Archaeological Practice MA

Birkbeck’s MA Archaeological Practice offers hands-on postgraduate training that is grounded in the latest theories and techniques. The course meets the need for work-based professional training in archaeology and it will help you understand how contemporary archaeologists think, draw and write about archaeology. You can take advantage of the expertise of world-leading academics across the Department of History, Classics and Archaeology.

We will introduce you to the major techniques, principal bodies of evidence, research themes and concepts of archaeology. The curriculum addresses the perceived divide between theory and practice in archaeological fieldwork and cultural resource management. It aims to produce a new kind of professional: one who is theoretically aware but also grounded in the craft of archaeology. In doing so, the course will also develop your capacity for interdisciplinary, innovative research, based on the critical, integrated study of landscape, architecture and material culture. Context, and an engagement with its material and historical conditions, is crucial to this training.

TEACHING

Teaching may include formal lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials. Formal lectures are used in most degree programmes to give an overview of a particular field of study. They aim to provide the stimulus and the starting point for deeper exploration of the subject during your own personal reading. Seminars give you the chance to explore a specific aspect of your subject in depth and to discuss and exchange ideas with fellow students. They typically require preparatory study.

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY

Graduates go into careers in developer-funded archaeology, heritage and conservation, or museums. Possible professions include archaeologist, researcher, or heritage manager. This degree may also be useful in becoming a historic buildings inspector/conservation officer, higher education lecturer, social researcher, or tourism officer.

A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in a humanities subject and references. We offer a one-year Graduate Certificate in History, which can be used as a conversion course if you want to study at postgraduate level but have a degree in a significantly different discipline. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.