Archaeology of Death and Memory MA
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Course Summary
How and why have the dead been treated and commemorated so differently from prehistory to the present day? Our MA in Archaeology of Death and Memory explores the complex history of death and memory from the hunter-gatherer societies of the Palaeolithic to recent times.
Our course is an exciting, cross-period postgraduate course of global application. It will allow you to examine and gain advanced expertise in the study of death, burial and commemoration in the human past, shedding light on debates and concerns of our present day.
The course focuses on archaeology but is unusually cross-disciplinary. You will explore debates that connect archaeology to research themes shared across the humanities and social sciences, including studies of ritual, the body, material culture, memory and mortality. Consequently, this degree will interest those with first degrees in archaeology or history, and also those with backgrounds in other disciplines.
World Leading Research
Small group teaching
A personalised approach
What you'llStudy
You will begin by studying two 20-credit modules that explore research skills for postgraduate study and key themes and debates in mortuary archaeology. You will then explore themes such as archaeology and the body, and archaeologies of memory, plus a further optional 20-credit module in archaeology. The degree culminates in an original Research Dissertation of 80 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:
Drawing on current research in heritage studies and contemporary archaeology, this module explores heritage concepts and interpretation and the definitions and management of the archaeological heritage in the contemporary cultural, socio-economic and political climate of the British Isles. The module also covers key issues in the archaeological study of contemporary society and the interaction of archaeological thinking, methods and practice with contemporary popular culture.
Module aims:
- Enable students to acquire an understanding of debates in heritage theory over recent decades and how this relates to current practices within archaeological heritage.
- Introduce students to the wide variety of sources and materials available for the study of archaeological heritage.
- Enable students to critically appraise the interpretation of heritage through the utilisation of material culture.
- Familiarise students with the range of current practices within archaeological heritage management.
Module content:
The module comprises an advanced survey and assessment of theory and method in the archaeology of death, burial and commemoration, drawing on interdisciplinary debates and themes. The module will explore current debates and approaches in the archaeology of death using case studies from world archaeology, European archaeology and the archaeology of the British Isles. Interdisciplinary debates in the material culture of death explored by anthropology, sociology and history will also be addressed.
Module aims:
- Introduce students to key case studies and applications of mortuary archaeology in the study of past societies and beliefs.
- Enable students to acquire a critical appraisal of theories and methods in current mortuary archaeology.
- Help students to critically explore mortuary contexts from taphonomic and ritual practice perspectives.
- Enable students to critically appraise interdisciplinary concepts and themes in death studies and their application to the archaeology of death.
- Explore the ethical, political and cultural debates in mortuary archaeology.
- Enable students to develop an innovative PhD proposal or carry out soundly-based work.
Module content:
This module explores the role of the body in constructing memories and identities across cultures. In doing so, the module analyses the archaeology of human remains (human osteology and palaeopathology including a critical appraisal of osteobiographical and analogical perspectives of the body in life and death). These approaches to the archaeology of the body will be combined and integrated with the study of embodiment and corporeality in past societies. This will be explored using case studies from world, European and British archaeology, investigating the body’s representation, adornment and transformation as well as bodily interactions with materials, architectures and landscapes. Specific case studies are drawn upon to explore how these approaches inform and enrich our studies of death and memory in past societies.
Module aims:
- Enable students to acquire an understanding of how the body as a concept is relevant in archaeological studies.
- Introduce students to the wide variety within which the human body is understood across different societies and during different chronological periods.
- Enable students to independently investigate the role of the body through archaeological and other material remains using anthropological and theoretical approaches.
- Enable students to develop an innovative PhD proposal or carry out soundly-based work.
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:
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.
Module content:
Each student researches and writes a 16,000-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. For the MA Archaeology and Heritage Practice, the dissertation 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 dissertation will involve research into the cognate fields of mortuary archaeology, archaeologies of memory and the archaeology of the body. For the MA in Past Landscapes and Environments, students will complete a dissertation into an element of environmental, landscape or urban history / archaeology.
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:
Drawing on current research this module explores theoretical and practical debates in the practice of public archaeology. In doing so the module links to relevant, historic and current political and social movements in both the U.K. and U.S. and covers key issues associated with public participation in archaeology including community archaeology; the practice and ethics of volunteering in archaeology; the creation of, and access to, archaeological information; archaeology and social benefit.
Module aims:
- Enable students to demonstrate a complex understanding of the history of public archaeology and how this has shaped public archaeology today.
- Enable students to select and apply a wide variety of sources and materials available for the study and practice of public archaeology.
- Enable students to critically assess a range of current practices and projects within public archaeology.
- Enable students to critically appraise theoretical and practical approaches to public archaeology.
MA Archaeology of Death and Memory at the University of Chester
Dr Amy Gray Jones
Senior Lecturer in Archaeology; Programme Leader MA Archaeology of Death and Memory
Dr Caroline Pudney
Senior Lecturer in Archaeology
Professor Howard Williams
Professor of Archaeology; Programme Leader MRes Archaeology
Dr Barry Taylor
Senior Lecturer in Archaeology
Prof Meggen Gondek
Professor of Archaeology
Dr Morn Capper
Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for Museums Studies and Sustainable Heritage Practice
The principal methods of delivery 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 Programme Leader will also serve as your Personal Tutor.
Assessment for the core and optional modules is via written work and other methods equivalent to approximately 4,000 words per 20-credit module. The Research Dissertation will be approximately 16,000 words in length.
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Entry Requirements
2:2 honours degree
A 2:2 honours degree or equivalent qualification in archaeology or any relevant discipline is required.
2:2 honours degree
A 2:2 honours degree or equivalent qualification in archaeology or any relevant discipline is required.
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.
The location
Modern learning resources and library
Student Services
Fitness facilities
Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces
Accommodation
Catering
Fees and Funding
£8,775 per year (2025/26)
Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses in the academic year 2025/26 are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page.
£15,000 per year (2025/26)
The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £15,000.
The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.
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.
Your Future Career
Job Prospects
Graduates from this course have gone on to pursue varied careers in the heritage sector, primary and secondary education and in writing and publishing. Many have also used the course as a foundation for academic careers, successfully completing PhD programmes, at Chester and other universities, to pursue teaching and research in higher education.
Careers service
The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.