The Masters in Celtic & Viking Archaeology provides an introduction to the theoretical and practise approaches to early medieval archaeology, based on our particular research strengths in the settlements and material culture of Celtic, Pictish and Viking peoples, and in the archaeology of kingship and political development.

• If you want to pursue a career in this field of archaeology, our new approaches to early medieval studies bring fresh insights into the life and ideas of the period and will provide you with a highly stimulating environment, learning from internationally-renowned scholars.
• You will have the opportunity to take fieldtrips to a number of sites relevant to your studies.
• Our programme has strong links with the University's Hunterian Museum, giving you access to primary source material, including objects and archives.

Programme overview

• MLitt: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
• PgDip: 9 months full-time; 18 months part-time

You will take two core courses and three optional courses. For the MLitt you will produce a dissertation on a specialist topic agreed with your supervisor.

The core courses provide you with a strong theoretical background to the study of early medieval archaeology, examining themes such as burial, settlement, religion thorough a series of case studies. You will also get training and support in a wide variety of research methods including library skills, humanities computing, writing and presenting papers.

Core courses

• Research Skills
• Approaches to Celtic and Viking Archaeology

Optional courses

Three optional courses must be selected, two of which from the following

• Themes in early medieval Scottish archaeology
• Early Christian monuments of Scotland
• Early medieval artefacts
• Viking and late Norse artefacts
• Norse in the North Atlantic, AD 800–1500
• Viking and late Norse British Isles.

You may also choose one of the following options

• Thematic studies: any one of the thematic courses offered via other MLitt programmes, by agreement with the course convener. These may include courses available via other Masters programmes within the University (most relevant are those offered as part of Celtic Studies and Scottish Medieval Studies)
• Artefact studies: any one of the specialist courses offered in the MLitt Material Culture & Artefact Studies
• Multimedia analysis and design or 2D digitisation.

Career prospects

The programme provides an excellent platform for you to move onto PhD studies and an academic career.

The entry requirement for this postgraduate taught programme is a 2.1 Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification in Archaeology or another relevant subject (for example Geography, Geology, History or Environmental Science); or suitable practical experience.

English language

If your first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. See English Language Requirements.

The online application is the quickest and easiest way of applying to the University of Glasgow. The system allows you to fill out the standard application form online and submit this to the University immediately. You can also attach supporting documents including references, certificates and a transcript of previous studies. You will find instructions throughout the online form to help you complete your application. You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish before submitting it.

See: How to apply for a taught degree