Department of Archaeology

MA Archaeology (Historic)

Overview

Durham is in the top two nationally for the study and research of medieval archaeology, with an international reputation in this field that has been built up over many years. Currently, our historical archaeology research is focused on Britain, the North Sea Rim, the North Atlantic and Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean. There are always opportunities for explorations of scientific techniques and the application of these within the historical period. Present research, for example, includes luminescence dating of building bricks and the application of innovative fieldwork methodologies in historical archaeology). Equally, all teachers on this course practise a multi-disciplinary approach to the historical past. Consequently, we are a partner in the interdepartmental Institute for Medieval and Renaissance Studies.

If you wish to develop your expertise in the areas listed above, especially if you are considering doctoral research after this programme, then the MA Archaeology (Historic) is for you. The flexible format of our MA will enable you to select your own balance between substantial pieces of independent study and taught modules, with the possibility of a supervised Guided Study module for those intending to advance to PhD level.

Facts

Find out more about entry requirements, mode of study, duration of the course, and tuition fees here. (Note: this link will direct you to the University's central course tool. Use the link provided to return to the Department of Archaeology homepage.)

Find out more about funding your programme here.

Programme structure: Specialist Route (1), Specialist Route (2), Research Training Route (3), Research training Route (4). See below for more details.

How will I be taught?

The MA in Archaeology courses are composed of several modules: Research and Study Skills in Social Archaeology (RSS), combinations of a Research Topic module related to your strand (either single or double), a Selected Module from those on offer elsewhere in the Department, a Guided Study module and a dissertation.

Part-time students are expected to complete the course in 2 years. The choice of modules for each year should be made in consultation with the Strand Convenor. It is usually expected that part-time students will complete RSS in the first year and the dissertation in the second year.

RSS is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practicals and one field trip.

In addition, you will take the Research Topic module and choose one or two topics depending on whether you are taking a single or double module. Teaching is undertaken through a series of lectures and tutorials.

Module Table

What will I be studying?

Research Topics offered in the Historic Strand (subject to availability):

  • The Archaeology of Death and Burial, c.12th-early c.19th
  • Burial and Commemoration in Britain, AD 400-1100

The following Research Topics are also possibilities, depending on availability and in consultation with the Strand Director:

  • The Archaeology of Eastern Arabia
  • Advanced Landscape Analysis
  • Townscapes of North Africa and the Near East

The Guided Study module is based exclusively on tutorials and seminars and allows students to follow a detailed and specialised course of study in their specified area. It facilitates the intensive teaching of specified geographical areas and/or topics, which will provide vital preparation for research.

  • Kingdoms and Heaven: An Archaeology of Transitions in Religion or An Archaeology of Church Archaeology in the British Isles. Alternatives are available: Sarah Semple, David Petts, Chris Gerrard, Pam Graves.
  • Cult in Context. Tutor: Sarah Semple.

Dissertation: All strands of the MA in Archaeology programme require a triple-module dissertation of upto 20,000 words.

Who will teach me?

Prof Chris Gerrard specialises in early medieval to high medieval settlement archaeology, landscape studies (e.g. the Shapwick project), high status settlements (e.g. Clarendon Palace), ceramics and trade, and the historiography of medieval archaeology.

Dr Pam Graves teaches and researches on urban archaeology in Britain and its European trading partners, c.AD 1200-c.1700, with special emphasis on the evolution of commercial and leisure spaces, the archaeology of religious practice, c.AD 400-c.AD 1800, particularly the late medieval church and historical buildings, including window glass.

Dr David Petts teaches the archaeology of Northern England and is the Director of Research for Archaeological Services - our archaeological field unit. He runs our flagship project at the Roman fort of Binchester (Co. Durham) and researches, publishes, teaches and supervises on: Roman to post-Roman Britain; Christianity in Britain; Wales and the Welsh church; the Roman to early medieval archaeology of the North East.

Dr Sarah Semple teaches and researches on the archaeology of early medieval Britain, focusing particularly on early medieval landscapes, religious transition and change, death and burial, monuments, buildings and landscape, the sacred landscape before and after conversion & the archaeology of assembly, administration and power. Her areas of interest cover Britain, Scandinavia and the islands of the North Atlantic.

What is my next step?

For further information on applying for the MA in Archaeology (Historic), please visit How to Apply.

All Home/EU applicants offered a place on the MA in Archaeology (Historic) course will be asked to pay a £500 deposit by 1 April 2013. For offers made by the Department after 1 April 2013, each applicant will have 4 weeks to pay the £500 deposit from the official offer letter. This £500 deposit will be deducted from the first instalment of fees after starting the course in September 2013. Please note, that this £500 deposit will only be refunded in the event of the applicant not meeting their conditions set out in the official offer letter.

All Overseas applicants offered a place on the MA in Archaeology (Historic) course will be asked to pay a £1000 deposit no later than 6 weeks following any official offer emailed letter. Please note, that this £1000 deposit will only be refunded in the event of the applicant failing to meet their conditions set out in the official offer letter or refusal of a visa for entry to the UK. Please ensure that you read this information concerning the deposit.

This £1000 deposit will be deducted from the first instalment of fees after starting the course in September 2013.