MA Archaeology (by research)

Explore your archaeological research interests and develop key skills, guided by our expert staff.

International fees

	Length	Start dates (semester dates)
MA Archaeology (by research)	1 year full-time 2 years part-time Apply for MA Archaeology (by research) Distance learning available	January April July September
MA Conservation Studies (by research)	1 year full-time 2 years part-time Apply for MA Conservation Studies (by research) Distance learning available	January April July September
MA Heritage Studies (by research)	1 year full-time 2 years part-time Apply for MA Heritage Studies (by research) Distance learning available	January April July September

Length

Start dates (semester dates)

MA Archaeology (by research)

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Apply for MA Archaeology (by research)

Distance learning available

January
April
July
September

MA Conservation Studies (by research)

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Apply for MA Conservation Studies (by research)

Distance learning available

January
April
July
September

MA Heritage Studies (by research)

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Apply for MA Heritage Studies (by research)

Distance learning available

January
April
July
September

Our Masters by research degree offers academic independence and the chance to develop your research skills. You'll focus on an individual project and study advanced taught modules relevant to your research topic.

Your research

As an MA researcher in archaeology, you'll have the opportunity to build expertise in a subject area you're passionate about. We offer courses in Archaeology and Conservation Studies. Study the human past or develop creative approaches to the conservation of our heritage.

The focus of your work will be an independent research project. We provide training and support equipping you with skills in a wide range of research methods to enhance your growing expertise. Your research will culminate in a dissertation of up to 30,000 words.

Although there is no required taught component, you can choose to study taught Masters' modules to support your background knowledge or methodological approaches to your research. Your supervisor can advise on the most relevant modules to your degree.

Contact us

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Distance learning

We also offer the option of enrolling in our Masters by distance learning. You'll have the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world.

We'll work with you to assess the feasibility of your distance learning degree, including any facilities and resources you may need to complete your studies. We'll discuss your training requirements and an associated timeline, which will need to be in place before you start your course.

If your research topic requires use of specialised equipment and facilities, we will discuss available options with you to ensure these needs can be met for the duration of your degree. You must visit York for at least two weeks per year, with a compulsory visit at each annual progression point. In addition, you must attend a two-week induction period in York at the beginning of your degree.

Research excellence

6th overall for our research according to the Times Higher Education's ranking of the latest REF results (2021). 100% of our research environment, the support we give to our researchers, is rated 4* - REF's highest rating. We're also rated 5th for the quality of our research outputs.

Exceptional facilities

Our exciting range of facilities and research centres offer bespoke laboratories, teaching spaces, and specialist equipment and technologies. Develop your knowledge with practical learning.

Funding

Explore funding for postgraduate researchers in the Department of Archaeology.

Supervision

We'll help match your research interests to our supervisory expertise. Explore the expertise of our staff.

Training and support

Your progress throughout your degree will be guided by your supervisor, who will help you to hone your focus and deliver specialised research.

As you develop your thesis, you'll attend regular meetings with a Thesis Advisory Panel, consisting of at least one member of staff in addition to your supervisor. You'll also have regular tutorials with your supervisor in Semesters 1 and 2.

We also offer taught skills modules designed to give you training in key subject areas and research methods.

Course location

This course is run by the Department of Archaeology.

You will be based on Campus West. Your training and supervision meetings will take place here, and your research may take you further afield.

Entry requirements

You should have, or be about to complete, an undergraduate degree at First or 2:1 in Archaeology or in a relevant allied discipline.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your ability.

Check your English language requirements

Applying

For your research degree application, you will need to name one or more academic staff who could supervise your research. You should approach them informally to discuss your proposed project before you apply.

Find a supervisor

As part of your application, you'll be interviewed by one or two academic staff members, including your prospective supervisor. The interview will last around 30 minutes to an hour, with plenty of time for you to ask questions and find out what York can offer you. During your visit, you could have the chance to tour our facilities.

Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.

Apply for MA in Archaeology (by research)

Apply for MA in Conservation Studies (by research)

Apply for MA in Heritage Studies (by research)