University of York

What you'll study

This programme combines theoretical frameworks with practical techniques to investigate material remains from the late Roman period through to the contemporary era. Teaching covers the social, economic and cultural dynamics of past societies alongside advanced methods for analysing artefacts, landscapes and built environments.

• Core research training – research design, historiography, critical theory and methods for historical archaeology, preparing you for a substantial dissertation project.
• Material culture and finds analysis – approaches to artefact identification, recording and interpretation across ceramics, metalwork, glass and small finds.
• Field and analytical methods – practical fieldwork skills, stratigraphic recording, survey, GIS and the application of scientific techniques where relevant (e.g. dating, residue or environmental analysis).
• Urban and industrial archaeology – study of townscapes, urban change, industrial sites and heritage from medieval to modern periods.
• Heritage, conservation and public engagement – frameworks for managing, conserving and communicating historical archaeological resources, including community and digital engagement strategies.
• Optional modules and workshops – specialist topics such as military archaeology, landscape history, post-medieval archaeology, or a placement-based module to gain professional experience.
• Dissertation – an independent, supervised research project on a topic in historical archaeology, drawing on primary material or archival sources and demonstrating methodological competence.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a good undergraduate degree in archaeology, history, anthropology, conservation or a closely related discipline. Candidates with relevant professional experience in commercial archaeology, museums or heritage organisations may also be considered, particularly where academic qualifications are lower. All applicants must provide a personal statement outlining their research interests and, where required, examples of previous academic work or a portfolio of relevant professional experience. Overseas applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency to the level required for postgraduate study at the university.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a wide range of roles across the heritage and cultural sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Commercial/contract archaeologist or field supervisor with developer-funded excavation units
• Museum curator, collections manager or interpretation officer
• Heritage manager, conservation officer or planning advisor in local authorities and NGOs
• Heritage consultancy, community archaeology and public archaeology roles
• Further research and doctoral study leading to academic careers
• Specialist analyst roles (finds, artefacts, geoarchaeology) or digital heritage positions using GIS and 3D recording

Why study at University of York

York offers a strong environment for historical archaeology: the Department of Archaeology is research-active across post-medieval and urban archaeology, and the city itself provides an exceptional living laboratory of archaeological and historic resources. The programme benefits from close links with local heritage organisations, including the York Archaeological Trust and museum services, enabling collaborative projects, placements and access to archives and finds collections.

Teaching is delivered by staff engaged in current research and applied projects, supported by well-equipped laboratories, recording suites and GIS facilities. Students gain hands-on practice through fieldwork opportunities and are supported by the university's careers and enterprise services to translate their skills into employment or further study.