The Master of Archaeological Practice (MArchP) is an applied, professional qualification – linking theory with practice – that aims to develop our future leaders’ knowledge and experience in archaeological heritage management.

Learn from leading academics who are grounded in the Pacific, and New Zealand’s place in it.

Help to preserve our cultural heritage and safeguard it for future generations.

Archaeological heritage management

The management of our heritage and archaeological legacy is a growing sustainability issue. Currently, New Zealand has a need for qualified archaeologists to work in the heritage sector. This new programme responds to both an industry demand, and a desire by students and workers in the area for a high-level qualification.

The MArchP focuses on the unique landscapes, cultures and policies of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. It addresses the following areas:

• The management of New Zealand and Pacific cultural heritage places
• Working with Māori and Pasifika communities
• The application of archaeological approaches and methods within a heritage context
• Understanding the diverse relationships between people, places and the past

Local grounding

Our academics specialise in, and are passionate about, the indigenous archaeology and heritage of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

We are committed to working with communities, assisting with Māori research issues and informing heritage management as it relates to Māori places and values.

We work with Pacific Island organisations and communities to manage and protect heritage sites, and support staff in cultural heritage institutions and agencies.

This is done through academic research in the University of Otago’s Archaeology Programme and our research unit and consultancy, Southern Pacific Archaeological Research (SPAR).

Our goal is to develop graduates who will make an impact in archaeological heritage practice in New Zealand and the Pacific.

Every applicant shall normally

1. be a graduate with an ordinary bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology or comparable major, and have an average grade of at least B+ in the 300-level papers for the degree, or
2. be a graduate with a Masters degree in a relevant discipline acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities), or
3. have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).