Archaeological Science (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
This course is under review
We're working to update and improve the content of our courses to ensure the best education and career outcomes. The information below reflects the current curriculum and is subject to change. You can still apply now. We'll update this page and contact all offer holders when the review is complete to confirm any changes.
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
Master the skills of an archaeological scientist in a dynamic programme taught by leading practitioners.
Career-designed
Master the skills of an archaeological scientist in a dynamic programme taught by leading experts.
Scientific, thematic and period-based
Our training gives you excellent foundations, with flexibility to specialise.
Taught by experts
From biomolecular and osteoarchaeology to zooarchaeology, adapt to suit your interests.
Purpose-built laboratories
Suite of laboratories including scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared and visualisation technologies.
Our MSc Archaeological Science programme combines scientific training with thematic and period-based study, giving you the freedom to tailor your studies to suit your ambitions as a practising archaeological scientist or researcher.
You’ll acquire first-hand experience and a thorough practical understanding of the scientific principles and analytical techniques at the centre of archaeological science.
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, osteoarchaeology or zooarchaeology, you can create your own portfolio, blending modules by period, theme and skill.
Our experts are leading on an exciting range of innovative projects spanning early prehistory to the present day in four major themes: human and animal lifeways; houses and the built environment; materiality; and the social significance of chronology.
Our distinguished archaeology research seminar series provides further opportunities to engage with the latest national and international research developments.
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 range from scanning electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared to raman spectroscopy instrumentation 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.
Our ground-breaking projects regularly feature rewarding collaborations with partners including Cadw, Historic England, National Museum Wales and the National Trust.
Celebrating the centenary of Archaeology and Conservation in 2020, we’re ranked in the world top 150 (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020) while our research ranked 12th among archaeology departments in the UK (Research Excellence Framework 2014).
We're committed to delivering programmes that are innovative and relevant, providing the best learning outcomes and career prospects for our students. In light of this, we're currently reviewing some elements of this programme. As such, the details shown are subject to change and indicative only. You can still apply now. We'll update this page and contact all offer holders when the review is complete to confirm any changes.
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, 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
MSc Archaeological Science commences with stage one, a seven month, taught component taken between September and May. You will complete taught modules totalling 120 credits, which can lead to the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Archaeological Science.
On completing stage one, you apply and further develop advanced skills and expert knowledge by undertaking a four-month research project between May-September (stage two). You will choose your own MSc project and this will culminate in the submission of an MSc Dissertation.
Stage one will equip you with a range of methodological, discipline-specific and transferable skills, including communication and scientific data handling skills. You will 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 one also provides you with discipline-specific knowledge in preparation for the research stage in Stage two.
Stage two comprises a 60 credit Archaeological Science Dissertation (16-20,000 words, topic or theme chosen in consultation with academic staff)
Topics can range from entirely theoretical evaluations of archaeological science values, through assessment of materials, to a case study based project related to an object, assemblage, collection or site. Hence, the differentiation from graduate-based learning develops systematically into research-based learning as the programme progresses.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
The autumn semester offers you a choice of two 20 credit modules in archaeological science of which at least one must be selected (e.g. Human Osteoarchaeology and Zooarchaeology). At the same time a 20 credit compulsory core study skills module provides essential training in master’s level research, presentation and planning skills.
In the spring semester a further 20 credits archaeological science modules are available to make up the required minimum of 40 credits of taught science modules. You will also complete a 20 credit core module on archaeology and conservation specific training (covering quantification, communication, employment and independent research skills).
Depending on the number of archaeological science modules selected (40 credits is the minimum), you will supplement your core skills and science training with a further 20 or 40 credits from a wide range of period (from prehistory to medieval), thematic (e.g. Death and Commemoration or Celts), skills (such as illustration, computing and GIS) and heritage science optional modules. These optional modules can be selected in either semester and some run across both semesters.
On successful completion of the taught stage of the programme, you will progress to your dissertation. The dissertation module focuses on the application of the knowledge of skills gained in stage one through research, culminating in the submission of a 16-20,000 word 60 credit dissertation. Your supervisor will guide, support and encourage you throughout this process.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Skills in Archaeology and Conservation | HST500 | 20 credits |
| Skills and Methods for Postgraduate Study | HST900 | 20 credits |
| Archaeological Science Dissertation | HST051 | 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 |
| Themes and Methods in Medieval Archaeology | HST090 | 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, interactive workshops and tutorials, in addition to visits to relevant local resources such as the National Museum Wales and local heritage organisations.
