Explore the rich legacy of Roman Europe
Year of entry: 2021/22
1 year full-time,
2 years part-time,
3 years part-time
September 2021 (term dates)
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Find out moreUse traditional and leading forensic techniques whilst studying in a city embedded in Roman history.
The Roman period remains at the heart of developments in archaeological science. The study and debate about the creation and collapse of complex civilisations has considerable direct relevance today.
This course focuses on continent-wide debates about the nature of European and ethnic identities, which developed in the Roman period and which continue to have resonance hundreds of years later.
We’ll cover new fields of investigation, from new scientific methods to dynamic fields of enquiry that place discussions about gender, life cycle and contemporary heritage issues to the fore. You’ll acquire distinctive expertise in this field of archaeology.
The impact of York’s heritage, embedded as it is in the remains of a Roman city, and our links to archaeological resources means that we are ideally placed to support the study of the Roman period in many ways.
You can tailor your course to suit your interests. You can study European Roman archaeology incorporating funerary archaeology, and draw on our expertise in European Iron Age and early medieval archaeology.
York is the UK's archaeological capital. You'll study in King's Manor, a beautiful Medieval building in the centre of the historic city.
Informality is one of our distinctive qualities - the atmosphere in our department is friendly, supportive and enthusiastic. We want you to develop your potential and thrive at York.
In the Times Higher Education's ranking of the 2014 Research Excellence Framework results, the Department was in the top five for research impact.
You'll take two core 20-credit modules. You’ll trace the development and physical manifestation of Rome as a world city and superpower, and examine burial practices across Roman Europe.
In addition, you'll take two 20-credit option modules from a wide range of options, and four research skills modules (worth 5 credits each).
Your dissertation offers you the chance to closely investigate an area of your choice.
You will choose two further 20-credit modules and four 5-credit 'skills' modules from our full range of options. Examples may include:
Please note, modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.
The dissertation is a chance to undertake a substantial piece of independent research on a subject of your choice. You'll apply the research and study skills you've learned, closely guided by one or more of our academic staff with relevant expertise.
Sample dissertation topics:
Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.
Students on a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 Visa) are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
We don't anticipate there being any additional fees associated with this course. All books and resources you need will be available in the library or online and it isn't mandatory that you buy your own copies. You may wish to set aside a small budget for photocopying, depending on how you like to work.
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2021/22 throughout the year.
If you've successfully completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.
Impact of coronavirus (COVID-19)
We hope to deliver this course as advertised for 2021/22 entry, but it’s unclear when we’ll be able to return to a normal timetable. For an idea of how this course might be affected, see our changes for 2020/21 entry.
You'll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, lab-based practical work and fieldwork.
The Department of Archaeology is based in King's Manor, in York city centre. The majority of your teaching will take place there within the Department, with a small amount taking place in various locations on Campus West.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
You will be assessed by a variety of methods. Depending on which modules you opt to take, these could include:
Roman Europe is a defining archaeological period. With your knowledge and laboratory and/or field-based skills you will be well placed for a career in the archaeological and heritage sectors.
Your skills in analysis, communication and problem solving will be valuable across a range of career opportunities.
Our students go on to work in a wide array of careers in the heritage and curatorial sector, working for such organisations as:
| Qualification | Typical offer |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant subject such as Archaeology, Anthropology, Classics, Classical Studies, History, Art History |
| Other qualifications and experience | If you don’t have conventional qualifications, but do have appropriate, relevant experience, you are encouraged to apply. We carefully consider each application on its merits. |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5, minimum 6.5 in Writing and 6.0 in all other components |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 61 in Writing and 55 in all other components |
| C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency | 176, minimum 176 in Writing and 169 in all other components |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum 23 in Writing and 21 in all other components |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all components |
| Duolingo | 110, minimum 110 in production and 100 in all other components |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements.
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current IELTS scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to premium.
Explore campus and city life and hear what our current students have to say about living here.
Lively, full of culture and beautiful, York is regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK.
