Archaeological Science (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
Develop a wide range of skills in archaeological science, from the study of artefacts and ecofacts to biomolecular analysis whilst exploring diverse archaeological themes, methods and periods.
Research excellence
We’re ranked 5th for impact and 6th for research output in archaeology (REF 2021), confirming our position as an international centre of expertise.
Flexibility
A flexible and responsive programme that combines training in scientific enquiry, expertise and vocational skills with thematic and period-focused archaeology.
Rich in resources
Materials, equipment, library resources and funding to undertake meaningful research in partnership with a wide range of key heritage organisations across an international stage.
A focus on human experience
A place where science, theory and practice of archaeology and conservation converge to create a unique environment for exploring the human past.
Training in science communication
From preparing conference presentations and journal articles, to project reports, press releases and public engagement, our training ensures you can communicate the excitement of scientific enquiry to diverse audiences.
Supporting your career ambitions
From further study to science advisors to specialists, you’ll be able to work across the entire spectrum of archaeological science as well as moving into other successful careers.
Our MSc in Archaeological Science combines scientific training with thematic and period-based study, providing an excellent foundation for pursuing your ambitions as a practising archaeological scientist or researcher, as well as a range of other pathways in heritage or beyond.
You’ll acquire first-hand experience and a thorough practical understanding of the scientific principles and analytical techniques at the centre of archaeological science. The programme is carefully designed to be accessible to students from a range of subject backgrounds, with archaeology being a nexus point for blending the humanities and the sciences.
We create a sound base for you to maximise the impact of your research and propel your career forward. Whether you’re looking to take a general approach or to specialise in biomolecular archaeology, human osteoarchaeology or zooarchaeology, you can create your own portfolio, blending modules and your specially designed dissertation by period, theme and skill.
Our experts are leading on an exciting range of innovative projects spanning early prehistory to the present day and covering major themes such as human and animal lifeways, sustainability, movement and migration, identity, and the past lived experience. You’ll get to join our dynamic and supportive lab group and become part of this research environment.
Archaeology at Cardiff has flourished for over 100 years, and our distinguished research seminar series provides further opportunities to engage with the latest national and international research developments, staff and students.
Pursuing your studies in our suite of purpose-built laboratories, furnished with bioarchaeology and bioanalytical facilities and comprehensive reference collections, you’ll have access to a wealth of specialist equipment. In-house resources encompass extensive skeletal reference collections, biomolecular preparation facilities, scanning electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared, raman spectroscopy and x-ray facilities. Alongside sample preparation equipment and a bespoke photography suite, we offer specialist visualisation technologies from digital microscopy and GIS to digital illustration as well as access to laboratories for aDNA and isotope analysis.
Our ground-breaking projects involving MSc students regularly feature rewarding collaborations with partners including Cadw, Historic England, Amgueddfa Cymru-Museum Wales and the National Trust, amongst a wide range of national and international collaborators.
"The MSc in Archaeological Science is a really engaging course that allows me to apply cutting-edge scientific techniques to archaeological questions. The staff are really supportive and create engaging classes that offer hands on experience."
Where you'll study
School of History, Archaeology and Religion
Curious about the human experience across millennia and cultures, we are seeking to better understand our past, to illuminate our present and improve our future.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as Ancient History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Conservation, Geography, Geology, History, Zoology, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 6.0 in all subskills or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
If you do not have a degree in a relevant area, your application may be considered on the basis of your professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
This programme is split into 2 stages. The first stage – the taught component - takes place between September and May and you’ll complete modules totalling 120 credits.
On completing stage 1, you’ll apply and further develop advanced skills and expert knowledge by undertaking a research project. You’ll choose your own project and this will culminate in the submission of your dissertation.
Stage 1 will equip you with a range of methodological, discipline-specific and transferable skills, including communication and scientific data handling skills. You’ll progress from graduate standard at entry to a research base level by completion of this stage and will be tasked with increasingly complex challenges with which to test your emerging skills. Stage 1 also provides you with discipline-specific knowledge in preparation for the research stage in stage 2.
Stage 2 comprises a 60 credit Archaeological Science Dissertation (15,000 words, topic or theme of your choice, chosen in consultation with academic staff).
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
You’ll complete 120 credits of modules in the taught stage.
