Archaeology and Ancient History - MA (Hons)

The University of Edinburgh

Combining the study of ancient history with the theory and practice of archaeology, this interdisciplinary programme offers the opportunity to explore the ancient civilisations of the Mediterranean with a particular emphasis on Greece and Rome.You will gain the historiographic and archaeological skills required to understand past societies, including:* the analysis of literary sources* understanding of ancient buildings and forensic evidence* learning ancient and modern languages**Learn about societies and civilisations**The rich body of literary and documentary texts that survive from ancient Greece and Rome provides fascinating insights into their culture and society.Archaeology investigates the human past using material remains such as artefacts and excavated sites to reconstruct the life of early societies, including:* economic life* social life* cultural life**Teaching and research expertise**At Edinburgh, we have a rich tradition of archaeological teaching and research. Our specialisms include:* European prehistory* the early civilisations of the Mediterranean* the Near East and EgyptYou will be introduced to standard and innovative archaeological techniques and the practice and theory of archaeology, including:* science-based archaeology* animal and human bones* digital applications**Practical skills**We emphasise the importance of training in practical archaeological skills.Fieldwork, practical skills, and lab-based learning are core elements of the programme, and there is the option to focus on these areas in later years of study.You will have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in artefact identification and analysis in practical sessions using artefacts from our own Vere Gordon Childe collection.**Fieldwork**You will complete three weeks of archaeological fieldwork at the end of Year 1. In later years of study, you will also have the option to do:* further fieldwork* projects in heritage management and public engagement* lab-based analysis of archaeological remains**Programme benefits*** Combine the study of ancient historical sources with the practice of archaeology.* Develop historiographic and archaeological skills to understand past societies.* Complete archaeological fieldwork in the UK or abroad.* Gain hands-on experience with the Vere Gordon Childe collection, learning artefact identification and analysis.* Visit the National Museum of Scotland for classes and field trips.

School of History, Classics and Archaeology