MA in Mesolithic Studies

Course director: Dr Nicky Milner

Overview

Mesolithic studies have gathered huge momentum in recent years and there is much new evidence appearing on sites, from the numerous structures which keep being discovered (such at Howick and Star Carr), to monumental pits, to new types of artefacts. In addition, important questions are being asked so as how hunter gatherers coped with changing climates and environments.

The MA in Mesolithic Studies provides an important review of the European Mesolithic, exploring the ways in which the period has been interpreted from the 19th century, up to the present day. It also explores key topics such as technology, consumption practices, death and burial, plants and animals and settlement, drawing on the research that is carried out in the department. 

There are a number of Mesolithic research projects running at the moment, including excavations at Star Carr and the Vale of Pickering (which has been featured on BBC's Digging for Britain, and in a Ch4 Time Team documentary on Doggerland), Coastal shell middens in Europe (some of the research is featured in BBC Ray Mears: Wild Food) and Howick, "Britain's oldest house", which was featured on BBC Meet the Ancestors.

This Masters has been running for several years and the graduates have gone into a range of jobs - 1 is a teacher, 2 are accountants and 1 has just got a job as an archaeological consultant in Alaska. In addition, 5 students who have done masters with me have been awarded funded PhDs to continue working with me on Mesolithic research:

Staff

At York, we have a vibrant research group working in Mesolithic research. This includes a number of staff, listed below, as well as Maisie Taylor who is an Honorary Fellow and works on the wood from Star Carr, as well as a large number of PhD students. We have a Mesolithic discussion group and also bring in visiting speakers.

  • Nicky Milner: specialises in palaeodiet and consumption practices, shell midden studies and death and burial. She has excavated a Mesolithic structure at Howick, shell middens in Europe, and is currently excavating at Star Carr and the Vale of Pickering
  • Geoff Bailey works in the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic. His key interests are world prehistory and palaeoeconomy, Quaternary landscape history and theories of time
  • Penny Spikins works in Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Archaeology. She has interests in cognitive evolution, hunter-gatherer populations and submerged archaeological landscapes

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

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.

Field trips

A "hands on" session is usually organised during the programme- in previous years we have visited the beach to collect flint and done some knapping, and last year we made arrows from scratch under the supervision of James from the Native Awareness School. A fieldtrip may also be arranged and if we are digging you might get the opportunity to work on the project.

Entry

You will need:

  • A good honours degree (upper second or first) or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution in archaeology, anthropology, biology or related fields
  • or in the case of mature students who might not have conventional qualifications, appropriate relevant experience.

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 have:

  • a thorough understanding of the history of research and the theoretical approaches in Mesolithic studies
  • a broad foundation in the key aspects of Mesolithic lifeways
  • developed a critical understanding of the key debates in the period
  • developed an ability to gather and organise information and arguments in a critical and independent manner through writing essays under various conditions
  • undertaken a piece of independent research on a topic within the field of Mesolithic archaeology
  • developed presentational skills through the delivery of seminar papers on a range of diverse themes
 

The course has been excellent. I not only gained a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which Mesolithic archaeology has been approached in the last 100 years, but also became much more familiar with the nature of the archaeological record itself in Britain and Europe….The flexibility in the content has allowed me to explore my own ideas and opinions and develop some thoughts independently.