Archaeology
    Duration12 month(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 35,724 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 19, 2026
    Archaeology

    About

    This Masters programme will enable you to develop your own holistic approach to the challenges of contemporary archaeological research and practice. The programme combines conceptual learning with independent research and project-based work. A key strength of this programme is its flexibility, which allows you to create a portfolio of courses based on your individual needs and interests.

  • Our staff are engaged in various innovative research projects (in Scotland, other parts of the UK and internationally) and actively involve our students in them.
  • You will be supported in developing a range of Graduate Attributes to enhance your employability through professional practice.
  • You can develop Digital Archaeology skills through the use and creation of digital collections and archives; digital imaging; gaming and interactive media.
  • Our recent £1.2M investment in new archaeological science laboratory facilities and collaborations with Earth Science, Physics, Chemistry, SUERC and others will support you to develop skills in the archaeological sciences, including Environmental Science and Heritage Materials Science.
  • Glasgow is ranked 9th in the UK and 2nd in Scotland for Archaeology (2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject).
  • Read about how our students and staff discovered a coin hoard linked to the 1692 Glencoe Massacre. Archaeology student Lucy Ankers said: "As a first experience of a dig, Glencoe was amazing. The two weeks I spent digging solidified that I want to pursue a career within archaeology."
  • Find out more about our researchers exploring the landscapes of Glencoe and Rannoch Moor through archaeological, environmental and creative approaches.
  • Read in the Guardian: UofG archaeologists uncover complete Neolithic cursus on the Isle of Arran.
  • Listen to our podcast: Stories from Glasgow – Archaeology and the Digital Keys to Unlocking the Past with Dr Gareth Beale.
  • Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Archaeology, History, Classics, Digital Humanities, Anthropology, Religious Studies, Museum Studies, Geography, Environmental Studies or any other relevant subject.

    We may also accept degrees in any other subject.

    We may sometimes accept degrees at 2.2 Hons or non-UK equivalent.

    Extensive work experience in cultural heritage management or archaeology may be considered in lieu of qualifications.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 60
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 90

    English Program Requirements

    For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

    International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

    • 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.5
    • IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test

    Common equivalent English language qualifications accepted for entry to this programme

    TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)

    • 93 overall with Reading 23; Listening 23; Speaking 23; Writing 24
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.

    Pearsons PTE Academic

    • 59 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 59; Speaking 59; Writing 74
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

    Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

    • 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

    Oxford English Test

    • 7 overall with no subtest less than 7
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

    LanguageCert Academic SELT

    • 70 overall with no subtest less than 70
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

    Password Skills Plus

    • 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.5
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

    Trinity College Tests

    • Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

    University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

    Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

    Alternatives to English Language qualification

    • Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
      • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
    • Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
      • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.

    For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

    Pre-sessional courses

    The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:

    • direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
    • essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
    • flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.

    For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:

    We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:

    • Heriot Watt
    • Kingston Upon Thames
    • Middlesex University
    • Manchester University
    • Reading University
    • Edinburgh University
    • ST Andrews University
    • UCL
    • Durham

    For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form

    Career

    Graduates will have a solid foundation of skills, knowledge and understanding from which to pursue careers in universities, research institutes, government agencies, conservation charities and private-sector professional practice. The course also prepares you to proceed to study for a PhD in Archaeology.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    35,724 / year
    Archaeology
    University of Glasgow
    University of Glasgow
    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Glasgow