Architectural History and Archaeology MA (Hons)

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Architecture and Architectural History and Heritage

Year of entry: 2027 (show 2026 entry)

Key facts

UCAS Code

VVH4

Award

MA (Hons)

Duration of study

4 years

Delivery

Full-time

Study location

Lauriston campus

Start date

September 2027

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Study abroad

Available

Accreditation

Available

Placement

Available

Open days and events

About the degree programme

Our undergraduate degree MA Architectural History and Archaeology is the only degree programme at this level in the UK. It is a small, diverse and friendly programme taught by specialist, research-active staff.

Architectural history explores how people have imagined, designed and used buildings and places in the past. It also considers how these places can be understood today, and what they can tell us about bigger themes in social, political and urban history.

Architectural history involves the study of buildings and places. Our programme offers an unrivalled breadth of study in the historic built environment.

It places the history of architecture in the context of urbanism and the cultural history of cities. We also consider issues in contemporary architectural heritage.

Archaeology is the study of our human past through the discovery, recovery and analysis of material remains.

Archaeologists are uniquely positioned to provide deep-time perspectives on contemporary global challenges such as climate change, migration, identity and heritage.

While historians are primarily concerned with oral, written and transcribed accounts of the past, archaeologists use artefacts, ecofacts (such as plant and animal remains), buildings, sites, and human remains to study the lives and societies of past peoples.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is usually studied over 4 years, however, some students may be eligible to enter in the second year and complete the programme in 3 years.

How a joint degree programme works

A joint programme allows you to gain a well-rounded learning experience. You will have more exposure to different disciplines, allowing you to expand your knowledge and expertise.

Teaching on joint programmes is split across the two subject areas, and teaching will take place in locations associated with both subjects.

You will gain a different perspective through studying more than one subject and have a wider skill set that is highly attractive to future employers.

Programme benefits

  • There are opportunities for study abroad, work placements, and field trips within the programme.
  • This degree is highly distinctive as an undergraduate programme focused on architectural history and archaeology, which also makes links to other subjects such as history of art.
  • You will be taught by one of the largest concentrations of architectural history specialists at any UK university, drawing on the latest research.
  • Teaching makes use of the exceptional libraries and archives at the University of Edinburgh as well as the resources of the wider city, a World Heritage Site.
  • The degree is ideally suited for those with interests in history and architecture and may be a gateway to careers or further study in heritage and conservation, or a wide range of other professions.
  • We work closely with local heritage organisations, including Historic Environment Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland, and usually can offer placements within the heritage sector as an element of our Year 3 and 4 teaching.

There’s an unprecedented number of professors who are experts, which makes it special.

Matty MA Architectural History and Heritage, graduated 2024.

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

  1. Select the country or region where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.
  2. Select the qualification you are studying or studied.
United Kingdom,

Tuition fees for MA (Hons) Architectural History and Archaeology

View the tuition fees for one academic year of MA (Hons) Architectural History and Archaeology.

Tuition fees for this programme

Additional costs

This programme requires you to cover additional costs on top of your tuition fees.
 
To fully participate in this programme, we recommend that you budget a minimum of £250 for equipment and materials throughout your studies. You will also need to cover the cost of an archaeological fieldwork project. 

Archaeological fieldwork project

In Year 1, we expect you to take part in an archaeological fieldwork project.

Normally, the minimum requirement is three weeks of fieldwork experience. In consultation with archaeology staff, you can decide on which appropriate fieldwork you wish to pursue based on your budget. Some fieldwork projects require a participation fee. These costs vary depending on the location and will be paid for by the student.

We are able to make a contribution towards your mandatory fieldwork in Year 1, and also to fieldwork and practical work in later years if it contributes to your programme. However, the overall cost to you will depend on the type of work you choose and the location.

In later years, you may decide to undertake additional practical archaeological work in the holidays following Years 2 and 3.

Equipment

Most equipment and software required will be provided by the School, but you might be expected to provide some specialist equipment, such as headphones and SD cards.

Materials

You will be expected to buy general materials for recording archaeological sites, such as sketchbooks, paper and pens.
 
Course organisers will support you in meeting intended learning outcomes while keeping material costs to a minimum, encouraging sustainable, responsible sourcing through Free Use Hub, but you will be expected to fund optional material costs as necessary for your own project work.

Costs for an optional year abroad

If you study abroad in Year 3 through the University's study exchange programme, you will need to pay related costs. These include:

  • tuition fees
  • accommodation and living costs
  • country-specific expenses like travel, visas and insurance

You can use our budget calculator to help estimate your costs.

Find out more about costs for studying abroad

You can also use a tool like Numbeo to compare the cost of living abroad to Edinburgh or your home town or city.

Numbeo

If you are away on exchange or placement, you may receive a reduction in your tuition fees for the year. This depends on:

  • the type of placement you are on
  • how long you are away

As an indication, you can see the reductions for students studying away in 2026-27. These are reviewed annually and are subject to change.

