Bring past people to life
Year of entry: 2019
1 year full-time,
2 years part-time,
3 years part-time
September 2019 (term dates)
Past societies responded to and treated their dead in a huge diversity of ways, providing archaeologists with crucial insights into their workings.
Funerary archaeology combines analysis of human remains with their archaeological context to take a truly interdisciplinary approach to studying both life and death in the past.
Our course will enable you to use the latest techniques and equipment to build key, practical knowledge and explore the varied archaeological and methodological approaches to funerary archaeology. You'll have the chance to develop your skills in a range of different methods and techniques, but all centred on learning how to investigate death and burial in the past.
The flexible nature of the course enables you to pursue your own particular period or methodological interests by selecting modules that appeal to your research interests. You'll work alongside internationally renowned specialists and gain 'hands on' experience of the analysis of human remains. You'll get the chance to learn through field trips to local museums and relevant sites, such as the prehistoric monuments in the Yorkshire Wolds.
This interdisciplinary course is available as either an MSc or as the MA in Funerary Archaeology.
You will study 180 credits over the year. Fifty credits of this will come from four core modules (two worth 20 credits and two worth 5 credits each). An additional 50 credits will comprise of four optional modules (two worth 20 credits and two worth 5 credits each). You will hone your research skills by producing a dissertation and presenting an assessed lecture on your dissertation topic. Your dissertation will be worth a total of 80 credits.
You will get to choose two, 20-credit option modules, plus two 5-credit option skills modules. You will be able to select from a wide variety of options.
One of the optional modules must come from an MSc course which is ideal if you wish to specialise in a particular methodology, eg by taking Ancient Biomolecules or one of the modules offered by the Centre for Anatomical and Human Sciences, based at the Hull York Medical School.
Please note, modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.
You will carry out a piece of original independent research, using appropriate disciplinary skills in an imaginative way. You'll be assessed via a dissertation and assessed lecture on your research.
You will have regular meetings with your supervisor who will offer support, guidance and encouragement throughout the dissertation writing process.
Examples of recent dissertation titles have included:
Study in King's Manor, a beautiful Medieval building in the centre of historic York.
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.
| Study mode | UK/EU | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £7,810 | £17,370 |
| Part-time (2 years) Fees for subsequent years are subject to confirmation. | £3,905 year 1 fee | £8,685 year 1 fee |
| Part-time (3 years) Fees for subsequent years are subject to confirmation. | £2,603 year 1 fee | £5,790 year 1 fee |
Students on a 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. Fees for subsequent years are subject to increase (no more than 2% each year).
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 at no additional cost to you.
UK/EU or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK/EU or international student.
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
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. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
You will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars, with an emphasis on student led-discussion and presentations. Both core modules have a field trip, with the chance to explore a relevant excavation, museum exhibition or site visit. The core skills modules are hands-on, practical classes, lasting four hours each. These are taught in small groups of 12, so there is plenty of one-on-one guidance from staff.
The majority of teaching takes place at King's Manor with the osteology teaching taking place in the PalaeoHub. This includes a brand new, state-of-the-art osteology lab, located close to the BioArCh facilities (based on Campus West in the Department of Biology).
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:
This course will prepare you for roles in the heritage sector, commercial archaeology, film/television, journalism and academia.
| Qualification | Typical offer |
|---|---|
| Degree | A good honours degree (upper second or first class) or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution in archaeology, anthropology or a related field. |
| Other qualifications |
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.
You can apply and send all your documentation electronically through our online system. You don’t need to complete your application all at once: you can start it, save it and finish it later.
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.
