Archaeology and Identity

MA / PGDip / PGCert

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Duration
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Suitable for applications.

The September 2023 intake of this course is now closed to international applicants. Home applicants can still apply.

Overview

This new MA in Archaeology and Identity at the University of Bradford combines theoretical archaeological interpretation with cutting-edge scientific archaeology.

Drawing on the skeletal collections and world-leading expertise at the School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences, the MA explores social interpretation of remains.

Learners will have opportunities to explore a range of archaeological periods and regions, as well as focusing on evidence from mortuary archaeology. Modules will also enable the study of artefacts, exploring biographies of objects along with material properties.

The programme will equip you to critically-engage with a diverse range of material, as well as explore the sociopolicitical contexts of interpretations of the past and the role of the past in the present.

Entry requirements

A first degree in Archaeology (or another relevant or related discipline) 2:2 or above
Other relevant qualifications will be considered
For North American students a GPA of at least 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 is required, or an equivalent

English language requirements: If English is not your first language you must have IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent, with no less than 5.5 in each sub test.

Your learning journey

The programme comprises period and theme modules with content based on key research areas in the School, from the Palaeolithic to Contemporary World, underpinned by in-depth considerations of theoretical issues and the socio-political contexts of archaeology (Advanced Theoretical Archaeology), complemented by exploring the meaning of burial evidence through time (Grave Concerns).

Two new modules explore concepts of identity (Multi-disciplinary approaches to Identity) and the interpretation of skeletal remains (Analysis of Human Remains), drawing on the University of Bradford’s world-leading research and resources in this area.

A module on Professional Development prepares students for their research project and professional skills, including planning of research, research design, research ethics, time keeping, ethics, and health and safety.

It is expected that students who successfully complete the entire programme will be fully prepared to undertake research at MPhil or PhD level.

All module information is for 2022 entry, and is subject to change.

First Year

Core

Advanced Theoretical Archaeology

Multidisciplinary Approaches to Identity

Grave Concerns: Investigating the Archaeology of Death and Burial

Professional Development

Dissertation

Option

Archaeometry

Analysis of Human Remains

The Age of Migration and Viking Expansion

Plants and Animals in Past Societies

Learning and assessment

Teaching and learning is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminar and field trips.

Assessment varies by module, ranging from essays and presentations to blogs and reflective diaries.

Official programme specification

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee

MSc

UK: £9,230
International: £23,028

PGDip

UK: £7,398
International: £22,180

Additional costs

There may be additional costs that you may incur as a student. Though these are not essential to your programme of study you need to be aware of them as a student of the University. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Financial support

See our fees and financial support section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Archaeology and Forensic Sciences scholarships

Find out about our Archaeological and Forensic Sciences Endowed Scholarship, worth £10,000.

A £6,000 scholarship for this course is also available to international students.

University of Bradford honoured with Queen’s Anniversary Prize for outstanding archaeology

We have been awarded a 2021 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for our world-leading work in developing archaeological technology and techniques and its influence on practice, policy and society.

The prestigious accolade, which honours world-class excellence and achievement, is the highest form of national recognition that UK higher education institutions can achieve. The University has been honoured for its leadership and innovation in pioneering the techniques, technology and practices of archaeology both in the UK and worldwide.

logo for the queens anniversary prize 2021

Career prospects

Our graduates go on to fill top jobs in archaeology, as well as entering in to a whole range of other positions, utilising their transferable skills.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Study support

A comprehensive support network is here for you to ensure you reach your academic potential and go on to further success in the future.

You’ll benefit from a range of support services, including:

personal academic tutor
student support / administration team
Academic Skills Advice service
Career and Employability Services
award-winning Disability Service
well stocked libraries and excellent IT facilities

Research

Archaeology engages the entire human past in all its temporal and spatial dimensions. It is fundamental to our understanding of how we evolved and our communities developed, and how we study, preserve and interpret our past.

At Bradford, our distinctive approach emphasises the integration of the natural and physical sciences, providing excellence in a comprehensive range of archaeological topics, with emphasis on both teaching and research, believing the two activities to be mutually dependent.

Terms and conditions of study

The University has a set of terms and conditions for all students accepting an offer to study on a course here at Bradford. This is called The Student Contract. This document sets out the Terms and Conditions which apply when you accept an offer of a place on a programme of study at the University of Bradford.

View our Student Contract for further details.

Transparency statement

Information about this programme and its modules has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, but changes may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of teaching. Any change which impacts the terms and conditions of an applicant’s offer will be communicated to them.