Full time
10 months
08-OCT-24
MPhil - Master of Philosophy
Archaeological Sciences
Research
This MPhil aims to introduce students to the main theories and research approaches in archaeological science, particularly within the fields of archaeological materials science, geoarchaeology, zooarchaeology, archaeobotany, genetics and isotopic and biomolecular archaeology. The aims include:
Assessment
Thesis
The dissertation is an extended piece of independent, original research. Students work with their supervisor to
formulate a dissertation project, carry out research and write it up. The topic of the dissertation has to be approved by the Faculty Degree Committee. The dissertation is of maximum 15,000 words (exclusive of tables, figures, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices) and is due at the end of August; it counts for 50 per cent of the student’s final mark.
Essays
Assessment for the modules offered for the MPhil in Archaeological Science varies as appropriate to the aims of the modules, but can include assessed essays, laboratory reports, literature reviews and presentations. All work is double-marked and reviewed by the Department’s external examiner to ensure fairness and consistency.
Upon successful completion of this MPhil, students should have:
For this course (per year)
£12,903
For this course (per year)
£30,339
Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK High II.i Honours Degree. Students are expected to enter the MPhil in Archaeological Science from a range of backgrounds, including: from undergraduate degrees in archaeology, history, social anthropology, classics and cognate disciplines, students seeking accessible training in the methods and principles involved in the scientific analysis of archaeological evidence; from undergraduate degrees in chemistry, biology, physics, geography, geology, materials science and other scientific disciplines, students seeking to apply their scientific background to archaeological research, while learning the broader context, archaeological frameworks and theories that shape this work; and students and professionals from conservation backgrounds who wish to learn the research skills and techniques required to understand the nature and contextualisation of the materials they conserve.