Iron Age and Celtic Archaeology

Overview

The European Iron Age is a dynamic focus of contemporary archaeological research. This Iron Age and Celtic Archaeology programme at the University of York takes an interdisciplinary approach, studying archaeological evidence alongside classical literary sources, and examines the impact of new scientific analysis.

You'll discuss the nature of Celtic identity and the broader meaning of ethnicity in past societies. Scientific developments, for example in ancient DNA research, will inform our ideas and spark new debates.

You can tailor the course with options covering a huge range of topics, including landscape, society, animals, conservation, and scientific techniques such as isotope and ancient DNA analysis. The skills you develop in laboratory and fieldwork will be useful for careers or further research in archaeology and heritage.

This is the only UK masters specialising in European Iron Age archaeology. The University of York is establishing itself as a major centre for research on the period, and the Department of Archaeology is home to staff with specialist expertise in the field.

Careers and skills

Many of the Department's graduates secure funding for PhD research projects and go on to pursue careers in academia. The course will also equip you for a range of careers from commercial archaeology to heritage and museum work. You will gain a broad range of transferable skills, applicable to areas beyond the archaeology and heritage sectors.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Department have gone on to work in:

• National heritage agencies, such as English Heritage, Historic Scotland and CADW
• International, national and local archaeological agencies
• Commercial archaeological companies
• National parks
• Heritage and conservation organisations