Environmental Archaeology MSc

What is special about this course?

Are you passionate about uncovering the stories of the past through environmental archaeology? This programme is designed to help you build not just an advanced understanding of the field, but the real-world, professional skills you'll need for a rewarding career in archaeology and related sectors.
Take advantage of hands-on, practical training with deeper exploration of the theories and methods that shape the discipline today. Develop research and industry-ready skills in areas like field investigation, archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, soil micromorphology and osteoarchaeology, all skills that employers are actively looking for. 
What makes this programme truly special is the chance to learn in Orkney, a place of extraordinary archaeological significance. Here, the landscape itself becomes your laboratory, giving you unparalleled opportunities to gain practical experience while working on some of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.
As part of the course, you’ll also have the chance to complete a 60-credit placement, giving you valuable on-the-ground experience in a professional setting. Or, if you prefer, you can opt for a research-based dissertation that’s firmly rooted in vocational skills and industry relevance.
If you’re looking for a course that’s as practical as it is inspiring, and that opens doors to the archaeology career you’ve been dreaming of, we’d love to have you join us.

Special features

• Study in the outstanding archaeological landscape of the Orkney Islands
• A three-month placement module offers the opportunity to develop your professional skills and gain valuable practical experience
• Flexibility is built into the course to match your personal and professional life: you can study individual modules, work towards the PgDip, or develop your expertise to gain a full masters degree
• Contribute to cutting-edge archaeological research on internationally renowned projects 

Entry requirements

• 2:2 honours degree or above in archaeology, anthropology, geography, environmental sciences or similar subject
• You may also be considered if you can demonstrate significant professional experience in the field of archaeology

PgCert

You will study the following core modules:

• Environmental archaeology in the Anthropocene
• Professional practice

You will also study one of the following optional modules:

• Archaeology of the Highlands and Islands
• Artefacts and technology
• Cultural heritage management 
• Human remains in archaeology
• Thinking like an archaeologist
• Vikings and Norse in the North Atlantic

PgDip

You will study one or both of the following core modules:

• Practical archaeobotany
• Practical zooarchaeology

You will also study one or two of the following optional modules:

• Digital analysis in archaeology
• Early medieval archaeology
• Excavation
• Neolithic studies
• Practical archaeology
• Research and dissertation skills*
• Scottish historical archaeology 
• The Iron Age in the Atlantic world

*core for those wishing to do a dissertation at MSc level

MSc

To achieve the award of MSc you must complete the six modules for the PgCert and PgDip, plus one of the following:

• Environmental archaeology dissertation
• Environmental archaeology placement

Fees

For information on costs of this course please contact the campus where you wish to study.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

Additional costs

Optional modules which have a substantial residential element, such as Excavation, will incur additional costs associated with travel and accommodation. You will be expected to meet all costs associated with these optional modules.  

You are also expected to purchase your own basic equipment and protective clothing/footwear, to enable working outdoors on archaeological fieldwork projects and to participate in fieldtrips.