Ancient Worlds (Archaeology and Classics) (Online Learning) MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Archaeology

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

Online learning

Part-time
  • MSc | 2 years | Start date: September 2026
Part-time intermittent study
  • MSc | 4 years | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

School of History, Classics and Archaeology

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

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.

On our online MSc in Ancient Worlds, you will be invited to conceptualise your own place in today’s world against the backdrop of earlier societies that were different to ours and their legacy to the modern world in the form of cultural, philosophical or other achievements. You will also learn how the study of ancient cultures can contribute to current debates on, among others, the impact of climate change and problems related to socio-economic inequality.

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, develop your own specialised interests, whilst having the flexibility to study in a way that works for you.

If you have recently graduated and would like to continue your studies, are considering a return to education, or wish to retrain, or pursue a personal interested in the study of the Ancient World, this programme could work for you. The MSc provides the ideal balance between a busy life and studying towards an internationally recognised graduate qualification, without the disruption, or expense, of relocation.

This short video gives you an introduction to our MSc Ancient Worlds (Online Learning) programme from Dr Benedikt Eckhardt

Study options

Thanks to our state-of-the-art e-learning software and extensive digital resources, the programme is delivered entirely online. This enables you to manage work, childcare or other personal commitments whilst studying at your own pace and developing your own specialised interest under the expert guidance of our distinguished academics.

You will benefit from the flexible structure of the programme which allows you to earn a graduate certificate, diploma, or MSc by completing a skills training course and specialised option courses.

The online programme is currently available for students wishing to study part-time, with courses commencing in September. You will study at your own pace, completing the degree in two to four years. You can exit the programme at any stage with the qualification you have earned, which is determined by the number of credits successfully achieved at the required level (180 credits are required to complete the MSc).

Many of our online students balance their studies alongside other commitments. The programme’s flexible structure supports this, allowing part-time students the opportunity to take fallow semesters, in which you remain on the programme but do not register for courses.

Taught by academic staff who are experts in their field, you will benefit from our research-led teaching approach. Teaching is centred around two 11 week semesters each year, mid-September to December and mid-January to April. There are no courses offered from May to August (inclusive).

Degree certificates do not state that the programme is delivered online, nor do they reference '(Archaeology and Classics)'.

 

Studying for a single course

Studying a single course will take a semester.

Completion of any specialist option course20 credits
Studying for the Postgraduate Certificate

The certificate is expected to take up to three semesters.

Certificate (60 credits) 
Research Skills for Archaeology and Classics (core course)20 credits
Specialist option course20 credits
Specialist option course20 credits
Studying for the Postgraduate Diploma

The diploma is expected to take up to six semesters.

Diploma (120 credits) 
Research Skills for Archaeology and Classics (core course)20 credits
Specialist option course20 credits
Specialist option course20 credits
Specialist option course20 credits
Specialist option course20 credits
Specialist option course20 credits
Studying for the MSc

The full MSc is expected to take between two and four years to complete. You must complete all requirements for the Diploma before undertaking the dissertation.

MSc (180 credits) 
Research Skills for Archaeology and Classics (core course)20 credits
Specialist option course20 credits
Specialist option course20 credits
Specialist option course20 credits
Specialist option course20 credits
Specialist option course20 credits
15,000 word dissertation60 credits

 

Why is the final qualification an MSc rather than an MA?

The ancient Scottish universities (including the University of Edinburgh) traditionally offer the Master of Arts (MA) as an undergraduate academic degree. Our postgraduate History, Classics and Archaeology degrees are designated as the Master of Science (MSc) to distinguish them from undergraduate degrees.

Programme benefits

  • The University of Edinburgh has been delivering online degrees since 2005, with more than 11,000 graduates from over 180 countries.
  • The Ancient Worlds programme has been developed specifically for students who wish to further their study in Archaeology, Classics or a combination of both.
  • Our online learning Ancient Worlds MSc offers you the opportunity to study at an advanced level, in a way that works for you.

