Master the digital systems that will help you to analyse archaeological data and visualise the past
Year of entry: 2023 (September)
1 year full-time,
2 years part-time,
3 years part-time
September 2023 (semester dates)
Meet us online or in person to find out more about postgraduate study at York.
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Digital archives are a rich resource for knowledge preservation, exchange and dissemination. Digital technologies offer us new ways to understand, interpret and model the past.
This course provides practical experience and a broad foundation in computing applications that is highly valued in the heritage sector. You'll have access to a full suite of research computing hardware and software and develop knowledge of internet applications, database design and management, Graphics Information System (GIS) technology, CAD and computer modelling systems.
At York, we've been at the forefront of researching and developing archaeological computing applications since the early days of digital practice in the field. We host Internet Archaeology, the first online peer-reviewed e-journal for archaeology, as well as the Archaeological Data Service, the largest and oldest repository for archaeological data in the world.
Many of our graduates go on to careers in archaeological computing, working in contract units or county-based records organisations. Others apply their computing skills in more mainstream archaeological work, in museums, or in a variety of other fields.
I chose to study Archaeology because I have a deep and abiding fascination with the past. The University of York offers an outstanding programme and location. The assessed lecture and the opportunity to work with professional researchers as peers were most rewarding. York is an amazing heritage city and there is no end to the joys and rewards of living in North Yorkshire.Ash, MSc Archaeological Information Systems (now Digital Archaeology)Computer Modelling & SQL Server Applications
Tucson, Arizona, USA
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.
With historic buildings and significant remains from the Roman, Viking and Medieval periods, York has an impressive concentration of archaeology.
MSc Digital Archaeology is a one-year course that will give you a secure grounding in the digital technologies used for disseminating, publishing and archiving archaeological information, and the analysis and visualisation of archaeological data. These are powerful methodological and analytical tools used across all aspects of archaeological practice, giving you the applied technical skills to flourish in the field of archaeological discovery.
You'll take modules from the wide range available to all Archaeology Masters students, allowing you to delve deep into the areas of archaeology that most interest you. You'll take a curated placement and develop your research skills, before producing a dissertation and an assessed lecture on your dissertation topic.
You'll study five option modules:
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.
You'll complete an 8,000-word dissertation on your research.
You will have regular meetings with your supervisor who is there to offer support, guidance and encouragement throughout the dissertation writing process.
Examples of previous dissertations include:
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.
A must for anyone wishing to pursue a career in any aspect of digital archaeology. The blend of practical application and theory, together with superb teaching and facilities, equips you with the skills needed to embark upon a successful career both academically and commercially.Geoff, MSc Archaeological Information Systems (now Digital Archaeology)Director, Heritage Technology Ltd
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £9,990 | £22,250 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. |
£4,995 | £11,125 |
| Part-time (3 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. |
£3,330 | £7,417 |
Students on a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 Visa) are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study.
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.
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.
Field trips are funded by the Department.
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2023/24 throughout the year.
If you've successfully completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
We have a variety of funding options available within the department.
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.
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops, practicals, seminars and tutorials. In the Summer Term you will develop your research and presentation skills by producing a dissertation and giving an assessed lecture. You will also have the opportunity to gain valuable experience through a student placement in the professional archaeology sector.
There are two dedicated computer labs at King’s Manor with a range of imaging software, including 3D Studio Max, AgiSoft Photoscan, ArcGIS, AutoCAD and the full Adobe Creative Cloud Suite.
The department has equipment available for student use including total stations, handheld and differential GPS, drones, Go-Pro cameras, magnetometers, ground penetrating radar, resistivity meters, video-ready DSLR cameras, microphones, an RTI dome and other photography kit.
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 Vanbrugh College 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 through essays and practical work including 3D models, websites, films and other forms of digital imaging. Some option modules assess oral presentations, museum exhibition strategies or other multimedia output. You will also complete a dissertation and assessed lecture based on your dissertation.
This course offers practical, career-focused training for many essential roles in the professional world of archaeology. The digital knowledge you'll develop, including transferable skills such as database design, will leave you well prepared for a wide range of technology-focused careers in archaeology, the heritage sector and beyond.
The degree has propelled my career and on my return to the USA has opened the door to many opportunities where GIS is integral to the position. In my current role, my GIS background has allowed me to change the way we work by streamlining our efforts for more effective disaster support.Eric, MSc Archaeological Information Systems (now Digital Archaeology)Historic Preservation Specialist, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 2:1 or equivalent. We also consider applicants who have a 2:2 degree and relevant work experience. |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
You will need to submit examples of written work with your application. Please see our guidance on submitting written work.
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Minimum requirement | |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.5 in Writing and 6.0 in all other components |
| C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency | 176, minimum 176 in Writing and 169 in all other components |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 120 in production and 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert International ESOL | B2 Communicator: Pass with 39/50 in writing and no less than 33/50 in all others |
| PTE Academic/PTE Academic Online | 61, minimum 61 in Writing and 55 in all other components |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum 23 in Writing and 21 in all other components |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all 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 English language test 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.
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