History and Archaeology, MA (Hons)

This programme enables students to undertake specialised studies in history alongside the unique perspectives and methods of archaeology. Edinburgh boasts a robust heritage in both fields, supported by exceptional collections of printed and material resources for in-depth exploration.In history, a broad array of courses covers periods from the early Middle Ages to the present, spanning regions such as Britain, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, with approaches including political, cultural, social, economic, intellectual, gender, and global histories. Archaeology examines the human past through artefacts and sites to reconstruct ancient economic, social, and cultural lives, with strengths in European prehistory, Mediterranean civilisations, the Near East, and Egypt. Students learn innovative techniques, including science-based methods, bone analysis, and digital tools, while gaining practical skills through hands-on sessions with the Vere Gordon Childe collection. Fieldwork includes three weeks at the end of Year 1, with later options for additional excavations, heritage projects, and lab-based analysis.