Master in Archaeology MRes

The University of Liverpool, founded in 1882 and located in the vibrant city of Liverpool, is a research-intensive institution with a global student body of around 32,000, including approximately 17,700 international students. The university offers a wide range of programs—over 200—across sciences, engineering, humanities, health and business, combining rigorous academics with practical industry links. Its historic campus and city connections provide a lively cultural setting and strong transport links across the UK and beyond.

Research and employability are central to the Liverpool experience, with interdisciplinary projects, industry partnerships and extensive placement opportunities embedded in many degrees. Students benefit from modern facilities, dedicated career services and a supportive academic community that helps translate theory into professional practice. The university's global networks also create exchange and collaboration pathways for study abroad and joint research.

International students receive comprehensive support from pre-arrival guidance to on-campus services, including English language support, visa advice and student societies that foster social integration. Liverpool’s affordable living costs relative to other UK cities, combined with its cultural life and sporting traditions, make it attractive to students seeking a balanced academic and social experience. The University of Liverpool is well-suited to ambitious students aiming for impactful research, strong career outcomes and a cosmopolitan student life.

About the MRes in Archaeology

This MRes provides a personalised and focused introduction to postgraduate research. It will enable you to develop into an independent researcher and produce an original research project, supported by an expert in archaeology. The programme provides intensive preparation for doctoral research and your future career. We’ll guide you through the research process, equipping you with transferable skills, including critical thinking, project management, written and verbal communication, and problem-solving. Training in research methodologies will be tailored to archaeology and your specific research proposal.

You’ll discover how to design a research proposal, identify relevant evidence and sources, plan and undertake the research, and analyse and present your findings. The programme will also engage you in current historiographical and theoretical debates. You’ll be supported by academic experts in the Department of Archaeology, Classic and Egyptology and have access to archaeological collections and facilities for archaeological drawing.

Our team of MRes supervisors are actively engaged in research, ranging from early prehistory to late antiquity. Their specialisms include Palaeolithic archaeology and Egyptian archaeological culture.