A range of general and specialist research training will be provided for you through individual and group tuition based in the department and more general research preparation courses organised centrally. Your individual training needs will be assessed at the start of your course, and this process is repeated annually. Departmental Training includes: Research and Study Skills in Social Archaeology/Archaeological Science; access to Level 3 and taught Master's modules, where required; training in teaching methods with feedback, normally from 2nd year onwards; specialist training provided by supervisors specific to individual research needs; contributions to the general Research Seminar Programme and seminars specific to Research Centes linked to the department. Following one year of full-time or two years of part-time (plus up to six months writing up time) research and writing, you will produce a thesis of up to 50,000 words. The research topic for this qualification is usually based on a specific object, site, or phenomenon. If your topic is suitable and you demonstrate an aptitude for research, the MSc by Research can lead to postgraduate research at a higher level (MPhil. or PhD).