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.

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.

Academic entry requirements

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.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.5
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 24
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 68; minimum 60 in writing

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MLitt

PgDip