Architectural History and Archaeology - MA (Hons)

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. 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.