Arts & Humanities

Master of Arts in Archaeology

The Master of Arts in Archaeology is a postgraduate programme offered by the University of Nairobi through the Department of History and Archaeology in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The programme provides advanced training in archaeological theory, field methods, and material culture analysis, preparing graduates for careers in heritage management, research, and cultural resource management.

The programme requires a minimum of sixteen course units plus a research project equivalent to four course units. Students take six prescribed core course units and select electives to meet the minimum unit requirement, allowing specialisation within the discipline while maintaining a comprehensive foundation.

Core areas of study include archaeological theory, field archaeology methods, artefact analysis, African archaeology, prehistoric archaeology, historical archaeology, cultural heritage management, and research methods in archaeology. Students engage with both theoretical frameworks and practical field techniques.

The Department of History and Archaeology at the University of Nairobi is a leading centre for archaeological research in East Africa, with access to significant archaeological sites and collections. Kenya's rich archaeological heritage, including early hominid sites in the Rift Valley, provides exceptional opportunities for field-based learning and research.

The programme is designed for both recent graduates and professionals working in museums, heritage institutions, cultural resource management, and academia. Students benefit from proximity to the National Museums of Kenya and numerous archaeological sites for practical training and research.

Graduates are prepared for careers as archaeologists, museum curators, heritage managers, cultural resource consultants, researchers, and university lecturers. The programme's location in Kenya, a cradle of human evolution with world-renowned archaeological sites, provides unique research and career opportunities in the heritage sector.

Skills Required

Archaeological Field Methods
Artefact Analysis and Classification
Archaeological Theory
Cultural Heritage Management
Stratigraphic Analysis
Archaeological Survey Techniques
Collection Management and Conservation
Research Methods in Archaeology
African Archaeology
Cultural Resource Assessment

Key Subjects

Archaeological Theory
Field Archaeology Methods
Artefact Analysis and Classification
African Archaeology
Prehistoric Archaeology
Historical Archaeology
Cultural Heritage Management
Research Methods in Archaeology
Stratigraphic Analysis
Archaeological Survey Techniques

Certifications

Register of Professional Archaeologists
International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Membership

Specializations

Prehistoric Archaeology

Focuses on the study of prehistoric cultures through material remains, including stone tool analysis, early hominid studies, and hunter-gatherer archaeology.

Historical Archaeology

Examines archaeological evidence from periods with written records, combining documentary and material culture analysis.

African Archaeology

Covers the archaeology of Africa with emphasis on East African archaeological traditions, sites, and research.

Cultural Heritage Management

Focuses on the management, conservation, and presentation of archaeological and cultural heritage sites and collections.

Maritime Archaeology

Examines underwater archaeological sites, coastal settlements, and maritime cultural heritage along the East African coast.

Geoarchaeology

Covers the application of geological methods to archaeological questions, including sediment analysis, site formation processes, and landscape archaeology.

Archaeometry

Focuses on scientific methods in archaeology including dating techniques, material analysis, and remote sensing applications.

Public Archaeology

Examines the public dimensions of archaeology including community engagement, heritage education, and archaeological tourism.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 220,500
Private, up to: Ksh 249,800
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Archaeological Theory
Field Archaeology Methods
Artefact Analysis and Classification
African Archaeology
Prehistoric Archaeology
Historical Archaeology
Cultural Heritage Management
Research Methods in Archaeology
Stratigraphic Analysis
Archaeological Survey Techniques

Modules

10 in the programme

Archaeological Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines major theoretical frameworks in archaeology including culture history, processual, post-processual, and contemporary approaches.
Field Archaeology Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers archaeological field techniques including survey, excavation, recording, sampling, and site formation processes.
Artefact Analysis and Classification
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines methods for analysing, classifying, and interpreting archaeological materials including pottery, stone tools, and metal artefacts.
African Archaeology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Surveys the archaeology of Africa from early hominids to complex societies, with emphasis on East African archaeological traditions.
Prehistoric Archaeology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines prehistoric cultures through material remains, including Stone Age archaeology, early hominid studies, and hunter-gatherer societies.
Cultural Heritage Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers the management, conservation, and presentation of archaeological and cultural heritage sites and collections.
Research Methods in Archaeology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers quantitative and qualitative research methodologies for conducting original archaeological research.
Historical Archaeology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Examines archaeological evidence from periods with written records, combining documentary and material culture analysis.
Stratigraphic Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Covers principles and methods of stratigraphic analysis, including site formation processes, relative dating, and stratigraphic recording.
Research Project
Year 2Semester 212 creditsCore
Original research project on an archaeological topic, equivalent to four course units, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Prehistoric Archaeology
Focuses on the study of prehistoric cultures through material remains, including stone tool analysis, early hominid studies, and hunter-gatherer archaeology.
Historical Archaeology
Examines archaeological evidence from periods with written records, combining documentary and material culture analysis.
African Archaeology
Covers the archaeology of Africa with emphasis on East African archaeological traditions, sites, and research.
Cultural Heritage Management
Focuses on the management, conservation, and presentation of archaeological and cultural heritage sites and collections.
Maritime Archaeology
Examines underwater archaeological sites, coastal settlements, and maritime cultural heritage along the East African coast.
Geoarchaeology
Covers the application of geological methods to archaeological questions, including sediment analysis, site formation processes, and landscape archaeology.
Archaeometry
Focuses on scientific methods in archaeology including dating techniques, material analysis, and remote sensing applications.
Public Archaeology
Examines the public dimensions of archaeology including community engagement, heritage education, and archaeological tourism.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on archaeological theory, African archaeology, or artefact analysis at the Department of History and Archaeology. Students participate in laboratory sessions analysing artefacts, pottery sherds, and stone tools from local collections. Field training includes site survey techniques, excavation methodology, and stratigraphic recording. Students engage with the National Museums of Kenya collections and visit archaeological sites in the Rift Valley. Those in the research phase conduct fieldwork at archaeological sites, analyse excavated materials, and work on their research project under faculty supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya is one of the world's most important archaeological destinations, offering unparalleled access to early hominid sites and Swahili coastal settlements.
Programme offered at the University of Nairobi with proximity to the National Museums of Kenya and major archaeological sites.
Comprehensive curriculum covering both theoretical and practical aspects of archaeology, from field methods to heritage management.
Growing cultural tourism and heritage management sector in Kenya creates increasing demand for qualified archaeologists.