One core (20 credit) module provides essential training in master’s level research and will prepare you for your dissertation. You’ll choose a minimum of 40 credits of archaeological science modules from a choice of 60 (zooarchaeology, human osteoarchaeology, biomolecular archaeology). Depending on the number of archaeological science modules selected (40 or 60 credits), you’ll supplement your core skills and science training with a further 40 or 60 credits from a range of periods (e.g. prehistory, medieval), thematic (e.g. death and commemoration), and skills (e.g. artefact illustration and photography) optional modules. You’re encouraged to balance your module choice across semesters, with some modules running across both semesters, and others being either in autumn or spring. On successful completion of the taught stage of the programme, you'll progress to the dissertation.
The dissertation module focuses on the application of the knowledge of skills gained in stage 1 through research, culminating in the submission of a 15,000 word (60 credit) dissertation. Your supervisor will guide, support and encourage you throughout this process.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Skills and Methods for Postgraduate Study | HST900 | 20 credits |
| Dissertation | HST064 | 60 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Zooarchaeology | HST048 | 20 credits |
| Biomolecular Archaeology | HST049 | 20 credits |
| Human Osteoarchaeology | HST050 | 20 credits |
| The Archaeology of Death and Commemoration | HST060 | 20 credits |
| Later Prehistory of Britain | HST087 | 20 credits |
| Doing Ancient History: Themes and Approaches | HST091 | 20 credits |
| Artefact Illustration | HST929 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
Teaching is delivered via lectures, laboratory sessions, practical classes, seminars, interactive workshops and tutorials, in addition to visits to relevant local resources such as Amgueddfa Cymru-Museum Wales, analytical facilities and local heritage sites or organisations.
Classes take a range of forms but generally provide a broad structure for each subject, an introduction to key concepts, relevant up-to-date information, and interactive discussion of key themes, limitations and potential (enabling students to develop knowledge and critical thinking).
You’ll receive bespoke training in scientific techniques during laboratory sessions. This includes developing practical skills in the identification, recording and analysis of archaeological materials during hands on sessions. These range from macroscopic e.g. bone identification, to microscopic (e.g. material analysis with light based or scanning electron microscopy), to sample selection, preparation and analysis (e.g. isotopic or aDNA), whilst also including health and safety and laboratory management skills. You’ll be able to develop specialist practical skills in at least one area of study. In workshops and seminars, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss themes or topics, to receive and consolidate feedback on your individual learning and to develop skills in oral presentation.
This programme is taught by expert academic staff and by external speakers. All selected taught modules are compulsory, and you’re expected to attend all lectures, laboratory sessions and other timetabled sessions. You’ll receive tailored supervision to help you complete the dissertation and are also expected to engage in considerable independent study. Our core dissertation preparation module prepares you for this individual research experience.
How will I be assessed?
The 120 credits of taught modules are assessed through in-course assessments, including:
- Extended essays
- Oral presentations
- Analytical assignments
- Critical appraisals
- Practical skills tests
- Data reports
- Research designs
You must successfully complete the taught component of the programme before progressing to the dissertation (15,000 words).
How will I be supported?
All modules are comprehensively supported by Cardiff University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Blackboard, where you’ll find course materials and links to related materials. You’ll be supervised when undertaking your dissertation. Supervision will include scheduled regular meetings to discuss progress, provide advice and guidance; and provide written feedback on draft dissertation contents.
Feedback
You’ll receive written feedback on all assessments (excepting the dissertation) provided within a maximum of four weeks from submission. You’ll also have access to formative feedback in practical class settings and in tutorials.
Personal Tutor
You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who offers one-to-one time in set office hours during teaching weeks, and welcome email contact. You can make appointments to see your personal tutor on a one-to-one basis about any issue. Our professional services team is also available for advice and support.
Your personal tutor is your contact point to discuss any problems arising from the course. Further queries should be addressed to the School’s Director of Postgraduate Taught.
Research community
An active research seminar programme in archaeology and conservation, along with interdisciplinary postgraduate research seminars provide opportunities for discussion across the School and the University and provides a creative environment in which you will be encouraged to develop your own ideas. A dynamic lab group, and a wide range of archaeological science research projects are running in the department (funded to over £5 million in the last 5 years) with various opportunities for student involvement.
Facilities
You’ll be provided with access to our bioarchaeology and bioanalytical laboratories. These house a large collection of skeletal, molluscan and botanical material from modern samples, which is used as a comparative source for the identification of archaeological specimens. These also provide a full suite of equipment for bioarchaeological sample preparation and analysis, for example freeze-driers, drilling equipment, air abrasion, extraction hoods, ovens and hot blocks. We also provide module-specific individual equipment such as callipers, hand lenses and lab coats.
