Master the digital systems that will help you to analyse archaeological data and visualise the past
Year of entry: 2025 (September)
1 year full-time,
2 years part-time,
3 years part-time
September 2025 (semester dates)
Join us online or in person to find out more about postgraduate study at York.
Upcoming eventsQS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024
QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024
Digital archives are a rich resource for knowledge preservation, exchange and dissemination. Digital technologies offer us new ways to understand, interpret and model the past.
This course provides practical experience and a broad foundation in computing applications that is highly valued in the heritage sector. You'll have access to a full suite of research computing hardware and software and develop knowledge of internet applications, database design and management, Graphics Information System (GIS) technology, CAD and computer modelling systems.
At York, we've been at the forefront of researching and developing archaeological computing applications since the early days of digital practice in the field. We host Internet Archaeology, the first online peer-reviewed e-journal for archaeology, as well as the Archaeological Data Service, the largest and oldest repository for archaeological data in the world.
Many of our graduates go on to careers in archaeological computing, working in contract units or county-based records organisations. Others apply their computing skills in more mainstream archaeological work, in museums, or in a variety of other fields.
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Digital Archaeology at the University of York provided me with a solid foundation in archaeology and the means to excel in my chosen specialism. The experiences and enthusiasm of staff and peers creates an environment of fresh ideas and genuine desire to further archaeology as a discipline.Ben Dyson, MSc Digital Archaeology
Informality is one of our distinctive qualities - the atmosphere in our department is friendly, supportive and enthusiastic. We want you to develop your potential and thrive at York.
With historic buildings and significant remains from the Roman, Viking and Medieval periods, York has an impressive concentration of archaeology.
You'll choose five option modules from examples including:
It is recommended that you choose a minimum of one, preferably two digital optional modules to prepare you for dissertation work. You'll also have the opportunity to choose options from our full module catalogue. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course.
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
You'll complete an 8,000-word dissertation on your research.
You will receive support, advice and guidance from your dissertation supervisor throughout your project. The range of expertise of our staff means we can provide you with guidance on a wide range of topics. You will have one-to-one meetings with supervisors across the Summer Semester.
Examples of previous dissertations include:
Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.
The experiences and enthusiasm of staff and peers creates an environment of fresh ideas and genuine desire to further archaeology as a discipline. The course gives you the opportunities and space to experiment and push yourself to new heights.Geoff, MSc Archaeological Information Systems (now Digital Archaeology)Director, Heritage Technology Ltd
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £11,200 | £25,900 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. |
£5,600 | £12,950 |
| Part-time (3 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. |
£3,733 | £8,633 |
Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study.
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
We don't anticipate there being any additional fees associated with this course. All books and resources you need will be available in the library or online and it isn't mandatory that you buy your own copies. You may wish to set aside a small budget for photocopying, depending on how you like to work.
Field trips are funded by the Department.
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2025/26 throughout the year.
If you've successfully completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
We are pleased to work with Chevening Scholars to offer funding for our Masters programmes. Chevening Scholarships provide one year of fully-funded postgraduate study in the UK for international (including EU) students. The scholarships are open to early and mid-career professionals who have the potential to become future leaders.
We have a variety of funding options available within the department.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops, practicals and seminars.
There are two dedicated computer labs with a range of imaging software, including 3D Studio Max, Agisoft Metashape, Blender, Davinci Resolve, Unity, ArcGIS, and AutoCAD.
The department has equipment available for student use including total stations, handheld and differential GPS, drones, 360 camera, Leica RTC360 laser scanner, Go-Pro cameras, gradiometers, ground penetrating radar, resistance meters, video-ready DSLR cameras, microphones, an RTI dome and other photography kit.
You will be based on Campus West and in King's Manor.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
You will be assessed by a variety of methods. Depending on which modules you opt to take, these could include:
This course offers practical, career-focused training for many essential roles in the professional world of archaeology. The digital knowledge you'll develop, including transferable skills such as database design, will leave you well prepared for a wide range of technology-focused careers in archaeology, the heritage sector and beyond.
The degree has propelled my career and on my return to the USA has opened the door to many opportunities where GIS is integral to the position. In my current role, my GIS background has allowed me to change the way we work by streamlining our efforts for more effective disaster support.Eric, MSc Archaeological Information Systems (now Digital Archaeology)Historic Preservation Specialist, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent. |
| Other qualifications and experience | Mature students or those with less conventional qualifications but with relevant professional experience and enthusiasm for this field will be considered. To find out if your professional experience or qualifications are appropriate, please contact the Course Director. |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
You will need to submit examples of written work with your application. Please see our guidance on submitting written work.
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Minimum requirement | |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 6 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 459-494, with 426-458 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum of 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements.
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to premium.
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