University of Aberdeen United Kingdom

Archaeology and Language & Linguistics, MA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The MA Archaeology and Language & Linguistics at the University of Aberdeen offers you a unique opportunity to explore the deep connections between human communication and our ancient past. You will investigate how language has evolved, its intricate structures, and its role in shaping societies, while simultaneously delving into archaeological methods to understand how past peoples lived, structured their worlds, and interacted with their environments. This interdisciplinary approach is ideal for students keen to tackle contemporary issues, such as climate change or public health, through the lens of historical and linguistic analysis, providing a robust foundation in both humanities and social sciences.

This full-time, four-year on-campus programme immerses you in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Your studies will encompass archaeological science, prehistoric archaeology, and the archaeology of the North, alongside linguistic topics such as language acquisition and variation. You will engage in hands-on professional archaeology, including field methods and post-excavation analysis, and have the opportunity to undertake a dissertation in Language and Linguistics or an Archaeological Research Project. You will graduate with a comprehensive skill set, prepared for diverse career paths in heritage, research, education, and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This MA program offers a comprehensive exploration of both Archaeology and Language & Linguistics. Students will delve into prehistoric archaeology, archaeological science, and professional field methods, alongside the study of language structure, societal influences on language, and academic writing. The curriculum progresses through foundational concepts in the first year to advanced research and specialized topics in subsequent years, culminating in optional dissertation or research project work.

1 YEAR 1

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen Compulsory
Archaeology in Action Compulsory
Caves to Kingdoms: an Introduction to Prehistoric Archaeology Compulsory
Academic Writing for Language & Literature Compulsory
Language Structure and use Compulsory

2 YEAR 2

Test Tubes and Trowels: an Introduction to Archaeological Science Compulsory
Language in Society Compulsory
Past Lives Compulsory
The Archaeology of The North: Lifeways & Cultural Change Compulsory
Elements of English Compulsory
Prehistoric Britain: from Boxgrove to Bede Compulsory

3 YEAR 3

Professional Archaeology i: Field Methods Compulsory
Professional Archaeology II: Post - Excavation Analysis and Employment Compulsory

4 YEAR 4

Current Issues in Archaeology Optional
Dissertation in Language and Linguistics Optional
Archaeological Research Project Part 2 (with AY3512 as prerequisite) Optional
Current Issues in Archaeology Optional
Dissertation in Language and Linguistics Optional
Archaeological Research Project Part 2 Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,115.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,115.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,115.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,115.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 112,461.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,256.00 - USD 3,867.00
Transport USD 725.00 - USD 1,009.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,386.00 - USD 1,732.00
Estimated Total USD 4,367.00 - USD 6,262.00

Living cost estimates are based on Old Aberdeen campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationAmusement & Recreation ServicesAnimation & Visual EffectsFilm & Television ProductionGaming & Interactive MediaHigher Education & UniversitiesMuseums & Cultural HeritageSpecial & Inclusive EducationSports & AthleticsTheme Parks & Leisure

Top Employers Hiring for this course

National History Museum

National Trust

University of Aberdeen

Why Study Archaeology and Language & Linguistics, MA at University of Aberdeen

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Aberdeen in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Archaeology and Language & Linguistics, MA at University of Aberdeen

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

You need to meet specific English test requirements: For Duolingo, an overall score of 105 is required. Other options include TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE with varying minimum scores.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as Archaeologists, Linguists, Museum Curators, or Research Assistants.

What will I actually study in this course?

Language & Linguistics will introduce you to, among other things, how human language and speech may have evolved, the complex functions and structures of language in its role as a bridge between sound and meaning. You will study the ways in which we acquire languages as children and adults, the ways in which languages vary and the mechanisms by which they change over time.

In seeking to understand how ancient people lived their lives, structured their world, and engaged with their

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The course starts in September each year. Make sure to prepare your application in advance to meet the deadlines.
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