Lectures take a range of forms but generally provide a broad structure for each subject, an introduction to key concepts and relevant up-to-date information. The Archaeological Science Master's provides students with 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 laboratory sessions. These range from macroscopic e.g. bone identification, to microscopic e.g. material identification or status with light based or scanning electron microscopy, to sample selection, preparation and analysis e.g. isotopic or aDNA and include health and safety and laboratory management skills. Students will be able to develop specialist practical skills in at least one area of study. In workshops and seminars, you will 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 based within the School of History, Archaeology and Religion and taught by academic staff from across Cardiff University and by external speakers. All taught modules within the Programme are compulsory and you are expected to attend all lectures, laboratory sessions and other timetabled sessions. Students will receive supervision to help them complete the dissertation, but are also expected to engage in considerable independent study.
How will I be assessed?
The 120 credits of taught Modules within Stage 1 of the programme are assessed through in-course assessments, including:
- Extended essays
- Oral presentations
- Poster presentations
- Statistical assignments
- Critical appraisals
- Practical skills tests
- Data reports
- Research designs
You must successfully complete the taught component of the programme before progressing to Stage 2 where assessment is:
- Dissertation (16-20,000 words)
How will I be supported?
All Modules within the Programme make extensive use of Cardiff University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Blackboard, on which students will find course materials and links to related materials. Students will be supervised when undertaking their dissertation. Supervision will include scheduled regular meetings to discuss progress, provide advice and guidance; and provide written feedback on draft dissertation contents.
Feedback
Students will receive written feedback on all assessments, in addition to oral feedback on assessed oral/poster presentations, provided within a maximum of four weeks from submission.
Personal Tutor
We offer one-to-one time in set office hours during teaching weeks, and welcome email contact. Additionally, 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.
Facilities
You will be provided with laboratory coats and 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.
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. A postgraduate room offers a dedicated space for individual work and informal contact with other students.
Outside the school, you will 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 Ocean Sciences, including carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and strontium. Finally, Cardiff University libraries hold over 1.3 million printed books and 775k online books and journals including an extensive, established and wide ranging archaeological collection.
What skills will I practise and develop?
You will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills specific to archaeological science 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.
Graduates from this Programme will be able to:
- Independently generate and analyse primary scientific research data in a laboratory context
- Explain and critique the principles and methods of the major modes of analysis in archaeological science
- Synthesise archaeological science research in investigating past societies
- Debate the core principles, current themes and controversial issues in archaeological science
- Formulate archaeological science research plans using a range of techniques
- Critically evaluate knowledge at the forefront of a range of archaeological science
- Undertake and accurately perform various laboratory-based methodologies relevant to archaeological science research.
- Collect, evaluate, synthesise and interpret qualitative and quantitative data in a variety of ways; and assess means to gather new data where required.
What are the learning outcomes of this course/programme?
Knowledge & Understanding:
On successful completion of this programme you will demonstrate:
- The ability to judge and critique the interpretative potential and limits of a suite of analyses in archaeological science
- The ability to 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:
On successful completion of this programme you will demonstrate:
- A critical awareness of practical, analytical and interpretative approaches in archaeological science
- Independent analysis and interpretation
- The ability to 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:
On successful completion of this programme you will demonstrate:
- 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 compose research designs for programmes of analysis in academic and commercial archaeology
Transferable/Key Skills:
On successful completion of this programme you will demonstrate:
- The ability to use bibliographic and other research techniques to interrogate specialist topics in detail
- Clear, concise and persuasive oral and written presentations to suit a range of audiences
- The ability to produce independent analysis and interpretation drawing on primary source material
- The ability to operate safely in laboratory environments; to understand, produce and follow standards and H&S 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 2025 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 | £11,700 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £26,700 | £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
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
Graduates of this and similar degree programmes have embarked on careers within the heritage sector and archaeology and in a range of professions.
Recent graduate destinations across the School include Cadw, Council for British Archaeology, Glamorgan Archives, Heritage Lottery Fund, National Trust, Tate Gallery, Welsh Assembly Government and a range of universities in the UK and overseas.
Placements
There are no formal placement or study abroad opportunities associated with this programme. However, such opportunities could be facilitated, particularly as part of the dissertation research.
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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.