Study away fees for 2026-27

Accommodation and living costs

You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.

For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £1,546 each month to live in Edinburgh as a single undergraduate student. This equates to £13,914 for a 39-week academic year and £18,552 for a full year.

The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.

Living costs: estimates explained 

Scholarships and funding

Funding information

You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section.

Funding

What you will study

You do not need prior knowledge of architecture or architectural history to study this programme.

The first two years of the programme offer a foundational survey of the history of architecture in a range of global contexts. We also introduce archaeology.

In Years 3 and 4 of the programme, teaching is more specialised. We offer a range of courses which draw on the expertise of our research-active staff. There is usually the opportunity to do an assessed work placement with a heritage organisation.

In Year 4, you will write a 10,000 to 12,000-word dissertation with staff guidance. This is an opportunity to explore a topic in depth and to demonstrate the skills of research, analysis and argument which are not only at the core of the degree but are also useful in many different careers.

Changes to teaching and learning

As part of our commitment to offering high-quality education, there may be changes to course options and delivery.

We try to provide a wide range of option courses to choose from, but these may be changed or cancelled at short notice. Therefore, we cannot guarantee every student their top choice of option courses.

In Year 1 you will: 

  • Study introductory courses (modules) in Architectural History, which look at buildings and places over a long time period and in a range of places.
  • Study Archaeology 1A and Archaeology 1B which offer a broad introduction to our human past. They cover the period from the evolution of the first humans several million years ago, to the emergence of farming and the development of civilisations in Europe, Egypt and the Near East.
  • Be able to take an optional course from other academic areas across the University.
  • You will also take a fieldwork course. As part of this course, you will need to complete three weeks of fieldwork before starting Year 2.
Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 1 courses (2026-2027 academic year)

Year 2 focuses on the city as a social and cultural phenomenon. 

In this year, you will take a course dealing specifically with techniques and practices concerning heritage management and conservation.

You will study the archaeology of Scotland from the earliest evidence of human occupation at the end of the last ice age to the Picts in the early medieval period.

Key themes include: 

  • the recolonization of Scotland after the last ice age
  • the world heritage sites in the 'heart' of Scotland (such as Neolithic Orkney)
  • the ways the environment shapes human behaviour
  • the lasting impact activities like farming had on the Scottish landscape
  • the Roman advances into Scotland

A field trip to visit archaeological sites and the National Museum of Scotland are core components of this course. 

You will also study 'Archaeology in Action'. This course develops your understanding of professional archaeological practice and explores exciting innovations in archaeological methods through real-world application and hands-on practical exercises.  

You will be able to take optional courses from other academic areas across the University.

Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 2 courses (2026-2027 academic year)

In Year 3 you will: 

  • take the course Texts and Theories in Western Architecture
  • study the history of archaeology from its antiquarian beginnings in the 18th and 19th centuries and its development as an academic discipline
  • consider the theories that archaeologists have used to understand and interpret the remains that they have found and examine how these ideas have changed over the past 150 years
  • study the contemporary practice of archaeology in the UK and beyond
  • gain insights into the roles and activities of professional archaeologists, and the practical and transferable skills sought by employers in the cultural heritage sector

You will also choose optional courses in architectural history and have the opportunity to take a work placement.

Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 3 courses (2026-2027 academic year)

In Year 4 you will choose specialist honours courses on the same basis as Year 3. 

You will also complete a dissertation.

Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 4 courses (2026-2027 academic year)

Study abroad

Study abroad options are available. 

We organise these with the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA) Exchanges Coordinator. They vary according to timing and location.

What are my options for going abroad?

Placements

You will have the opportunity to apply to go on placement with a local heritage-based organisation in Year 3 or 4.

You will gain experience in assessing and studying methods and strategies for managing the historic built environment.

Field trips

Many of our courses include teaching in locations around the city of Edinburgh, including key streets, buildings, and archives. Several courses include day trips to locations beyond Edinburgh.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Teaching varies from course to course. You should expect a mixture of lectures, which offer a quick way to orientate yourself with new material, and interactive tutorials and seminars. You will also work independently, reading around the subject to develop your understanding.

You can expect:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • projects
  • study trips
  • practical experience

Within summer vacation at the end of Year 1 you will complete three weeks of fieldwork either inside or outside of the UK. 

Fieldwork or other practical work in later years is optional, but it can contribute towards your final degree and can also contribute to your dissertation research.

Assessment

You will be assessed through: 

  • coursework
  • exams
  • presentations

You will also complete a dissertation in Year 4.

You will normally be on campus each day of the week, attending lectures and tutorials, and working independently in the libraries. 

You will normally be studying for around 35 hours per week during the teaching semesters.

Support for your studies

ECA’s Student and Academic Support Service (SASS) supports students throughout their studies in all degree programmes at ECA.

