Archaeology - Research

The MLitt in Archaeology is a two-year, research-only masters, that is assessed by thesis (indicative word-count 40,000). The MLitt is a good option for students who are interested in advanced research, but not at the level of PhD. It is a good platform from which to progress to a PhD.



Enquiries should be made to the Head of Discipline. The application is developed from an initial discussion of your research interests, and more detailed conversations with a prospective supervisor, after which a formal application is made through the Postgraduate Applications System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the research interests and expertise of staff in the Discipline.

Applicants for the MLitt must have a primary degree in archaeology with a Second Class Honours, Grade 1, or its equivalent international qualification.

Important: apply by mid-July for September entry.

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.

The MLitt is a two-year, full-time (or four-year, part-time) postgraduate programme of research assessed by a major thesis of at least 40,000 words.

2 years



MLitt (Archaeology), full-time

MLitt (Archaeology), part-time

Research Areas


The Burren Landscape Through Time

Exploring the archaeology of the Burren from prehistoric to early modern times.


Landscape Archaeology

Providing an enhanced understanding of the interaction between people and landscape, from prehistoric times to modern day.


Ritual and Place

Exploring the role and context of ritual centres in prehistoric and medieval Ireland.


Material Culture, Art and Society

Exploring the style, pedigree and iconography of religious and decorative art in early medieval Ireland against its wider European backdrop.


Gaelic and Colonial Ireland

Providing modern Irish society with a new understanding of native society and its engagement with newcomers and colonisation.


Public Archaeology

Developing professional ethics and standards through mutually accountable work with communities to support their heritage in Ireland and abroad with particular concern for the positive and negative impact of development.


Irish Prehistory

All aspects of Irish prehistory including, but not limited to: the development of societies; interactions between people, place and landscape in prehistory; upland settlement; regionality; role of mountains in prehistory; megalithic monuments; lithics.