There were a couple of reasons that I chose Edinburgh. Firstly, the scope of modules available was wonderful - I think I could have studied the programme twice over with the number of modules that interested me and that I would have liked to have studied. Secondly, the idea of studying at a well-respected and highly rated university really appealed. Lastly, the flexibility of the programme with a choice of between 2 and 4 years to complete it.

Anne MSc Ancient Worlds, graduated 2023.
Anne in her graduation robes

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Part-time
Part-time intermittent study

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, a minimum US 3.25 GPA or other international equivalent, in a subject related to this programme.

It is not necessary that your first degree is in Archaeology or Classics or a related area, however, previous study in these subjects at honours or 'upper undergraduate' level is strongly advised. You may need to enrol on a feeder course if you do not have experience.

Relevant experience, or professional or other qualifications will also be considered.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

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)

Compulsory courses

You will take a compulsory course, which will provide an introduction to research skills in Archaeology and Classics, including the implementation of theoretical approaches and methods, and accessing resources for your research. The compulsory course for this programme is:

  • Research Skills for Archaeology and Classics - Semester 1

Option courses

Course options change every year depending on staff availability. Typically there will be three options from which to choose in Semester 1 (in addition to the compulsory course), and four options in Semester 2.

Option courses previously offered include those listed below.

  • Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs: An Introduction
  • Ancient Egyptian Religion and the Afterlife
  • Ancient Literature from a Comparative Perspective
  • Athenian democracy and modern preoccupations
  • Conflict Archaeology and the Human Past
  • Debating Marriage Between Antiquity and the Middle Ages
  • Egypt and its neighbours during the New Kingdom (1550-1067 BCE)
  • Etruscan Italy 1000 - 300 BC
  • Herod the Great and the End of Hellenism
  • Prehistory of Egypt: major steps for humankind millennia before the pyramids
  • Running the Roman Empire
  • The Athenian Akropolis
  • The Archaeology of Technology: From Prehistory to the Present
  • The Hittite Kingdom: History and Archaeology of an Ancient Near Eastern Civilisation
  • The Jewish Diaspora in the Roman Empire
  • The Near East from Justinian to the Fall of the Umayyads
  • The New Testament in the Graeco-Roman World
  • The Origins of Agriculture: Reconsidering the Neolithic
  • Roman Sculpture
  • Seafaring and Society in the Ancient Greek World
  • Women, Gender, and the New Testament: Text and Theory

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Part-time
Part-time intermittent study

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Disclaimer

Please note that courses are subject to change.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

The University of Edinburgh has a long history of teaching Archaeology and Classics. You will learn from a range of world renowned experts covering a breadth of research areas.

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. 

Our MSc Ancient Worlds aims to develop your understanding of:

  • Current methods, practices and theoretical perspectives in Archaeology and Classics.
  • Specific periods and regions
  • Current research and academic debates
  • Research tools and strategies, with relevant transferable skills for students contemplating doctoral research or professional employment
  • Practical skills, applied methods and techniques 
Our approach

Both the core and option courses are taught through using a variety of methods, which could include a combination of pre-recorded lectures (screencasts), live seminars, discussion forums, group work and reflective diary posts. Each course is coordinated by a dedicated lecturer, and due to the multi-disciplinary nature of the degree, some courses will be taught by more than one member of staff. 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.

Forum Seminars

Learn, our virtual learning environment, is where the forum seminars are held. During forum weeks discussions will engage with key readings or selected documents and are based around certain set tasks in the first half of the week, which will lead into a student-led discussion as the week progresses. 

Live Seminars

Blackboard Collaborate is the e-learning platform that we use to connect academic members of staff and students from all over the world in our live seminars. It enables you to contribute to the session using a microphone (and optionally a webcam) as well as a text chat. Live seminars provide a chance to interact face to face with other students and the course organiser. Many aspects of the traditional classroom are recreated virtually, for example the course organiser, or guest lecturer, uses a virtual whiteboard and includes a feature where the tutor can see which students are virtually raising their hands, ready to ask a question.

