StudyQA — Master: Archaeology

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Description Contents Requirements

About

The MA in Archaeology can be studied on a full-time and part-time basis. Through sets of specialist modules, skills-oriented classes and workshops, and dissertation research it provides the opportunity to advance your skills and knowledge in archaeology with a view to progressing to doctoral level research, or to pick up vital transferable skills ready for working in commercial archaeology or in the wider employment market.

A unique feature of our MA is the provision of specialist strands within which students study, allowing them to gain breadth and depth in their understanding of particular periods, areas and topics. The current strands are:

Prehistory
Egypt / Ancient India / Near East (EAINE)
The Classical World
Medieval and Post Medieval Archaeology

By the end of this course, students will have had a chance to engage in advanced collection, management and analysis of archaeological data and materials; to develop a sound understanding of current archaeological approaches, concepts and practice; and to acquire specialist skills and knowledge related to their strand from our team of leading experts in the field.

The programme is delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops or practical classes. Typically lectures provide key information on a particular area, and identify the main areas for discussion and debate among archaeologists in a specific area or on a particular theme. Seminars then provide opportunities for smaller groups of students to discuss and debate particular issues or areas, based on the knowledge that they have gained through their lectures and through independent study outside the programme’s formal contact hours. Practical classes and workshops allow students to gain direct experience of practical and interpretative skills in Archaeology. Finally, independent supervised study enables students to develop and undertake a research project to an advanced level. Throughout the programme emphasis is placed on working independently outside the contact hours, in order to synthesise large datasets and to develop critical and analytical skills to an advanced level.

The balance of activities changes over the course of the programme, as students develop their knowledge and abilities as independent learners and researchers, in order to prepare them for work or advanced study once they have completed the programme. In the first two terms students typically attend around four hours of lectures and two one hour seminars per week. These are supplemented with two hours a week of workshops or practical classes. The practical work complements desk-based analytical skills, and are intended to develop skills applicable within and outside the field of Archaeology. Outside timetabled contact hours, students are also expected to undertake their own independent study to prepare effectively for their classes, focus their subject knowledge and develop a research agenda. During these first two terms students have the opportunity to do one or two formative essays or practical projects in preparation for summative (assessed) work. Typically they will submit around three to four pieces of summative work per term (essays of c. 3,000 words; practical projects such as photographic portfolios or posters).

Over Term 2 and into Term 3 the balance shifts as students develop their abilities as independent researchers. The lectures and workshops already attended have introduced them to and given them the chance to practice archaeological research methods in specific fields of study. Students have also engaged with academic issues, archaeological datasets and their interpretation, which are at the forefront of archaeological research. The dissertation is regarded as the cap-stone of the taught programme and as an indicator of advanced research potential, which could be developed further in a professional or academic field. Under the supervision of a member of academic staff, with whom they will typically have up to ten one-to-one supervisory meetings, students undertake independent, detailed study of a particular theme, area or research problem, and produce a substantial piece of academic written work of around 20,000 words.

Throughout the programme, all students also have access to an academic adviser who will provide them with academic support and guidance. Typically a student will meet with their adviser two to three times a year. In addition, all members of teaching staff have weekly office hours when they are available to meet with students on a ‘drop-in’ basis. The department also has an exciting programme of weekly research seminars which postgraduate students are strongly encouraged to attend.

Content

Course Structure

The MA in Archaeology is a 180 credit course composed of several modules including two 15 credit modules aimed at imparting skills in archaeological research and practice, and two 30 credit specialist modules relating to the strands (usually one each, per term). A 20,000 word dissertation worth 90 credits is developed over the course of the second and third terms, and the summer, in consultation with an appointed supervisor, usually in the student’s strand.

In discussion with the department, students can take a 20 credit language module from the Centre for Foreign Language Study in lieu of the practical skills module. There is also the option of substituting a strand specialist module with another MA module on offer in the department, and in some instances, one offered by another department in the University. For example, in recent years students have substituted a strand specialist module with a full 30 credit course on Biomolecular and Isotopic Archaeology run by the department; and The Anglo-Saxon World, an interdisciplinary course run by English, History and Archaeology. The options available vary from year to year; students should consult with the department to check for updates periodically.

Part-time students are expected to complete the course in 2 years. Typically part time students complete the two 15 credit and two 30 credit modules in the first year and the dissertation in the second year.

Module Details

Research and Study Skills in Social Archaeology (RSSSA) – 15 credits

This module runs in Term 1 and aims to provide you with information and skills relevant to pursuing archaeological research for your MA dissertation and beyond. It combines thematic classes/seminars on key topics in archaeology with lectures and workshops introducing fundamental datasets and software applications for archaeology, and assisting the development of advanced visual and written communication skills.

