MA in Historical Archaeology

Course director: Dr Jonathan Finch

Overview

Historical Archaeology is the study of relatively recent documented periods using material culture as well as texts. It is one of the most rapidly expanding aspects of archaeology, and is dealing with many exciting issues.

The MA in Historical Archaeology at York focuses on the period from the last part of the Middle Ages, through the Early Modern period, and up to the 20th century. It examines themes such as the development of mercantile and then industrial capitalism, colonialism, industrialisation and globalisation from British and international perspectives.

Whilst excavated material forms part of the data source, we also use much material culture that has never been lost and is still in private or public collections, standing buildings, landscapes, and documentary sources of all kinds including maps, newspapers, family, parish and state records.

Staff

  • Jonathan Finch: specialises in landscape studies and church archaeology. He has published articles on historic landscapes, fox hunting, and has edited a volume on estate landscapes. He has also written about the use of narratives and biography in understanding the use and meaning of designed landscapes. His work on commemoration and memory explores the relationship between the deployment of text in church and domestic spaces in the aftermath of the Reformation.
  • Kate Giles: the York Minster Archaeological Research Fellow, responsible for carrying out and encouraging research on the standing fabric of the Minster and its estate. She specialises in the archaeology of buildings, particularly medieval and early modern 'public' architecture.
  • Paul Lane: specialises in the historical archaeology of East Africa, and he is directing a large scale research project on historic landscapes and colonialism.
  • Mark Edmonds: A landscape archaeologist who has worked on both prehistoric and historic aspects of a number of landscapes, including those of the Lake District and North wales.

Facilities

There is a wide range of facilities for students undertaking an Archaeology Masters programme. These include:

  • Dedicated IT suite with a full range of software including generic and specialist archaeological packages and computing support from two highly experienced experimental officers
  • A comprehensive range of state-of-the-art field survey equipment which postgraduates can normally use for their project work (and can gain experience with via the skills modules we offer)
  • A wide range of lab facilities for archaeological analysis including environmental and artefact processing as well as the bioarchaeological facilities on campus
  • A well stocked library with access to electronic resources, and study areas both in the Kings Manor library and the library on campus
  • The Kings Manor includes a common room and refectory open to all staff and students, and WiFi is available across the Kings Manor

In addition, York is home to libraries and archive repositories belonging to the City, York Minster, English Heritage and the former Royal Commission for Historic Monuments (England). York also hosts internationally important collections of material culture relevant to Historical Archaeology at the Castle Museum and at the National Railway Museum.

We also have excellent relationships with many people involved with heritage in the region, allowing us access to resources held by private owners and organisations such as the National Trust and the Diocese of York.The programme also benefits from its involvement with the Centre for Eighteenth Century Studies which is a leading interdisciplinary research Centre for the period, and the Yorkshire Country House Partnership.

Structure

Structure

Over the autumn and spring terms you will take:

  • two core 20 credit modules
  • two option 20 credit modules
  • four 5 credit skills modules

In the summer you will carry out research for your dissertation and give an Assessed Lecture on your dissertation topic.

Core modules

Recommended option modules

Recommended skills modules

Whilst we endeavour to give everyone their first choice on modules, please note that this cannot always be guaranteed. Please be aware that certain skills modules are required by particular programmes, and so may be more over-subscribed than others.  Please see the Full modules list for scheduling information on option and skills modules, as some run concurrently.

Entry

You will need:

  • A good honours degree (upper second or first) or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution in archaeology or a related field.
  • Non-graduate applications will be considered from those with three years practical experience related to aspects of historical archaeology.
  • Applicants are normally interviewed before an offer is made.

Apply now

First, check our How to apply page, which explains what information the Department needs from you.

Careers

When you complete the course, you will be able to:
  • identify a broad range of issues in historical archaeology at a general level, and be familiar with current research agendas in the subject
  • comment upon selected topics in detail, using material from Britain, North America and elsewhere
  • relate general research principles and skills to studies of historical archaeology in particular
  • gather and organise information and arguments in a critical and independent manner in a written form and in seminar presentations
  • undertake a piece of independent research on a topic within the field of historical archaeology
  • deliver a short lecture on a chosen topic in historical archaeology
Detail of War Memorial at Sledmere

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