Our flexible MA Archaeology course prepares you for a career in research, the commercial sector or heritage management. The University is in the top 50 in the world for Archaeology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025, Archaeology. The University of Reading is ranked 49th in the world). The University of Reading is ranked 1st in the UK for research quality and research outputs in Archaeology (Times Higher Education Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest Research Excellence Framework 2021). Our world-class research is nurtured by three research clusters and a regular research seminar programme, which you can join as part of our research community. This course allows you to discover archaeology for the first time, or deepen your existing knowledge. You'll gain an effective grounding in archaeological practice and research. We offer a focused pathway, enabling you to concentrate on specialised research areas through your dissertation and core modules. Choose from a variety of options, including: specialisms from the palaeolithic to medieval period, theoretical approaches and contemporary challenges, heritage practice, professional placements, integrated social and scientific approaches, post-excavation and graphics skills. Assessments are varied, providing a mix of vocational and research opportunities, such as: article critiques, essays, project design and professional reports, practical assessments, heritage display, seminar and conference presentations, a research proposal and dissertation.