Archaeological Practice (MA)

Birkbeck’s MA Archaeological Practice offers hands-on postgraduate training that is grounded in the latest theories and techniques. The course meets the need for work-based professional training in archaeology and it will help students understand how contemporary archaeologists think, draw and write about archaeology. Students will be introduced to the major techniques, principal bodies of evidence, research themes and concepts of archaeology. The curriculum addresses the perceived divide between theory and practice in archaeological fieldwork and cultural resource management. It aims to produce a new kind of professional: one who is theoretically aware but also grounded in the craft of archaeology. In doing so, the course will also develop their capacity for interdisciplinary, innovative research, based on the critical, integrated study of landscape, architecture and material culture. Context, and an engagement with its material and historical conditions, is crucial to this training. Graduates go into careers in developer-funded archaeology, heritage and conservation, or museums. Possible professions include archaeologist, researcher, or heritage manager. This degree may also be useful in becoming a historic buildings inspector/conservation officer, higher education lecturer, social researcher, or tourism officer.