per year. The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter. For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section. Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Additional Costs

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.