MSc in Archaeology Oxford

For aspiring archaeologists, the pursuit of a Master of Science (MSc) degree represents a critical step toward professional specialisation and research excellence. The program detailed here is an intensive, 11-month course designed to transform foundational knowledge into expert-level capability, setting a clear path for those aiming for doctoral studies or high-level careers in the heritage sector. This analysis breaks down the program's structure, admission requirements, financial commitments, and the unparalleled resources available, offering a comprehensive view for prospective students. Explore our comprehensive guide on Oxford University courses to discover top programs available.

The Programme Overview: Specialisation and Excellence

The MSc in Archaeology is structured to allow students to significantly build upon their undergraduate foundation, offering a unique opportunity to delve into a specific area of archaeological study. It is an intensive, full-time commitment, requiring attendance in Oxford for the entire 11-month duration. The core philosophy is dual-focused: to provide an exceptional grounding for those who wish to continue to doctoral-level research and to equip all graduates with highly valuable, transferable skills for a diverse range of professional roles.

The program is built around a structure of four modules and a substantial dissertation, allowing for both breadth in core principles and depth in a chosen specialisation. It is important to note that students interested in the theory and practical applications of science in archaeology are advised to consider the MSc in Archaeological Science instead, as this program focuses on broader archaeological principles and specific subject streams.

Specialist Subject Streams: Charting Your Archaeological Path

A key feature of this Master's is the opportunity to follow one of several distinct subject streams. Each stream provides a focused curriculum, ensuring a deep dive into the chosen area. The streams currently offered include:

• Archaeology of Asia

  Focuses on the archaeology of the Asian continent, with example modules such as: Chinese Archaeology (Neolithic to Bronze Age, Shang to Qin), Interdisciplinary Approaches to Chinese Ceramics, Early Human Dispersals in Asia and the Pacific, Archaeology of Eurasia, and The Emergence of Farming in Western Asia.

• Medieval Archaeology

  Explores the archaeology of the Middle Ages, with example modules covering: Europe in the Early Middle Ages (AD 400 - 900), Archaeology of Later Medieval Europe, Archaeology of Early and Late Saxon England, Body and Adornment in Later Medieval Britain, Byzantine Constantinople, Archaeology of Lived Religion in Late Antiquity, and Late Roman and Byzantine Architecture.

• Prehistory and Pre-colonial Archaeology

  Covers vast chronological and geographical scopes, with modules like: European Prehistory (Mesolithic to Bronze Age), Farming and States in Sub-Saharan Africa, Archaeological Method and Theory, and Archaeology of Southern African Hunter-Gatherers.

• Environmental Archaeology

  Dedicated to the study of past human-environment interactions, with modules including: Environmental Archaeology, Practical Archaeobotany, The Emergence of Farming in Western Asia, and Bio-Archaeology.

• Landscape Archaeology

  Focuses on the archaeological study of landscapes, featuring modules such as: Landscape Archaeology and Spatial Technology, and Archaeology and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

• Maritime Archaeology

  A deep dive into the archaeology of maritime societies and submerged heritage, with modules like: Maritime Societies, Maritime Archaeology, and Methods and Techniques in Maritime Archaeology.

• Social Archaeology

  Examines the social dimensions of the archaeological record, with modules including: Archaeological Method and Theory, Archaeology of Colonialism, Archaeology of the Contemporary World, and Cognitive Archaeology.

The Core Component: Archaeological Principles: Data and Theory

Regardless of the chosen stream, all students are required to take the core module, Archaeological Principles: Data and Theory, in the first term. This module is crucial for providing the necessary archaeological knowledge, research methodologies, and practical skills that underpin all subsequent modules and the dissertation. It is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars, including group work, and is assessed via an assessed portfolio.

The Dissertation: Your Capstone Research Project

The culmination of the MSc is the 15,000-word dissertation on an approved topic relevant to the student's chosen stream. This major piece of research, primarily undertaken in the third term and over the summer, is the ultimate test of independent research and scholarly writing. It is designed to develop the self-directed research skills essential for future doctoral work and highly desirable in non-academic employment.

Admission Requirements: Achieving Academic Excellence

The program seeks applicants who demonstrate proven and potential academic excellence. The requirements are rigorous, reflecting the highly competitive nature of the course. For detailed guidance on the application process, refer to our Oxford admissions 2026 application guide and learn about how to get into Oxford University.

Academic Qualifications

The minimum academic standard is exceptionally high. While the official minimum for UK qualifications is typically 67%, most successful applicants achieve a first-class degree (over 70%) or its international equivalent. For applicants from the USA, the minimum overall GPA required is 3.5 out of 4.0, though successful candidates often present a GPA of 3.7 or higher.

Qualification	Minimum Requirement	Typical Successful Applicant
UK Bachelor's Degree	67%	First-Class (>70%)
US Bachelor's Degree (GPA)	3.5/4.0	3.7/4.0
GRE General Test	Not required or sought

English Language Proficiency

The course requires proficiency at the University's higher level. Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of meeting these demanding standards. Understanding how hard it is to get into Oxford University includes meeting these rigorous language requirements. The minimum scores are as follows:

Test	Minimum Overall Score	Minimum Score per Component
IELTS Academic	7.5	7.0
TOEFL iBT	110	Listening: 22, Reading: 24, Speaking: 25, Writing: 24
Cambridge CAE Advanced (C1)	191	185
Cambridge CPE Proficiency (C2)	191	185
Oxford Test of English Advanced	165	155

Required Supporting Documents

A successful application hinges on meticulously prepared supporting documents. The application form itself will collect information typically found in a CV/résumé, so a separate document should not be uploaded.

