Carly Ameen
Archaeology of the North, ISS or MSc
Introduction
The only degree of its kind in the world, reflecting the unique research focus of the Department of Archaeology at Aberdeen.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- ISS or MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September or January
Developing the research skills required to investigate the material culture and heritage of the far northern hemisphere, a region that includes Scotland, the North Atlantic, Scandinavia and Baltic Europe, northern Russia and the circumpolar region through Siberia, the North Pacific and high-latitude North America.
With an emphasis on colonisation and culture contact, lifeways and world-views, every graduate is provided with a thorough knowledge of the theory and practice specific to northern archaeology, together with the foundation for further study or professional employment.
In addition, every graduate will have acquired detailed competence in a specialist regional or chronological field, chosen from a range of options across the entire northern world.
The degree can be taken as preparation for higher research, as a professional qualification or purely for interest.
Available Programmes of Study
- ISS 12 months On Campus Learning Part Time September View
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Programme Information
Please contact study@abdn.ac.uk for more information about this programme.
- MSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January View
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Programme Information
- Semester 1
-
Semester 1
Compulsory Courses
- Northern Peoples and Culture (AY5501)
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30 Credit Points
In a series of text based student-led seminars we study past Northern Peoples and Cultures through key topical debates, characteristic for different cultural regions and time periods. In the seminars students examine a range of northern contexts, from prehistory to more recent times all over the Circumpolar North. Students encounter topics as versatile as animal domestication in Northern Eurasia, Scandinavian Vikings, and Colonial North America illustrating the diversity of life and thought in Northern communities. Each seminar will also explore how particular key issues have become central to the 'identity' of archaeological research in the respective areas
View detailed information about this course - Advanced Archaeological Approaches (AY5504)
-
30 Credit Points
As an advanced engagement with current trends and approaches in Northern Archaeology students examine current cutting edge debates associated with new theories and methodologies in archaeological research. Students will encounter the versatility of methodological and theoretical approaches in Northern research through four different themes central to the Archaeology of the North; Body and Death, Heritage and Memory, Social Space and Structures, Human and Environment. Each theme is explored through series of research led seminars and a practical, approaching the theme from different theoretical/methodological angels. The main assessment of the course is an Internal Masters Conference on these four themes.
View detailed information about this course
- Semester 2
-
Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- Dissertation in Archaeology (AY5904)
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In completing their dissertation, students will be expected to demonstrate that they can conduct advanced library research, prepare extensive literature reviews situating their research question in its wider archaeological, methodological and theoretical context and write and edit large pieces of work. In addition, they will be required to prepare abstracts and bibliographies and assess the ethical issues involved in original research. All students will receive staff supervision in identifying a suitable topic and in completing an original research project.
View detailed information about this course
- Semester 3
-
Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- Northern Worlds (AY5001)
-
30 Credit Points
In a series of research-led lectures and seminars, students investigate what characterises the Archaeology of the North from environmental, socio-cultural, and ideological aspects. We examine several inter-locking themes, from the first colonisations of the North tracing how these earlier populations established the cultural, ethnic and religious diversity that define later periods. Students will be introduced to the ecological characteristics of higher latitudes, and examine the diverse ways in which communities have made the Northern World their home. We also examine how human communities have responded to climate changes in the past, resilience and adaptation, technology, and spirituality amongst Northern peoples
View detailed information about this course - Theory and Method in Research (AY5002)
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30 Credit Points
In this course students will follow the development of archaeological thought from its roots in the scientific revolution of the 17th century through to the post-modern thinkers and finally discovering where the current theoretical debates stand. Students will explore the links between the theoretical development of archaeological research and the general developments in the history of science and philosophy. Students also explore different methodologies central to archaeological research, discuss what constitute archaeological data, and how to design a research project. Students will also discuss research ethics, and scientific agendas. These issues are explored through a series of lectures and seminars.
View detailed information about this course - Dissertation in Archaeology (AY5007)
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60 Credit Points
In completing their dissertation, students will be expected to demonstrate that they can conduct advanced library research, prepare extensive literature reviews situating their research question in its wider archaeological, methodological and theoretical context and write and edit large pieces of work. In addition, they will be required to prepare abstracts and bibliographies and assess the ethical issues involved in original research. All students will receive staff supervision in identifying a suitable topic and in completing an original research project.
