The Institute awards a dissertation prize each year for either an undergraduate (the Tony Baggs Undergraduate Dissertation Prize) or Master's dissertation on an alternating basis. The prize goes to the best dissertation on a subject concerning the archaeology or architectural history of Britain, Ireland and adjacent areas of Europe. The chief criteria considered are (a) quality of work and (b) appropriateness to the interests of the Institute as reflected in the Archaeological Journal. The winner receives £500, one year's membership subscription and the opportunity to publish an article derived from their dissertation in the Archaeological Journal.
Master's Dissertation Prize
The RAI Master's Dissertation Prize is for the best dissertation on the archaeology or architectural history of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and other countries. University and college departments are invited to submit one dissertation. In cases where an institution has more than one department teaching in the areas covered, each may make a separate entry, but a single selected entry would be preferred.
The next RAI Master's Dissertation Prize will be for the best dissertation written in 2026 or 2027. The nomination form will follow in due course.
Tony Baggs Undergraduate Dissertation Prize
The next RAI Tony Baggs Undergraduate Dissertation Prize will be for the best dissertation written in 2025 or 2026 on archaeology or architectural history of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and other countries. University and college departments are invited to submit one dissertation by 9 December 2026, although earlier submissions would be appreciated. In cases where an institution has more than one department teaching in the areas covered, each may make a separate entry, but a single selected entry would be preferred.
The nomination form is available at the foot of the page. Queries can be sent to admin@royalarchinst.org.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 9 December 2026