Palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic Archaeology UCL

Overview

The Palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic Archaeology MSc at UCL explores the biological and archaeological aspects of human evolution. The programme is jointly delivered by the Institute of Archaeology and the Anthropology department and provides integrated training in the study of early humans, fossil evidence, and prehistoric cultures.

Why Palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic Archaeology at UCL?

UCL's Institute of Archaeology is renowned for its excellence, with Archaeology ranked 3rd and Anthropology 4th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. The programme is uniquely positioned to provide students with an interdisciplinary approach to the study of human origins, drawing on expertise from various fields including Earth Sciences and the Centre for Evolutionary Genetics. Students benefit from exceptional facilities, including access to the Natural History Museum and the British Museum, enhancing their learning experience with real-world applications.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the MSc in Palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic Archaeology for the academic year 2026/27 are as follows:

• National Students: £16,000 per year
• International Students: £33,000 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The programme encompasses a wide range of modules designed to provide a robust understanding of human evolution, including:

• Themes in Palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic Archaeology (Core Module)
• Palaeoanthropology
• Primate Anatomy, Evolution and Environments
• Human Behavioural Ecology
• Primate Behaviour and Ecology
• Evolutionary Medicine
• Archaeobotanical Analysis in Practice
• Geoarchaeology: Methods and Concepts 1
• Prehistoric Stone Artefact Analysis
• Evolution of the Human Brain and Behaviour
• Zooarchaeology in Practice
• Resources and Subsistence
• Environmental Archaeology in Practice
• The Archaeology of Early Human Origins
• Dispersals, Extinctions, and Intensification in the Later Palaeolithic

The course is structured to allow students to undertake a dissertation, which accounts for 50% of the total credits, with the remaining credits obtained from taught modules in the first two terms.

Careers with Palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic Archaeology

Graduates of this MSc programme are well-equipped for a variety of careers in sectors such as:

• Palaeolithic Archaeology and Palaeoanthropological research and teaching
• Consultancy services in prehistoric and geoarchaeological expertise
• Museum curation and interpretation
• Environmental and sustainability roles
• Journalism and publishing
• Civil Service
• Tourism and heritage management
• Information technology

This degree not only prepares students for academic pursuits, such as doctoral research, but also equips them with transferable skills that are highly valued across diverse industries. Networking opportunities through career events and access to a global alumni network further enhance employability, allowing graduates to connect with professionals in various fields related to archaeology and beyond.