• References (Three Required)

  Three referees are required to provide an informed view of your academic ability and suitability. Academic references are strongly preferred, though one professional reference may be acceptable in certain circumstances. These references are crucial for assessing academic achievement and potential for graduate study.

• Official Transcript(s)

  Transcripts must provide detailed information on individual grades received in all university-level qualifications. Only official documents issued by the institution are accepted, and any transcript not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

• Statement of Purpose (Maximum 500 words)

  This is a critical component. The statement must be written in English and clearly explain your motivation for studying this specific Master's course and your chosen subject stream. It should focus on academic achievements, interests, and aspirations, and articulate what the degree will lead to after graduation. Crucially, you must state which subject stream you wish to follow. The statement is assessed for motivation, coherence, ability to present a reasoned case, and capacity for sustained, intense work.

• Written Work (Two Essays, Maximum 2,500 words each)

  Two academic essays or writing samples, written in English, are required. These can be undergraduate essays or excerpts from a longer work. The word count must be clearly displayed and does not include the bibliography or brief footnotes. The written work is assessed for understanding of the subject, ability to assess evidence, capacity to construct a logical argument, scholarly and lucid writing style, and appropriate scholarly presentation.

The Oxford Experience: Resources and Support

Students on the MSc in Archaeology benefit from an unparalleled academic environment, supported by world-class resources and a dedicated supervisory structure.

Teaching and Supervision

Teaching is delivered primarily through a combination of lectures and small-group tutorials, alongside seminars, museum-based classes, laboratory work, and other practicals, depending on the stream. This intensive method encourages regular debate and discussion, developing both writing and presentation skills.

Every student is assigned a general supervisor before the start of term and a dedicated dissertation supervisor, typically a teacher within the chosen subject stream. While the School of Archaeology is responsible for allocating supervision, ensuring the best possible match for the student's research, it is not always possible to accommodate preferences for a specific member of staff.

World-Class Resources

The University provides access to an extraordinary range of resources:

• The Bodleian Libraries: One of the largest library systems globally, holding over 13 million printed items and providing access to extensive e-journals and special collections.
• Specialist School Resources: The School of Archaeology offers computers with specialist GIS and mapping software, digital facilities for desktop imaging and scanning, and a small library with an online catalogue.
• The Bodleian Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library: A central, world-class facility located conveniently between the Institute of Archaeology and the Ashmolean Museum.
• Museum Access: Close ties with the Ashmolean Museum and the Pitt Rivers Museum, whose vast collections contribute directly to graduate teaching.
• Graduate Community: The student-run organisation, Graduate Archaeology at Oxford, provides further skills seminars, a mentoring programme, social events, and a successful conference series.

Financial Planning: Fees, Costs, and Funding

Prospective students must carefully plan for the financial commitment, which includes annual course fees and substantial living costs. For a comprehensive understanding of expenses, explore our ultimate cost guide to Oxford tuition and fees.

Annual Course Fees (2026-27 Academic Year)

The course fees cover teaching and academic services. They do not cover accommodation, living costs, or additional research expenses. Learn more about Oxford undergraduate tuition and fees and Oxford University fees for UK students to understand the full financial landscape.

Fee Status	Annual Course Fee
Home	£18,290
Overseas	£38,430

Living Costs in Oxford (2026-27 Academic Year)

The University provides a detailed breakdown of estimated monthly living costs for a single, full-time graduate student, which range from a lower to an upper estimate. Students should budget for between £1,405 and £2,105 per month spent in Oxford.

Monthly Cost Category	Lower Range	Upper Range
Food	£315	£545
Accommodation	£825	£990
Personal Items	£160	£310
Social Activities	£50	£130
Study Costs	£35	£90
Other	£20	£40
Total Monthly Estimate	£1,405	£2,105

Scholarships and Funding

The collegiate University anticipates offering over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year. Applicants who meet the January deadline and receive a course offer are automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships. Additional scholarships with specific eligibility criteria may require a separate application, which can be identified using the University's dedicated search tool. For comprehensive information on funding opportunities, explore our guides on Oxford University scholarships, Oxford international scholarships and financial support, and the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford.

Post-Graduation Pathways

The MSc in Archaeology is a launchpad for highly successful careers. It is anticipated that many graduates will continue to further degree programmes, either at Oxford or other leading universities globally, pursuing doctoral research. For those entering the professional world, the transferable skills gained—including advanced research, critical analysis, and scholarly communication—make graduates highly sought after in fields such as:

• Education and Academia
• Museums and Curatorial Roles
• Commercial Archaeology
• The Heritage Industry and Conservation
• Government and Policy Roles

The Application Process: Key Steps and Deadlines

The application process is rigorous and requires careful attention to detail. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials at least two weeks before the January deadline, especially if they wish to be considered for Oxford scholarships.

College Preference

All students belong to both the School of Archaeology and a college. Applicants have the option to express a preference for one of the accepting colleges or request that the University assign one. The colleges accepting students for the MSc in Archaeology include over 20 institutions across the University. For detailed information about college options, visit our guides on Oxford University colleges and Oxford colleges location and full details.

Application Fee Waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable. Waivers are available for eligible applicants, including those from low-income countries, refugees/displaced persons, UK applicants from low-income backgrounds, and past participants in Graduate Access Programmes. For more details on application procedures and deadlines, check our Oxford application fees 2026 deadlines guide.

Conclusion: A Transformative Educational Journey

The MSc in Archaeology is more than just a master's degree; it is an intensive, transformative educational journey set within one of the world's most prestigious academic institutions. By demanding the highest standards of academic performance, offering deep specialisation through diverse subject streams, and providing access to unparalleled resources, the program ensures its graduates are prepared to lead the next generation of archaeological research and professional practice. For the dedicated student ready for an 11-month immersion into the past, this program offers a clear and distinguished path forward.