Practical Research and Study Skills (PRSS) – 15 credits

This module runs in Term 2. Students select two from a range of options in hands-on ‘Master Classes’ led by professionals and academic experts, typically taught through short blocks of workshops. In recent years options have included:

GIS (Dr. Dan Lawrence)
Geophysics (Dr. Tom Moore)
Access analysis (Prof. John Chapman)
Ceramics analysis (Dr. Alejandra Gutierrez)
Ceramic materials analysis (Dr. Kamal Badreshany)
Glass finds analysis (Dr. Pam Graves)
Numismatics (Dr. Craig Barclay, Oriental Museum)
Museum artefact cataloguing (Helen Armstrong, Oriental Museum)

These classes provide the opportunity to develop professional capacity skills, assessed through ‘authentic’ assignments, such as reports one would be expected to produce as a professional in the fields of archaeology, museums and galleries or cultural heritage.

As noted above, it is possible to substitute PRSS with a 20 credit language module from the Centre for Foreign Language Study.

Research Topics – 30 credits

Research Topics are detailed courses focussing on particular periods, areas or themes, and are taught by the Department’s leading experts on their specialist topics. Teaching is typically delivered through a series of lectures and small group seminars/tutorials, usually over one term with sessions each week, but sometimes over the year with biweekly sessions.

Students typically chose two modules relevant to their strands, although in consultation with their academic advisor they may opt for a course which is not directly related to their strand.

It is possible, as noted above, to substitute one of the Research Topic modules for another MA module run by the department. In consultation with the Department, it may also be possible to substitute a Research Topic for an MA module run by another department, or for a multi-departmental module.

In recent years, Research Topic options have included:

Palaeolithic Britain in Regional Context (Prof Mark White)
People, Sets and Fragments in Balkan Prehistory (Prof John Chapman)
Social Space and Community Organisation in Balkan Prehistory (Prof John Chapman)
Art and Archaeology of the Upper Palaeolithic (Prof Paul Pettitt)
Hunters and Gathers, Past and Present (Prof Peter Rowley-Conwy)
Current Debates in Central Mediterranean Prehistory (Dr Robin Skeates)
Environmental Archaeology of the North Atlantic Islands (Dr Mike Church)
Neolithic Monuments in Atlantic Europe (Prof Chris Scarre)
Iron Age Britain in its European Context (Dr. Tom Moore)
Archaeology of the Ancient Egyptian State: The Egyptian Afterlife (Dr Penny Wilson)
Archaeology of the Ancient Egyptian State: Religious Life (Dr Penny Wilson)
The Ancient Near East: Later Prehistory to Early Urban Societies (Prof Graham Philip)
The Ancient Near East: Middle and Later Bronze Ages (Prof Graham Philip)
Cultural Landscapes of Eurasia (Dr Dan Lawrence)
Aspects of Art and Archaeology in Ancient Greece and Beyond (700-300 BC) (Dr Catherine Draycott)
Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam in South Asia (Prof Robin Coningham and Dr Mark Manuel)
Continuity and Change in South Asia (Prof Robin Coningham and Dr Mark Manuel)
Archaeology and Economy (Dr Derek Kennet)
The Gulf and Eastern Arabia (Dr Derek Kennet)
Townscapes in North Africa and the Near East (Dr Anna Leone)
Production, Exchange and Consumption in the Roman World (Dr Anna Leone)
Roman Studies and Mythical History (Prof Richard Hingley)
Roman Landscapes of the Mediterranean (Dr Rob Witcher)
Warlords, Holy Men and Tyrants: North East England c. AD 400-1100 (Dr David Petts)
Burial and Commemoration, AD 400 to 1100 (Dr Sarah Semple)
The Archaeology of Towns in Britain c. 12-18th Century (Dr Pam Graves)
The Archaeology of Burial Practice in Britain c. 12-18th Century (Dr Pam Graves)
Preservation of Archaeological Remains in situ (Dr Chris Caple)

Other MA modules run by the department in recent years have included:

The Anglo-Saxon World (AD 400–1100) (in conjunction with History and English departments)
Recent Trends in Human Bioarchaeology (Dr Tina Jakob)
Biomolecular and Isotopic Archaeology (Dr Andrew Millard and others)

Dissertation

The dissertation (90 credits, c. 20,000 words) allows students to develop their own line of inquiry and in depth exploration of a topic of interest to them, with the guidance of a supervisor who is usually in their strand. This may be on a topic related to a Research Topic course they have followed, but may be drawn from previous or other interests. Support is available to guide students in designing their research projects and acquiring the skills necessary for carrying out research and analysis, both through the RSSSA programme and through academic advisors and dissertation supervisors.

Subject requirements, level and grade

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

A degree in archaeology or a related subject entailing experience in historical, material culture and/or visual culture (e.g. Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Art History and Theory, History, Classics, Oriental Studies), with 2.1 honours or higher for UK degrees, or international equivalent (please consult the department on international equivalents)
For mature students, relevant employment experience or other qualifications (again, you are welcome to consult with the department on this).

Applicants are requested to indicate their interest in the strand they wish to follow in the personal statement of their application.

Prior knowledge of strand specific areas is not mandatory, but an ability to prove previous interest or experience in the strand area would be an advantage for your application.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana