History and Archaeology (MA)

Introducing MA History and Archaeology

This programme allows you to pursue specialist studies in history in combination with the distinctive insights and methodologies of archaeology.

Edinburgh has a strong tradition in both history and archaeology and excellent collections of printed and material collections to support intensive study in these disciplines.

History

We offer an exceptionally wide range of history courses, covering:

• historical periods from the early Middle Ages to the contemporary world
• geographical regions including Britain and Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas

Our history courses also cover a wide variety of approaches to the past, including:

• political history
• cultural history
• social history
• economic history
• intellectual history
• gender history
• global and transnational history

Archaeology

Archaeology investigates the human past using material remains such as artefacts and excavated sites to reconstruct the economic, social and cultural life of early societies.

At Edinburgh we have a rich tradition of archaeological teaching and research, specialising in:

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

You will be introduced to standard and innovative archaeological techniques and the practice and theory of archaeology.

This will include the study of science-based archaeology, the study of animal and human bones and digital applications.

Practical skills

We emphasise the importance of training in practical archaeological skills.

You will have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience of artefact identification and analysis in practical sessions using artefacts from our own Vere Gordon Childe collection.

Fieldwork

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

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

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AAAB by end of S5 or AAAA by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. (Revised 18/04/2024 to lower entry requirements from AAAA, preferred by S5.)
• A Levels: A*AA.
• IB: 39 points with 666 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: English at C.
• A Levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
• IB: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

International Foundation Programme

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

English language requirements

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

You will gain key transferable skills that employers are looking for. You will learn to:

• Develop intellectually rigorous arguments, based on sound independent research and analysis.
• Compile and critically evaluate large amounts of complex and conflicting evidence.
• Formulate and present your views coherently and convincingly, both orally and in writing.

The research and analytical skills history students develop can be used in any research-based career. These skills can also be applied to careers in:

• journalism
• museum and heritage work
• public relations
• the diplomatic service
• teaching

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

Previous history graduates have gone on to pursue a wide variety of careers, including in:

• the media
• politics
• the civil service
• heritage
• law
• business
• finance