You will have a dedicated Student Adviser, based within SASS, who is specially trained to support you during your studies. Your Student Adviser will be your first point of contact for any support, including questions about your studies or your well-being. Your Student Adviser can support you with:

  • personal or wellbeing issues that you are facing, including how to access specialist support
  • queries related to your programme, such as course enrolments, programme transfers and academic progression
  • applying for extensions and special circumstances
  • advice about how to take a break from your studies
  • registering with the Disability and Learning Support Service

If you’re unsure who to ask, you can contact your Student Adviser as a first point of contact.

Support for your studies

Our academic staff

All members of staff are research-active and are recognised specialists.

Our core architectural history team consists of:

  • Professor Richard Anderson (architecture of the Soviet Union and the Socialist world during the twentieth century)
  • Professor Alex Bremner (nineteenth-century architecture in Britain and its Empire; architecture and energy)
  • Dr Alistair Fair (architecture and planning in twentieth-century Britain)
  • John Lowrey (eighteenth-century Scottish architecture)
  • Professor Emeritus Angus Macdonald (architecture and structure)

Learn more about our teaching staff on ECA's People Directory

Where you will study

Study location

Teaching in this programme takes place across a range of facilities, all located in the Central Area. This includes lecture theatres and seminar rooms. You will also learn on-site at city locations.

Academic facilities

You will have access to:

  • specialist facilities at ECA and the wider University
  • a range of study spaces and specialist classrooms
  • computing facilities and creator labs
  • libraries and special collections

Additionally, the Archaeology department has five archaeological research and teaching laboratories. These include post-excavation processing and wet chemistry labs, and a large teaching laboratory for the study of skeletal remains.

Investing in our learning environment

Edinburgh College of Art is excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston Campus. Part of the work is due to be completed by March 2026, with the rest of the redevelopment continuing into 2027. 

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.​

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston Campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find out more in this 2024 article on our website which explains the redevelopment in more detail. 

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston Campus - Edinburgh College of Art

Virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the Edinburgh College of Art and explore our facilities and campus with our virtual tour.

Take a virtual tour of Edinburgh College of Art

Career paths

Architectural history and archaeology is directly relevant for further study or careers in:

  • the conservation of buildings and cities
  • land management
  • heritage or historical consultancy
  • education
  • applied archaeological companies and consultancies

However, our graduates also go on to work in a wide range of other areas, using the research and communication skills encouraged by this degree.

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

Further study

After you complete your programme, you may want to go onto further study at Edinburgh or a different university. You could progress to:

  • a masters degree
  • a postgraduate diploma or certificate
  • a PhD
  • a second undergraduate degree

Find out about options for further study 

Postgraduate degrees you might be interested in could include:

How to apply

You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.

Guidance on applying through UCAS

What you need to apply

As part of your application, you will need:

  • your academic qualifications
  • a personal statement
  • evidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)
  • a reference

How we select

If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.

As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.

How we select applicants

When to apply

  • 2027 entry UCAS deadline: 13 January 2027 (6:00pm GMT)

This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.

To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 13 January 2027, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.

Search degrees that are open on the UCAS website

Key application dates and deadlines

After you apply

After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:

Applying as an international student

As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS.  

Find out more about applying through UCAS  

Visas and immigration 

If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme.  

Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. 

Applying for a visa  

Agents

An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. 

We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact.  

Find contact details for an education agent

What our students say

What is it really like to study here? Our students share their experiences on our social media.

You can find out what a day in the life is like for an Edinburgh College of Art Student, from late nights in the library to their favourite walks around the city!

Instagram: Edinburgh College of Art

Our team of History, Classics and Archaeology (HCA) student writers share their experiences and thoughts on the things that matter to them, including:

  • life as a student on a joint degree
  • transitioning to university as a mature student
  • studying in Edinburgh when English is not your first language
  • tips for disabled students

Read the HCA student blog

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year of your entry to the University.

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sports clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Our vibrant capital is a blend of culture, history, nature and modern city life. A fantastic place to live, it is also the perfect location to study architectural history and archaeology.

As a place of outstanding architectural interest and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh offers the perfect setting in which to study the built environment.

Edinburgh’s dynamic cultural scene boasts the largest collection of historic buildings, museums, art galleries and theatres of any city in Scotland.

The University of Edinburgh’s museums and galleries include:

  • the Talbot Rice Gallery
  • Centre for Research Collections
  • St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum

Edinburgh is home to several major annual festivals, each bringing talent from around the world to our streets and stages, making the celebration of diversity an intrinsic part of the city’s culture. These include the:

  • Festival Fringe
  • Film Festival
  • Art Festival
  • Book Festival
  • Jazz and Blues Festival

Some of our students even participate in our annual festivals.

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include:

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustment

Health and wellbeing support services

Contact us

Contact us through our enquiry team if you have any questions about this programme.

Open days, events and visits

Find out when our next open days will be taking place

Open days, events and visits

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

Related degree programmes

Other degrees in Architecture and Architectural History and Heritage

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