Master of Archaeological Practice in Archaeology

The University of Otago

Archaeology seeks to understand earlier human communities through the study of material evidence from the past. This evidence can include assemblages of portable artefacts such as stone tools, larger monumental structures like Mayan temples, and entire humanmodified landscapes. Archaeologists generate data through fieldwork and excavation, and use both laboratory science and interpretive theory to study that data. Archaeology is essentially a humanities discipline, since it studies human societies and their history, but it draws on a range of other fields, particularly from the sciences. Archaeology is our primary source of knowledge about the deep history of humankind, and the gradual developments in culture and society that led to the present-day arrangement of human communities. Otago offers a range of stimulating archaeology papers, including opportunities for postgraduate students to carry out supervised field and laboratory research, particularly in New Zealand and the Pacific.The Master of Archaeological Practice (MArchP) is an applied, professional qualification – linking theory with practice – that aims to develop our future leaders' knowledge and experience in archaeological heritage management. Learn from leading academics who are grounded in the Pacific, and New Zealand's place in it.The management of our heritage and archaeological legacy is a growing sustainability issue. Currently, New Zealand has a need for qualified archaeologists to work in the heritage sector. This new programme responds to both an industry demand, and a desire by students and workers in the area for a high-level qualification.