Ancient Mediterranean Civilisations (MA) VV41

Introducing MA Ancient Mediterranean Civilisations

This joint degree combines the study of archaeology and classics.

By bringing together the study of ancient historical sources with the theory and practice of archaeology, you will explore the ancient civilisations of Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Near East.

In the broadest sense the ancient civilisations of the Mediterranean began with the development of farming and the growth of complex societies in western Asia. This culminated with the rise of Christianity and Islam.

The influence of these civilisations extended over a huge area from the northern coasts of Britain in Northwest Europe to the boundaries of Iran in the Near East and beyond.

Insights into cultures

The rich body of literary and documentary texts that survive from this period provide fascinating insights into the culture and society of these ancient civilisations.

Analysis of these compelling documentary sources forms a key component of this programme. However, historical accounts are often fragmentary, and are sometimes biased towards major events or prominent individuals.

Archaeology is the study of the material remains of past peoples. It offers an extra source of evidence for reconstructing and understanding the day-to-day lives of the ancient Mediterranean people.

Study and practical skills

You will develop skills in the critical study of historical texts and the material remains of the ancient civilisations. You can choose to study the ancient languages, Greek and Latin, or modern languages.

We emphasise the importance of training in practical archaeological skills. You can gain hands-on experience of artefact identification and analysis in practical sessions using artefacts from our own Vere Gordon Childe collection.

Fieldwork

You will complete three weeks of archaeological fieldwork at the end of Year 1. In later years of study you will also have the option to do:

• further fieldwork
• projects in heritage management and public engagement
• lab-based analysis of archaeological remains

How will I learn?

You will be taught by experienced staff with international expertise, through a mix of:

• lectures
• seminars
• tutorials
• field trips
• lab-based practicals or workshops examining a wide range of archaeological materials

In the summer vacation at the end of Year 1 you will normally complete three weeks of fieldwork either inside or outside of the UK.

Fieldwork or other practical work in later years is optional, but it can contribute towards your final degree and can also contribute to your dissertation research.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed primarily through coursework and exams. Some classes also include assessed oral presentations, practicals and/or group work.

All applicants are required to demonstrate a level of English language competency, regardless of their nationality or country of residence. These requirements are listed by programme.

With an archaeology qualification from the University of Edinburgh, you will:

• Gain practical, social, intellectual and theoretical skills.
• Learn to think logically through developing sound research and analytical skills.
• Be able to compile and critically evaluate evidence in order to formulate and present an argument coherently.
• Become familiar with a range of disciplines, enabling you to demonstrate intellectual flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new situations.

Through fieldwork, you will develop a range of practical archaeological skills. These will enable you to appreciate more fully our human environment and its role in the contemporary world.

Where our graduates work

Many archaeology graduates find employment as professional archaeologists working for:

• government agencies
• universities
• museums and heritage organisations
• applied archaeological companies/consultancies

Our graduates are also well-rounded people with a range of transferable skills that will give you the opportunity to pursue a broad range of careers, for example in:

• business
• management
• teaching
• journalism
• the police
• the civil service