View detailed information about this course
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £21,100 Tuition Fees for 2022/23 Academic Year In addition to the tuition fees, students will be required to pay an offsite training fee of TBC. Home / RUK £9,400 Tuition Fees for 2022/23 Academic Year - MSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September View
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Programme Information
- Stage 1
-
Stage 1
Information for part-time students: The course will be spread over two years. In year 1, students will take PD5006, AY5002*, and AY5501. In year 2, students will take AY5001, AY5504*, and AY5902.
*Subject to agreement, these courses can be replaced with other Archaeology courses or one from a sister discipline, such as Anthropology (note, only a maximum of 30 credits can be taken in nonarchaeology courses across Stages 1 and 2).
Compulsory Courses
Subject to agreement, AY5002 can be replaced with other Archaeology courses or one from a sister discipline, such as Anthropology (note, only a maximum of 30 credits can be taken in nonarchaeology courses across Stages 1 and 2).
- Northern Worlds (AY5001)
-
30 Credit Points
In a series of research-led lectures and seminars, students investigate what characterises the Archaeology of the North from environmental, socio-cultural, and ideological aspects. We examine several inter-locking themes, from the first colonisations of the North tracing how these earlier populations established the cultural, ethnic and religious diversity that define later periods. Students will be introduced to the ecological characteristics of higher latitudes, and examine the diverse ways in which communities have made the Northern World their home. We also examine how human communities have responded to climate changes in the past, resilience and adaptation, technology, and spirituality amongst Northern peoples
View detailed information about this course - Theory and Method in Research (AY5002)
-
30 Credit Points
In this course students will follow the development of archaeological thought from its roots in the scientific revolution of the 17th century through to the post-modern thinkers and finally discovering where the current theoretical debates stand. Students will explore the links between the theoretical development of archaeological research and the general developments in the history of science and philosophy. Students also explore different methodologies central to archaeological research, discuss what constitute archaeological data, and how to design a research project. Students will also discuss research ethics, and scientific agendas. These issues are explored through a series of lectures and seminars.
View detailed information about this course
- Stage 2
-
Stage 2
Compulsory Courses
Subject to agreement, AY5504 can be replaced with other Archaeology courses or one from a
sister discipline, such as Anthropology (note, only a maximum of 30 credits can be taken in nonarchaeology courses across Stages 1 and 2).- Northern Peoples and Culture (AY5501)
-
30 Credit Points
In a series of text based student-led seminars we study past Northern Peoples and Cultures through key topical debates, characteristic for different cultural regions and time periods. In the seminars students examine a range of northern contexts, from prehistory to more recent times all over the Circumpolar North. Students encounter topics as versatile as animal domestication in Northern Eurasia, Scandinavian Vikings, and Colonial North America illustrating the diversity of life and thought in Northern communities. Each seminar will also explore how particular key issues have become central to the 'identity' of archaeological research in the respective areas
View detailed information about this course - Advanced Archaeological Approaches (AY5504)
-
30 Credit Points
As an advanced engagement with current trends and approaches in Northern Archaeology students examine current cutting edge debates associated with new theories and methodologies in archaeological research. Students will encounter the versatility of methodological and theoretical approaches in Northern research through four different themes central to the Archaeology of the North; Body and Death, Heritage and Memory, Social Space and Structures, Human and Environment. Each theme is explored through series of research led seminars and a practical, approaching the theme from different theoretical/methodological angels. The main assessment of the course is an Internal Masters Conference on these four themes.
View detailed information about this course
- Stage 3
-
Stage 3
Compulsory Courses
Previous, final research projects include:
- Landscapes of the Dead: A Study of the Pictish Barrow Cemeteries of North-East Scotland
- Another World: A Study of Visitor Perceptions of Medieval Archaeology at Two Castles in Scotland
- Dissertation in Archaeology (AY5902)
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60 Credit Points
This course let the students build on the skills and knowledge they acquired in the other courses of the MSc in Archaeology of the North, as they design and conduct their own research project. The student conduct independent studies on a topic of their own choice within the northern theme. All students will receive staff supervision in identifying a suitable topic and in completing an original research project. The course also includes a number of research seminars, and in addition to their written dissertation students are expected to produce a short popular piece presenting their research to a non-academic audience.