There are separate X-Ray and microscopy laboratories which boast an excellent collection of analytical equipment (e.g. FTIR) in addition to SEM and light microscopy. Visualisation of materials and results is enhanced by our photographic equipment, computing facilities and digital illustration suite. Our collections also include a range of 3D printed resources, such as macro versions of microscopic pollen grains. Access to a dedicated lab space facilitates individual work and informal contact with other students.
You’ll also have access to a range of resources within Cardiff University, this includes aDNA preparation and analysis, Mass spectroscopy, TEM, MicroCT and more. A range of isotope analyses are undertaken in collaboration with School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, including carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, lead and strontium. Cardiff University libraries – which hold over 1.3 million printed books and 775k online books and journals including an extensive, established and wide-ranging archaeological collection – will also be available to you.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
You will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills specific to archaeological science and other parts of archaeology, as well as generic ‘employability skills’. Through the programme, you will develop technical laboratory skills and be presented with opportunities to extend your communication and presentation skills, both written and orally. You will acquire specific skills, such as the ability to collect, analyse and interpret a range of complex quantitative and qualitative data. You will also develop valuable laboratory research-based skills, through the completion of a dissertation.
Knowledge & Understanding:
- The ability to judge and critique the interpretative potential and limits of a suite of analyses to be deployed archaeological science.
- The ability to comprehensively understand and appraise scientific methods, data and formulate an interpretation based on this.
- The ability to produce, recommend and defend programmes of scientific analysis in academic and commercial archaeology.
Intellectual Skills:
- A critical awareness of practical, analytical and interpretative approaches in archaeological science.
- Independent analysis and interpretation of scientific data.
- The ability to comprehensively devise analytical strategies considering materials, stakeholders, finance, ethics and cultural context.
- The ability to synthesise wide-ranging information pertaining to archaeological science to verify interpretation.
Professional Practical Skills:
- The ability to source, synthesise and critically assess data from subject specific journals and books, including research and advanced scholarship.
- Advanced laboratory and/or field skills in the study of archaeological artefacts, materials and/or ecofacts.
- Proficiency in a selected range of methods and techniques within archaeological science.
- The ability to produce and critically analyse original scientific datasets using statistical and graphical approaches to inform interpretation.
- The ability to systematically compose research designs for programmes of analysis in academic and commercial archaeology.
Transferable/Key Skills:
- Clear, concise and persuasive oral and written presentations to suit a range of audiences.
- The ability to systematically produce independent analysis and interpretation drawing on primary source material and other research techniques.
- The ability to operate safely in laboratory environments; to understand, produce and follow standards and health and safety procedures such as Risk Assessments.
- Critical self-awareness: self-reflection; self-management; time management; and the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience.
- The ability to act autonomously in planning, defending, implementing and analysing work.
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £12,200 | None |
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £27,950 | £2,500 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
There are no additional costs.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
After successfully completing this programme, you’ll have a broad spectrum of knowledge and a variety of skills, making you highly attractive both to potential employers and research establishments.
You’ll be able to pursue a wide range of professional careers, within commercial and academic archaeology and the wider heritage sector. Career paths will generally be specialist and will depend on the choice of modules. You’ll be well placed to pursue careers as a specialist in isotope analysis, zooarchaeological analysis or human osteoarchaeology. You’ll also be in a position to apply for general laboratory based work and archaeological fieldwork and illustration.
Several graduates have gained employment in the police (forensics, intelligence and data analysis) while working within science communication and management are other options, as is period-based research. Potential employers include archaeological units, museums, universities, heritage institutions, Historic England and Cadw. Freelance or self-employment career routes are also common for animal and human bone analysts with postgraduate qualifications.
We have strong links and collaborations across the heritage sector and beyond. British organisations that staff currently work with include Cadw, Historic England, English Heritage, Historic Scotland, Amgueddfa Cymru-Museum Wales, the British Museum, the Welsh archaeological trusts and a range of other archaeology units (e.g. Wessex Archaeology, Oxford Archaeology, Cambridge Archaeology Unit, Archaeology Wales). In addition, staff are involved with archaeological research across the world. You’ll be encouraged to become involved in these collaborations via research projects and placements to maximise networking opportunities and increase your employability.
Placements
There are no formal placement or study abroad opportunities associated with this programme. However, such opportunities are frequently facilitated, particularly as part of the dissertation research.
"Over the past five years we have employed a number of graduates from the Archaeological Science MSc. The course provides an excellent grounding for those who wish to pursue a specialist career in archaeological sciences."
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
