MA Archaeology

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Cardiff University offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world, easing the financial burden and recognizing academic excellence. 

Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a merit-based award that provides partial funding for exceptional international undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship rewards high academic achievement and study, making it ideal for students with strong academic backgrounds.

Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship: This scholarship offers substantial funding to international postgraduate students from certain countries, including the USA, India, Vietnam, and EU nations. The scholarship covers part of the tuition fees and is awarded based on academic merit and potential for success.

Chevening Scholarship: Offered in collaboration with the UK government, the prestigious Chevening Scholarship is available to international students who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. The award covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances, supporting future leaders and influencers in various fields.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: For students from Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships provide funding for postgraduate students who would otherwise be unable to study in the UK. The scholarship includes full tuition, living expenses, and airfare, ensuring accessibility for students from developing nations.

British Council GREAT Scholarships: Cardiff University partners with the British Council to offer the GREAT Scholarships for students from specific countries, including China, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition fees and are intended to encourage bright students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments at Cardiff University offer additional scholarships tailored to specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, and life sciences. These scholarships provide partial funding and are aimed at attracting talented students to specific programs.

Financial Aid and External Scholarships: In addition to Cardiff University scholarships, students can explore external funding options such as loans, grants, and scholarships provided by their home countries or private organizations. The university’s financial aid office offers guidance to help students find external financial support.

Cardiff University's MA in Archaeology prepares graduates with the practical skills and academic knowledge needed to excel in these diverse career paths, offering a range of professional opportunities in both academic and applied archaeological fields.

Archaeologist: Graduates of the MA in Archaeology program can pursue careers as professional archaeologists, conducting fieldwork, excavations, and research on various archaeological sites. They may work for government agencies, private firms, or non-profit organizations, contributing to the understanding of past human societies.

Heritage Manager: With expertise in archaeology and heritage conservation, graduates can work as heritage managers or site curators. These roles involve overseeing the preservation, interpretation, and public display of archaeological artifacts, sites, and collections in museums or heritage organizations.

Cultural Resource Manager: Graduates can work as cultural resource managers, ensuring the protection of archaeological sites and cultural landmarks. They may be employed by government bodies or heritage organizations to manage and safeguard cultural assets, ensuring their compliance with national or international regulations.

Museum Curator/Conservator: MA in Archaeology graduates can take up roles in museums as curators, conservators, or collections managers. These positions involve overseeing the care, preservation, and display of archaeological artifacts, and conducting research to enrich museum exhibitions.

Researcher in Archaeology: Some graduates may choose to pursue academic or applied research roles, working in universities, research institutions, or heritage consultancy firms. These positions focus on advancing archaeological knowledge through publishing studies, conducting field research, and presenting findings.

Archaeological Consultant: Graduates with the MA in Archaeology can work as consultants for archaeological projects, advising on site management, excavation techniques, or heritage regulations. They may collaborate with construction companies, developers, and government agencies on projects that intersect with archaeology.

Field Technician/Excavation Specialist: Graduates can find opportunities as field technicians or excavation specialists. These professionals assist in archaeological digs, operating excavation tools, documenting finds, and managing the logistics of field research.

Environmental Archaeologist: With specialized knowledge in environmental archaeology, graduates may work in roles related to environmental consultancy. They examine past environments, ecosystems, and human interactions with nature, often working with environmental agencies or research institutions.

Public Archaeologist/Outreach Coordinator: Graduates can work in public outreach, education, and engagement roles, where they collaborate with schools, communities, and the public to raise awareness about archaeology and its relevance to modern society. These roles often involve creating educational programs, public talks, or exhibitions.

Field Director/Project Manager: For those with a passion for leading projects, becoming a field director or project manager for archaeological digs and research projects is a possible career path. These roles require organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills to manage excavation teams and ensure research objectives are met.