Course Overview

Birkbeck’s MA in Archaeological Practice offers hands-on postgraduate training that is grounded in the latest theories and techniques. This Master's in archaeology meets the need for work-based professional training in archaeology and it will help you understand how contemporary archaeologists think, draw and write about archaeology. You can take advantage of the expertise of world-leading academics across the Department of History, Classics, and Archaeology.

We will introduce you to the major techniques, principal bodies of evidence, research themes, and concepts of archaeology. This archaeology Master's program addresses the perceived divide between theory and practice in archaeological fieldwork and cultural resource management. It aims to produce a new kind of professional: one who is theoretically aware but also grounded in the craft of archaeology. In doing so, the course will also develop your capacity for interdisciplinary, innovative research, based on the critical, integrated study of landscape, architecture, and material culture. Context, and an engagement with its material and historical conditions, are crucial to this training.

Graduates can pursue career paths in developer-funded archaeology, heritage, and conservation, or museums. Possible professions include:

archaeologist

researcher/social researcher

heritage manager

historic buildings inspector

conservation officer

higher education lecturer

tourism officer.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service - Birkbeck Futures - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education, and future ambitions.

General Eligibility

A second-class honors degree (2:2 or above) in a humanities subject and references.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this program is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.