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Subject area: Archaeology

Why choose Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh?

  • Our programmes offer opportunities for practical archaeological experience. Students often join staff projects here and abroad during vacations or in their final year. There are also opportunities to take part in excavation and archaeological survey fieldwork in the UK and Europe.

  • You will study in a city full of resources and professional expertise. Edinburgh hosts several key national archaeological institutions. These include National Museums Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland.

  • Edinburgh is home to many national commercial archaeology companies. The city also has important archaeological sites dating back to the Mesolithic period. These provide opportunities for fieldwork and work experience.

  • You will benefit from our range of scientific expertise. This includes artefact and materials analysis and digital imaging techniques. It also covers visualisation and modelling and the study of human and animal remains (bioarchaeology).

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The programme allows for incredible diversity in specialisations of study. I combined ethnographic studies of contemporary studies, via anthropology, with archaeological theory and its inclusive perspectives on human history.

Savannah MA (Hons) Archaeology and Social Anthropology graduate
Savannah MA (Hons) Archaeology and Social Anthropology graduate

Introducing Archaeology

Archaeology investigates the human past through material remains.

Using artefacts and excavated sites, we can reconstruct the economic, social and cultural life of early societies.

At Edinburgh, we have a rich tradition of archaeological teaching and research. Specialisms include:

  • European prehistory
  • the early civilisations of the Mediterranean
  • the Near East and Egypt

This programme will introduce you to:

  • standard and innovative archaeological techniques
  • the practice and theory of archaeology
  • science-based archaeology, which includes the study of animal and human bones and digital applications

You can choose to specialise by geographical area or period. You can also do practical research or applied archaeology, for example through fieldwork.