Attendance at live seminars is not mandatory. To provide more flexibility, all sessions are recorded and can be watched at the most convenient time for you.

Course organiser contact

If your courses involves participation in a Disscussion Forum, your course organiser will engage in the various threads introduced throughout the course. Your course organiser will provide guidance and feedback . The course organiser will also lead live seminars in Blackboard Collaborate, as described above.

Additional contact with course authors is available via multiple channels: you can arrange a Microsoft Teams or Zoom call, meet in the virtual classroom, and/or exchange emails.

Assessment

Our online courses incorporate a range of assignments which may include discussion forum tasks, source reviews, article reviews and recordings of oral presentations.

The final piece of coursework may often be an essay, which can constitute a high proportion of the overall mark for the course, which is submitted at the end of each course. Often you can design your own essay topic, provided it has been approved in discussion with the course organiser.

Essays and reviews are submitted and marked electronically using an online system called 'Turnitin', which is integrated with our e-learning platform.

Dissertation

Under the broad expertise of our teaching staff you will have the freedom to define your own dissertation project in consultation with your supervisor, allowing you to specialise in your preferred area of study.

The taught courses are worth a total of 120 credit points. Provided you achieve the required standard, you may then proceed to a period of individual research under the supervision of an academic member of staff in the School, resulting in a final dissertation worth a further 60 credits.

The dissertation (of 15,000 words), is an independent primary source-based research project, that is supervised by one or more members of academic staff. One-to-one supervision will be available to you while you are completing your dissertation; this can take place over email, telephone, and/ or audio and video calls.

Learning outcomes

  • 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 of navigating online and offline resources for academic research.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

How online learning works

This degree programme is taught entirely online. There is no need to come to the city or University campus. 

All learning and teaching takes place within our virtual learning environment (VLE). Through the VLE, you can: 

  • access all your learning materials and study resources, including e-books and library resources
  • interact with your tutors and classmates 

An online degree from the University of Edinburgh is academically equivalent to an on-campus postgraduate degree and involves the same level of work overall. The qualification you get is of equal value. Your degree certificate will not mention that you studied the programme online.

Time commitment

This programme is designed to be fully flexible to fit around your schedule. You can study in your own time and access all your learning resources, such as reading lists, discussion forms and slides from anywhere in the world.  

If there are live online sessions, you can watch a recording later in the virtual learning environment at a time convenient to you.    

Typically, you will need to dedicate around 10 to 20 hours per week to your programme although managing this is up to you. This may also vary from course to course, and the time commitment may increase when assignments are due.  

See 'Find courses' in Programme details for more information about study time commitment

Equipment and software needs

To study this online programme, you will need access to:   

  • a computer or laptop  
  • the internet  
  • the latest version of a web browser  

As an online student, you will have access to a range of software you can download to help you complete your coursework, including Microsoft Office 365. 

IT support is available if you have technical difficulties.  

IT and computing help

Support for online students

Career opportunities

Our students take the programme for personal fulfilment as well as professional and academic development.

A postgraduate degree is an intellectually rewarding experience, enhancing both your skills and employability, and could facilitate a change in career direction or help to provide a solid foundation from which you could apply 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: higher education, 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 the ancient world.

Further study

The School of History, Classics and Archaeology offers a PhD by Distance which may be of particular interest to students considering distance learning. Further information on our PhD by Distance programmes can be found on our website: 

PhD by Distance at the School of History, Classics and Archaeology

Graduate profiles

Cherie

Degree: MSc Ancient Worlds

Year of graduation: 2022

Current work: PhD candidate

I wanted to complete a Masters in Archaeological studies focused on Scottish pre-history. University of Edinburgh is unparalleled in that niche and has not only a top ranking worldwide, but a first rate faculty.

Cherie - MSc Ancient Worlds graduate

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 7 July 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete. 

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

General enquiries

Have a question about postgraduate study?

Postgraduate enquiries

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Academic contact

Dr Louise Blanke

Contact details

Related degree programmes

Other degrees in Archaeology