Against it

Only one institution offers this programme in Kenya, limiting choice and geographic accessibility.
Career opportunities, while growing, remain relatively limited compared to more applied fields, with many positions in the public sector.
Fieldwork can be physically demanding and may require extended periods in remote locations with basic facilities.
Research funding for archaeological projects in Kenya is limited and competitive.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public171k to 221k

171k at Maseno University221k at University of Nairobi

Private138k to 250k

138k at KCA University250k at Daystar University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

UoN 220.5K/yr verified. Daystar 249.8K/yr verified. Maseno, KCA unverified.

Funding options include HELB postgraduate loans for Kenyan students, University of Nairobi postgraduate bursaries, and research grants from the British Institute in Eastern Africa for archaeological fieldwork.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
University of Nairobi Postgraduate Bursary
British Institute in Eastern Africa Research Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
British Institute in Eastern Africa Research Grants
GrantKsh 300,000
Researchers conducting archaeological fieldwork in Eastern Africa.
University of Nairobi Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 50,000Kenyan
Postgraduate students demonstrating financial need at the University of Nairobi.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Subject to regulation, candidates with equivalent qualifications from recognised institutions may be considered. Applicants must produce original or certified copies of relevant transcripts, diplomas, degree certificates, and supporting documents.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, laboratory practicals, field reports, artefact analyses, seminar presentations, and research papers conducted throughout each semester.
Final Examination
Examination60% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering all course unit content, including essay questions, artefact identification, and archaeological interpretation.
Research Project
Research100% of the mark
Original research project on an archaeological topic, equivalent to four course units, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Fieldwork Assessment
Practical20% of the mark
Practical assessment of field archaeology skills including survey, excavation, recording, and site documentation techniques.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), ensuring recognition across Kenya and the wider East African region. The programme is offered by the Department of History and Archaeology at the University of Nairobi.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities and their degree programmes.
International Council on Monuments and Sites
Professional membership
Global professional body for heritage professionals. Membership recommended for those working in cultural heritage management.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Archaeologist
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
Conducts archaeological research, fieldwork, and analysis for museums, universities, government agencies, and cultural resource management firms.
Museum Curator
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages museum collections, designs exhibitions, and conducts research on archaeological and cultural artefacts.
Cultural Heritage Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 200,000
Advises government agencies, developers, and international organisations on cultural heritage assessment and management.
Museum Education Officer
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 120,000
Develops and delivers educational programmes connecting museums and archaeological sites with schools and communities.
Heritage Site Manager
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages archaeological and cultural heritage sites, overseeing conservation, visitor services, and community engagement.
University Lecturer
Low demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000
Teaches archaeology, history, or heritage studies at universities, contributing to research and field training.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as archaeologists, museum curators, heritage managers, and researchers, with demand driven by Kenya's rich archaeological heritage and growing cultural tourism sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

GIS Software (ArcGIS/QGIS)
SoftwarePrimary
Geographic information systems software for archaeological site mapping, spatial analysis, and landscape archaeology.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical software for quantitative analysis of archaeological data including artefact counts, measurements, and distributions.
AutoCAD
Software
Drafting software for creating site plans, trench sections, and artefact illustrations.
Adobe Photoshop
Software
Image editing software for processing archaeological photographs, artefact images, and site documentation.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Archaeology is just about digging up old things.
Modern archaeology involves rigorous scientific methods, theoretical analysis, cultural heritage management, and community engagement, not just excavation.
Archaeology has no career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya's rich archaeological heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, creates demand for qualified archaeologists in museums, heritage management, research, and cultural tourism.
Archaeology is only about prehistory and ancient civilisations.
The programme covers both prehistoric and historical archaeology, including recent material culture, maritime archaeology, and cultural heritage management.
You need to travel abroad to study archaeology seriously.
Kenya is one of the world's most important archaeological destinations, with access to early hominid sites, coastal Swahili settlements, and world-class research institutions.
Archaeology is a lonely profession with no social impact.
Archaeologists work with communities, museums, government agencies, and international organisations, contributing to cultural identity, heritage preservation, and public education.
Fieldwork is the main activity of archaeologists.
While fieldwork is important, archaeologists spend significant time in laboratories, archives, museums, and offices analysing data, writing reports, and managing collections.

Related courses

Master of arts in history and archaeology