Archaeology - Complex Societies: The University of Manchester

Course description
The Complex Societies MA pathway is a unique and exciting postgraduate programme which presents a unified theoretical approach to pre-modern societies with complex social, political, religious and economic institutions. To achieve this aim, it explicitly combines theoretical and ethnographic approaches to social complexity within a globally focused core course.
Drawing upon their research strengths in the Near East (Dr Stuart Campbell), the Mediterranean (Dr Ina Berg, Dr Lindy Crewe, Dr Maria Kostoglou, Dr Tom Rasmussen) and Northern Europe (Dr Melanie Giles), students will engage with key aspects of complex societies, including identity, political legitimacy, ritual and ceremonialism, cultural interaction and exchange. Successful students will gain an understanding of the major archaeological and anthropological approaches to complex societies, and develop the ability to apply them to the interpretation of archaeological remains. They will also acquire the necessary research skills to undertake a larger piece of independent research.
They recommend this MA to those who have an interest in this aspect of archaeology in and of itself, and to those considering further research (PhD) in this or a related area.
Career opportunities
In addition to subject-specific content and approaches, this Masters degree teaches and develops a wealth of transferable skills, and thus enables students to keep open a very wide range of career options. Recent graduates have gone on to PhDs in Archaeology, to working in Archaeological Units, to teaching, to contract researching, or to work in local or central government, commerce or industry.
Entry requirements

• Academic entry qualification overview: A First or Upper Second Class Honours degree, or the overseas equivalent.
• English language: If your first language is not English, you need a minimum score of 7.0 on the IELTS test or 600 on the TOEFL paper-based test (250 computer-based), or the Cambridge Advanced Certificate (grades A-C) or the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (grades A-C).