Programme: MA Archaeology

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Code Faculty
01250177 Faculty of Humanities
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 180 NQF level:  09
Contact:
Dr A Antonites
[email protected]
+27 (0)124206490
Prof I Pikirayi
[email protected]
+27 (0)124204661

Programme information

• A student for a master’s degree must complete his or her studies within four years after first registering for the degree. The study comprises a 30 000-50 000 word dissertation based on an research proposal approved by the Research Proposal and Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Humanities (see requirement for preparatory year).

• Students are also required to: (a) perform one outreach activity per semester registered; (b) to participate in the Departmental Seminar Series; (c) to construct a museum display of their dissertation research; and (d) submit an article based on their research to an accredited publication at the end of their study.

• Students are required to conduct at least 8 weeks of fieldwork by the end of the master’s programme and must demonstrate mastery over basic and intermediate field techniques.

Admission requirements

  • An honours degree in Archaeology or very closely related discipline for which a minimum of 70% has been obtained.
  • Students with an average of between 65%-70% could be considered on academic merit until the programme is full. Apply to the Head of Department.
  • Prospective students may have to submit an admissions essay or sit for an examination or do additional modules to enable them to reach the desired level of study.

Additional requirements

Students who do not have the required level of proficiency in English have to take an additional module TTS 751 Academic writing skills.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    A detailed and in-depth examination and discussion of a topic of archaeological relevance based on a Faculty-approved research proposal and ethical clearance. A 30 000–50 000 word dissertation based on primary field research and other relevant research sources that demonstrates a specialised knowledge of the archaeological research process. While research findings can be negative, the master’s dissertation must be methodologically detailed and replicable. The dissertation must demonstrate the candidate’s ability to formulate strategies and responses to contextual and abstract problems. The research process must be fully accountable and demonstrate a sensitivity to working in a postcolonial context. A version or section of the dissertation must be submitted for publication in an accredited journal.

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The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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