History and Archaeology, MA (Hons)

Course summary

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. HistoryWe 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

ArchaeologyArchaeology 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 skillsWe 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.FieldworkAt 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

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