Ness MRes studentship now available at UHI Archaeology Institute

Animal bone deposit from within the Trench J baulk. (Sigurd Towrie)

Animal bone deposit from within the Trench J baulk. (Sigurd Towrie)

A part-funded Masters by Research (MRes) studentship focusing on the faunal assemblage at the Ness of Brodgar is now available at the University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute.

The MRes is supported by a very generous donation which has now helped fund two MRes projects at the Ness.

Entitled Cattle and other animals: understanding Neolithic food and farming practices at the Ness of Brodgar, Orkney, the new research will centre on the extensive faunal assemblage recovered from the Ness – an assemblage which is providing new insights into commensality and food cultures as well as adaptation of early farming communities to Orkney and other human-animal interactions.

The part-funded (fees only) MRes will work on selected remains from the Ness, focusing on mammal and avian deposits from Structures Ten, Eight and Twelve.

Applicants for this studentship are expected to have a first degree in archaeology. Prior experience in zooarchaeology is welcomed but not essential as training will be provided. The student will be supervised by Dr Ingrid Mainland and Nick Card.

The remarkably well-preserved animal bone after recovery. There's more to come with at least two bones visible in the lower levels. (Sigurd Towrie)

The remarkably well-preserved animal bone after recovery. There’s more to come with at least two bones visible in the lower levels. (Sigurd Towrie)

A Master’s by Research (MRes) in Archaeology is an intensive one year (full-time) or two year (part-time) research programme. Under the supervision of academic staff, students devise their own research project, undertake original investigation in their chosen area and direct their own studies.

MRes degrees lead to the submission of a research thesis (35,000 words) which is examined by viva voce. For the MRes in archaeology the student is also required to undertake a 20-credit taught module in research skills.

The research and study experience is similar to a PhD and while a research Master’s is a postgraduate qualification in its own right, it can prove to be a good precursor for studying at PhD level.

For full details, including how to apply, click here.

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