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Archaeological Science: Technology and Materials MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Interested in deepening your archaeological knowledge and research, while also honing your practical skills in materials science? This flexible Master’s offers the potential to do both. Studying at UCL – in one of the largest and most diverse archaeology departments in the UK – you’ll get a strong conceptual grounding, sought-after research skills, and hands-on training in analysing archaeological and heritage objects.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£16,800
£8,400
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£35,400
£17,700
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this course is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

This degree bridges the gap between materials science and archaeology. Students are introduced to critical concepts from both disciplines and learn the foundations of the major instrumental techniques. By the degree's conclusion, students will have the knowledge and experience to independently design, implement, write-up materials characterisation reports and explore their archaeological implications.

You will have access to outstanding in-house laboratory facilities and gain experience with a wide range of analytical approaches:

  1. Analytical techniques like optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS).
  2. Optional modules cover, among others, ceramic technology, ceramic petrography, metallography, geochemistry and stable isotopes. In addition, there are numerous archaeological modules to chose from.

Who this course is for

This programme is designed for graduates in archaeology or related disciplines who are interested in:

  • Combining laboratory-based materials analysis with archaeological research
  • Conservation of archaeological collections
  • Science graduates who have, or are willing to acquire, a good understanding of archaeology. 

The degree is well suited to those aiming for a research degree and a career in academia or museum science. It may also be appealing to those seeking to develop skills in line with professional/vocational interests.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

UCL Institute of Archaeology is one of the largest centres for archaeology in Britain and ranked 3rd in the QS World Rankings by Subject 2025. It houses archaeology, cultural heritage, and museum studies under one roof, making it a special and exciting place to study. 

This programme offers you many benefits and opportunities:

  • Learn from leading experts in their fields
  • Use of the Institute’s exceptional laboratories, equipment and extensive collections, including ceramic, glass, metal and stone artefacts
  • Close connections with UCL’s Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology, ASE (the Institute's commercial archaeology branch) and other commercial units, as well as numerous museums, for example the Museum of London (MOLA) and St Alban's Museum
  • Ongoing research projects of members of the Institute  provide new materials for analysis and study. 
Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Upon completing this degree, you will have skills well suited for jobs in sectors such as: 

  • Archaeology within Higher Education, museums, and commercial units
  • Heritage management
  • Environmental and sustainability sector
  • Journalism
  • Civil Service
  • Heritage management.

“My time at the Institute of Archaeology was invaluable. Being global in focus and nature truly refined my thinking and prepared me well to overcome the challenges that I encountered as part of my professional career.” - Laurence Maidment-Blundell (PhD Student)

Employability

On completion of the degree, graduates will be equipped to work confidently in a variety of professional settings - from laboratories and museums to archaeological sites

The programme is also designed to enhance career prospects by giving students transferable skills attractive to employers in a wide range of sectors:

  • Theoretical and critical analysis
  • Ability to design and carry out original research
  • Multimedia communication
  • Data analysis and the use of advanced scientific instruments.

You will also develop problem-solving skills, learn to work effectively in a team, and build positive professional relationships.

Networking

The Institute organises a series of careers events with invited panels to discuss career opportunities and experiences in Archaeology, Research, Heritage and Museums as well as applying skills in careers outside disciplinary specialisms. Here students can get career advice from professions in relevant sectors who are often pulled from our world-wide network of alumni. They can also network with professionals from other sectors such as Business, Law and the Civil Service. 

There are also opportunities to meet visiting experts and Institute researchers after seminars and also to talk to Institute PhD students about their experiences. The Archaeo-Materials Research Network (AMRN) provides such opportunities. There is a broad network of MSc Archaeological Science graduates working across the sector (including museums, academia, and national heritage organisations around the world), some of whom return as guest lectures on core modules. In addition, there is a student organised series of Lunchtime lectures on Archaeological Science. 

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical demonstrations and laboratory work. A popular aspect of this programme is its extensive use of analytical facilities.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical demonstrations and laboratory work. A popular aspect of this programme is its extensive use of analytical facilities. Assessment is through essays, practicals, projects, laboratory reports and oral presentations depending on the options chosen, and the dissertation.

Contact time takes various forms:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Practical sessions or site/museum visits
  • Assessment feedback sessions.

The contact hours are normally 6-8 hours per week with additional self-directed study time. Outside of lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, full-time students use their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments (approximately 20-25 hours).

The learning hours during the dissertation will mainly be spent researching and writing. You will also have regular contact with your supervisor(s). They will guide and support you throughout your work.

Modules

Most formal teaching is carried out in Terms 1 and 2. During Term 2, you identify a dissertation topic and supervisor. In Term 3, you normally begin the  laboratory components of your dissertation. 

By the end of Term 2, you will provide an oral presentation of your dissertation plans to staff and fellow students for some early feedback. 

Laboratory bench work, library research and dissertation writing extend across the whole of summer. Research skills sessions provide additional support and guidance throughout the year to help you through all stages of the degree. There is also a wide range of guest lectures and student-organised meetings

In addition to the dissertation, the Degree has two compulsory modules: ARCL0170 (Laboratory and Instrumental Skills in Archaeological Science) and either of ARCL0169 (Technology in Society, recommended) or ARCL0160 (Archaeological Data Science) which concentrated more on methods for gathering “Big Data”.

Formal teaching takes place during Terms 1 and 2. Those who undertake part-time study will discuss their pathway with the degree coordinator. Typically students will take the compulsory core modules in Year 1 and take most of the optional modules in Year 2 . The dissertation is discussed in Year 1 and completed at the end of Year 2. We endeavour to be flexible to the needs of part-time students in designing their pathway through the degree over two years.

Compulsory modules




Optional modules








Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Archaeological Science: Technology and Materials.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £16,800 £8,400
Tuition fees (2026/27) £35,400 £17,700

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

There are no additional costs for this programme.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

UCL Institute of Archaeology International Masters Student Award

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor the scholarship will enable one Overseas fee paying student to undertake a year of study on an eligible Master's. It will provide support of up to £26,000 for the duration of their degree to cover fees. Further details can be found here. The deadline for applications is 2 March 2026.

Institute of Archaeology Master's Awards

The UCL Institute of Archaeology has one studentship of £10,000 available to support a graduate student who is an ordinarily resident in the UK or Ireland and eligible to pay home fee rate. The deadline for applications is 2 March 2026. For further information and to download an application see here.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Aziz Foundation Scholarships in Social and Historical Sciences

Value: Full tuition fees (equivalent to 1yr full-time) (1 year)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Institute of Archaeology International Masters Student Award

Deadline: 21 March 2025
Value: Up to £26,000 (1 year)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Institute of Archaeology Masters Award

Deadline: 21 March 2025
Value: £10,000 (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Archaeological Science  at graduate level
  • what do you consider to be the major challenges in this field today
  • if you have a strong interest in any particular ancient material or technology, time period or area
  • what particularly attracts you to this programme
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree
  • why you want to study Archaeological Science at UCL
  • how your personal, academic and professional background meets the demands of a challenging academic environment.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Institute of Archaeology
Institute of Archaeology

l.daniel@ucl.ac.uk

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