MSc Archaeological Materials

About the course

1 year full-time

Training in the principles and application of analytical techniques. Working on the basis that scientific analysis must be supported by a sound theoretical framework, we'll teach you how to use ethnography and experiment to provide insights into the relationship between technological process, material culture and human action.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 honours degree in a humanities, science or engineering subject. Some practical experience of archaeology or a science is an advantage.

English language requirements for overseas students

Overall IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

Entry requirements for international students

Core modules

• Analysis of Inorganic Materials
• Archaeology and Ethnography of Production and Consumption
• Introduction to Material Culture Studies
• Reconstructing Ancient Technologies: ceramics
• Reconstructing Ancient Technologies: metals
• Reconstructing Ancient Technologies: vitreous materials
• Dissertation in Archaeological Materials

Optional modules

Two of the following:

• Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Society
• Current Issues in Aegean Prehistory
• Europe 8000–800 BC
• Iron-Age Europe
• Palaeolithic Art
• Roman Italy and its Hinterland
• The Archaeology and History of the British Isles AD 400–1000
• Viking-Age Europe

Teaching

• Seminars
• Lectures
• Practical classes
• Projects

Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Dissertation

Fees and funding

You may qualify for AHRC and University of Sheffield studentships. If you're considering applying for funding, we recommend you contact us as soon as possible.

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Any questions?

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our courses, contact us:

Kathryn Goldsack
E: k.goldsack@sheffield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)114 222 5104

Your future

This course is excellent preparation for a PhD and a research career.

Sheffield graduates hold archaeological posts in Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia.

They use their expertise in universities, museums, archaeological consultancies, heritage parks and government.

World-leading expertise

You'll be joining a department that nurtures leaders, not followers. Our track record is excellent – in every national assessment since 1992 we've made the UK top ten for archaeology research. This strength in research feeds directly into our teaching, so as a masters student you learn from the best.

The foundations of great teaching

The research that underpins our teaching is organised into four areas: bioarchaeology and human evolution; landscapes and environments; material culture and technologies; and Old World archaeology.

There are several specialised research centres here: Sheffield Centre for Aegean Archaeology; Sheffield Centre for Archaeobotany and Ancient Land-Use; Sheffield Centre for Historical Archaeology; Zooarchaeology Laboratory. Their projects, conferences and seminars all add to the quality of your course.

Jobs include Historic Buildings Projects Officer, Commercial Field Archaeologist and Postdoctoral Researcher.

Specialist facilities

We make sure you have everything you need to explore your ideas. We have a complex of laboratories, imaging and GIS resources and storage facilities. There are labs for research and teaching in environmental archaeology, human and animal skeletal analysis, landscape and aerial archaeology, dendrochronology and materials sciences.

Global fieldwork

You'll also have the opportunity to get involved in our research projects in the UK, mainland Europe, Asia and Africa

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form