Research Methods for Archaeology MA

This MA offers a wide-ranging and challenging introduction to theoretical issues involved in modern archaeology as a comparative, anthropologically-informed, and socially-situated discipline. Students develop critically aware perspectives on archaeological practice and research processes, and gain an in-depth understanding of approaches to the collection, analysis and interpretation of archaeological data.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

There are two core modules (30 credits), a research proposal (60 credits) and research writing (90 credits).

Students are required to take the following :

• Themes, Thought and Theory in World Archaeology: Foundations
• Themes, Thought and Theory in World Archaeology: Current Issues

Research Proposal

Students are asked to prepare a fully documented research proposal for a planned MPhil or PhD, together with a literature survey and a bibliography. A seminar presentation on the proposal must be given.

Research Writing

Students also produce a piece of research writing of c. 15,000 words, which is preliminary to the intended PhD or MPhil degree.

Students prepare a fully documented research proposal of 12,000 words, and complete a piece of research writing of approximately 15,000 words.

The core programme is taught within a seminar framework based on set readings. A tailor-made programme of other work is designed in consultation with the student's research supervisor. Student performance is assessed on the basis of the core module assessments, a research proposal and a piece of research writing (dissertation).