Ancient Worlds MSc, Archaeology and Classics (Online Learning) The University of Edinburgh

Our online MSc in Ancient Worlds provides you with the opportunity to explore the human past, from early prehistory to late antiquity through a diverse range of courses and independent research. You will be taught online through our virtual learning environment and will have access to extensive digital resources and support services.

The programme has been developed specifically for students who wish to further their study in Archaeology, Classics or a combination of both. It brings researchers together to exchange ideas and to offer a range of thematic, as well as regionally specific courses.

Our highly experienced staff, with a wide range of specialisms and expertise, will help you choose a relevant subject for your dissertation, and enhance your skills in independent research and critical analysis.

The programme is structured to enable you to fit your studies around other commitments, and develop your own specialised interests, whilst having the flexibility to study in a way that works for you.

Online learning

Teaching

Both the core and option courses are taught using a variety of methods, which could include a combination of:

• pre-recorded lectures
• live seminars
• discussion forums

The methods will vary from course to course and may include group work or a reflective diary, depending upon the type of course. You will benefit from research-led teaching. Each course is coordinated by a dedicated lecturer (or lecturers), and due to the multi-disciplinary nature of the degree, some courses will be taught by more than one member of staff, and some may have the additional benefit of contributions from an occasional visiting or guest lecturer.

You will be part of an interactive online community where you can communicate collectively with your fellow students, as well as on a one-to-one basis with your tutors.

Assessment

Our online courses incorporate a range of assignments which may include discussion forum tasks, source reviews, article reviews and recordings of oral presentations. A larger proportion of the final grade for the course may often be based on a final essay or report, which is submitted at the end of each course. Depending upon the course, you may often be able to choose your own essay/report topic, subject to prior approval by the course organiser. Coursework is submitted and marked electronically using an online system called 'Turnitin' which is integrated into our e-learning platform.

Study materials

Reading material is provided online through ebooks, eReserves (these could be scanned book chapters, for example) and eJournal articles. Some course organisers may suggest optional readings which may not always be available in digital format. This reflects the reality of research, and may especially apply to your dissertation research.

The University library provides a wealth of material to support online learning students. These include an extensive collection of electronic journals and ebooks, bibliographic databases and a wealth of digitised primary source material.

The University of Edinburgh is currently ranked 15th in the World in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

• a critical understanding of ancient and prehistoric societies, of variable geographical or chronological range depending on options taken
• the ability to utilise a variety of methods for the analysis of material and textual evidence with the aim of producing advanced and/or original research
• the ability to assess and critique complex historical and/or archaeological questions and theories
• the gaining of authentic experiences of building rigorous and academically valid arguments; and communicating and defending ideas and research findings through both scholarly outputs, and peer-led, collaborative discussions
• the confidence to devise, structure, and successfully complete an independent research project
• extensive experience in navigating online and offline resources for academic research

Our students view a graduate degree from Edinburgh as an advanced qualification valued and respected by many employers, others are interested in pursuing long-term academic careers and therefore consider the MSc as preparation for postgraduate study at PhD level.

You will have the opportunity to gain a range of practical skills and academic experience, in a variety of contexts.

Examples of career paths could include:

• academic research
• various roles in the heritage, travel or tourism sectors

You may develop your own career pathway in unusual ways or branch into related or different fields while maintaining a lifelong interest in archaeology and the ancient world.

Programme structure

The MSc is delivered entirely online. You will undertake:

• one compulsory course (20 credits)
• five option courses (total 100 credits)
• a research dissertation (60 credits)

Both the core and option courses are taught through a combination of:

• recorded lecture
• live seminars
• and may include discussion forums

In the same way as on-campus students, you will benefit from being taught mainly by experienced University of Edinburgh core staff in Archaeology and Classics. Certain courses may have the additional benefit of contributions from an occasional visiting or guest lecturer.

Compulsory course

Research Skills for Archaeology and Classics

Dissertation

The dissertation (60 credits) of 13-15,000 words is an independent research project supervised by one member (or two if appropriate) of the academic staff. Students have considerable freedom to define their own dissertation project, as long as it is feasible and falls within the available supervisory expertise.