View detailed information about this course
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £19,400 Tuition Fees for 2022/23 Academic Year In addition to the tuition fees, students will be required to pay an offsite training fee TBC. Home / RUK £9,400 Tuition Fees for 2022/23 Academic Year
Archaeology of the North
Qualification
Duration
Learning Mode
Study Mode
Start Month
Location
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Field Trips
- Field Work
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Assessment for each 30-credit taught module is on the basis of one 3000-word essay and one project on topics relevant to the course, chosen in consultation with the course coordinator. The nature of the project may vary from course to course and include reports, exercises and presentations.
Following successful completion of the taught modules, students are allowed to advance to the dissertation, which involves in depth original research on a topic chosen in consultation with the advisor.
Why Study Archaeology of the North?
- Archaeology at Aberdeen has a special high-latitude focus that is found nowhere else.
- Reflecting this, our staff are prominent researchers and fieldworkers in Northern Europe, Scandinavia, the North Atlantic and the circumpolar region from Siberia to the Canadian arctic. Closer to home, the archaeology of Scotland is a natural priority.
- Geographically, we are ideally suited to access some of the countries most interesting archaeological sites.
- You will be taught by a dedicated team of Archaeologists with a broad range of expertise and teaching experience.
- Archaeological research at Aberdeen spans the arts and humanities, physical and biological sciences, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the Archaeology and the collaborative ethos within the University.
- The University of Aberdeen Department of Archaeology, in partnership with the village corporation Qanirtuuq, Inc. and the Yup’ik village of Quinhagak, Alaska, is working to record archaeological sites threatened by rising sea levels along the Bering Sea. This is something you could volunteer to be part of.
- Field trips play a major part in the teaching of the programme. These vary each year and in the past we have taken students to the Moray Coast on Pictish-focused field trips.
- Hands-on learning with various approaches to teaching, including research-led lectures and seminars, where you will investigate what characterises the Archaeology of the North from environmental, socio-cultural, and ideological aspects. Also, student-led seminars where we study past Northern Peoples and Cultures through key topical debates, characteristic for different cultural regions and time periods.
- Student numbers on the programme are small enough to allow for a strong level of teaching interaction and relationship building amongst students.
- We have our own Facebook group which we would encourage you to become part of. This is your opportunity to engage with previous graduates.
- Find out more about the extensive range of facilities you will have access to as a student.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
2:1 (upper second class) UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in Archaeology or a related discipline.
2:2 in Archaeology or related discipline plus related professional experience.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
International Applicants
Fee Information
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
Careers
Graduates from the programme move into a variety of careers. Many also choose to further their academic careers by undertaking PhD's.
What our Alumni Say
Stuart Munro
Euan Wallace
Our Experts
- Deputy Programme Coordinator
- Dr Kate Britton
- Other Expert
- Dr Gordon Noble
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Charlotta Hillerdal
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Facilities
Facilities available within Archaeology and the Colleges of Physical and Life Sciences
- Petrographic and stereomicroscopes
- Palynology laboratory
- Hydrology laboratory
- Dirty and clean sedimentary laboratories
- Soil chemistry laboratory
- Bioarchaeology laboratory and faunal reference collection
- Archaeological Chemistry laboratory
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory
Department Field work Projects
Staff and Research Students at University of Aberdeen are involved in a range of excavations and field projects, including both those directed by University of Aberdeen staff and in collaboration with other individuals and institutions.
Find out more
Department Research
Archaeological research at Aberdeen spans the the arts and humanities, physical and biological sciences, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the Archaeology and the collaborative ethos within the University.
Find out more
Nunalleq Project and Archaeological Field School in Quinhagak, Alaska
In partnership with the village corporation Qanirtuuq, Inc. and the Yup’ik Eskimo village of Quinhagak, Alaska, is working to record archaeological sites threatened by rising sea levels along the Bering Sea.
Find out moreGet in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX