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You will learn through a series of seminars, lectures and workshops, and further develop your skills in conducting independent research and critical analytical thought.

Our MA students gain skills in key archaeological methods and approaches. 

The University of Reading scored 1st for teaching quality in Archaeology and Forensic Science (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025).

Student taking notes from their findings
The lectures and seminars were engaging and thought-provoking. The staff were very good at explaining things and I found the learning process was organised very professionally.

Ivan Krivokorin

MA Archaeology graduate

Developing research skills

You'll develop your research skills through taught modules and your dissertation, which include a series of workshops and practicals on writing essays, dissertations, research proposals and publications, information and communication technology resources, and quantitative applications in archaeology.

Our annual Master's conference will help develop your oral presentation skills, and there are also opportunities to get involved with staff fieldwork projects.

Links with industry

The University of Reading has strong links with external organisations such as the British Museum, Oxford Archaeology, Historic England and Wessex Archaeology, allowing you to learn from their experience in the field and in the museum sector.

You will also learn about the realities of working within the modern archaeological sector through contact with professionals from commercial units and museums.

Presentation given to a class

Life in the Department

Join our inclusive community of staff and students, where you'll be supported to develop your expertise and explore new areas of research.
URE Museum

Our facilities

Learn about our extensive archaeology facilities, from purpose-built teaching laboratories to unique on-campus museums.
Number 1 in the UK for research

Our research

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 REF 2021).
Athena SWAN Silver Award