Archaeology MRes
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Course Summary
Our MRes in Archaeology offers an excellent opportunity to conduct original archaeological research into a chosen topic and become proficient in advanced research skills and project management. The course also provides ideal preparation for MPhil/PhD research and valuable training for a career in the archaeology and heritage sectors.
Our course provides a thorough grounding in the current archaeological theory and method, and will lead to the completion of a 28,000-word Research Dissertation.
We offer supervision in a broad range of archaeological and heritage subjects and topics for Britain and neighbouring regions drawing on the expertise of our well-known archaeology and heritage specialists. Our areas of research expertise include: the history and theory of archaeology; Mesolithic archaeology; Iron Age and Roman Britain; Anglo-Saxon and Viking Age archaeology; geoarchaeology; mortuary archaeology; archaeologies of memory, materiality and material culture; art and aesthetics; stone sculpture; and public archaeology.
Students also have the option to study our MRes Archaeology course via distance learning.
World-leading research
Crafting your own cutting-edge research
Open to a range of first-degree graduates and distance learning option available
What you'llStudy
You will begin by studying two 20-credit modules – one exploring research skills for postgraduate study, and a further 20-credit module in archaeology. The degree culminates in an original Research Dissertation of 140 credits.
Module content:
This provides an archaeology and heritage-specific Master's level research skills and methods module, affording students the necessary tools for Master’s level research in archaeology and heritage. Students gain the opportunity to explore a range of skills and build on their existing knowledge and expertise, including how to identify relevant resources, how to appraise and critique research publications, and how to construct and analyse archaeological evidence. Students can opt to gain more detailed experience in those skills they wish to enhance most.
Module aims:
- Enable students to acquire an understanding of research methods, presentation and study skills relevant to the disciplines of archaeology and heritage.
- Enable students to acquire an independent approach to developing their research methods and skills, including the effective use of research facilities and sources.
- Enable students to select and apply appropriate methodologies for different types of research questions and to make informed judgements in the absence of complete data or evidence.
Module content:
Each student researches and writes a 4000-word research essay. The topic and title is negotiated between the student and the supervising tutor; tutor approval of the topic and title is an essential requirement. The research essay is based upon guided, but largely independent, research and upon substantial use of a range of primary source materials.
For the MA Archaeology & Heritage Practice, the research essay will involve research into heritage practice, archaeological heritage and the archaeology of the contemporary past.
For the MA Archaeology of Death and Memory, the research essay will involve research into the cognate fields of mortuary archaeology, archaeologies of memory and the archaeology of the body.
For the MA Archaeology and the MA History, the focus of the essay will be on an aspect of the past that relates to the Department’s specialisms. For the MA in Past Landscapes and Environments, students will complete a research essay into an element of environmental, landscape or urban history / archaeology.
Finally, the research essay for the MA in War, Conflict and Society will involve research into an aspect of the social history of war and/or conflict.
The module is intended as an alternative to HI7329 for those wishing to graduate with a PG diploma rather than the Master's degree.
Module aims:
- To enable students to pursue selected topics in depth via independent research.
- To familiarise students with the range of sources/texts/material available for the study of their selected research essay topic.
- To enable students to explore and critically examine the nature and characteristics of their selected research essay topic.
Module content:
Each student researches and writes a 28,000-word dissertation. The topic and title is negotiated between the student and the supervising tutor; tutor approval of the topic and title is an essential requirement. The research dissertation is based upon guided but largely independent research and upon substantial use of a range of primary source materials.
Module aims:
- To enable students to pursue selected topics in depth via independent research.
- To familiarise students with the range of sources/texts/material available for the study of their selected dissertation topic.
- To enable students to explore and critically examine the nature and characteristics of their selected dissertation topic.
Module content:
The module explores the rich interdisciplinary and growing research field of ‘the archaeology of memory’ in relation to landscapes. The module draws on case studies worldwide from different periods and places to illustrate current debates on the roles of material culture, monuments and landscapes in the creation and recreation of the past in the past.
Module aims:
- Introduce students to the principal approaches and perspectives in memory studies and links between landscape and commemoration.
- Introduce students to key case studies in the archaeology of memory and landscapes.
- Enable students to critique theories and methods in the study of memory in past societies.
- Enable students to develop an innovative PhD proposal or carry out soundly-based work.
Dr Morn Capper
Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for Museums Studies and Sustainable Heritage Practice
Prof Meggen Gondek
Professor of Archaeology
Dr Amy Gray Jones
Senior Lecturer in Archaeology; Programme Leader MA Archaeology of Death and Memory
Dr Caroline Pudney
Senior Lecturer in Archaeology
Dr Barry Taylor
Senior Lecturer in Archaeology
Professor Howard Williams
Professor of Archaeology; Programme Leader MRes Archaeology
The principal methods of delivery for taught modules will be a mixture of lectures, seminars, individual tutorials and field visits to archaeological and heritage sites. The Research Dissertation is taught through regular supervisory meetings.
The taught modules are delivered online for those students on the distance learning route.
Assessment for the core modules is via written work and other methods equivalent to approximately 4,000 words per 20-credit module. The Research Dissertation will be approximately 28,000 words in length.
Each 20-credit module runs for 2.5 hours per week across an eight-week period. The Programme Leader will serve as your Personal Tutor.
Entry Requirements
2:1 honours degree
A 2:1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in archaeology or any relevant discipline is required. Applicants will be required to produce up to 300 words describing their research topic, and attend an interview. Consideration will be given to those who hold a lower classification who can demonstrate they are capable of performing at the level required to complete the course successfully.
To complete your application you will need to submit a project proposal. You can find more information about the required format and best practices on our Applying for MPhil/Phd or MRes degrees page.
2:1 honours degree
A 2:1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in archaeology or any relevant discipline is required. Applicants will be required to produce up to 300 words describing their research topic, and attend an interview. Consideration will be given to those who hold a lower classification who can demonstrate they are capable of performing at the level required to complete the course successfully.
See below for your country specific requirements. Please note, some programmes have special entry requirements and if applicable, these are listed below.
English Language Requirements
For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.
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Fees and Funding
£TBC per year (2025/26)
The tuition fees for home students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Classroom) in the academic year 2025/26 are £TBC per year.
£15,084 per year (2025/26)
The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Classroom) in the academic year 2025/26 are £15,084 per year.
The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Laboratory) in the academic year 2025/26 are £19,132 per year.
For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.
Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.
Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.
If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.
The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.
Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.
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