Archaeology of Buildings

The MA in the Archaeology of Buildings is designed to train students in the systematic research, recording, analysis and interpretation of historic buildings within the heritage sector. In recent years, government, industry and the wider public have begun to appreciate the value and significance of historic buildings as some of the most significant assets within the heritage resource. The role of buildings archaeology in enhancing understanding, informing conservation and managing change has also increasingly been recognised. As a result there has been significant demand for professionals not only within the commercial sector, but also in organisations such as English Heritage, the National Trust and local authorities. The discipline of buildings archaeology has also grown in confidence, with new theoretical and methodological developments allowing archaeologists to record, date, model and present research in exciting new ways.

Established over fifteen years ago, the York Archaeology of Buildings course is one of the longest-established buildings archaeology programmes in the UK. It brings together experts in buildings survey, archive research, legislation and policy, conservation, theoretical interpretation and computer modelling. The result is a dynamic and developing course, which is well-respected within the profession and which benefits from a vibrant research community within the Department, and whose alumni now hold key positions across the heritage sector.

The course will:
* introduce you to the specialised skills required for the historical research, visual analysis and archaeological recording of buildings
* give you a foundational knowledge of the history of architecture in the UK, from c.1000-c.1900
* introduce you to current intellectual and professional research priorities in the the archaeology of buildings
* provide you with an introduction to conservation legislation, policy and practice
* enable you to develop excellent research and communication skills relating to the research and interpretation of historic buildings

Over the autumn and spring terms, you will take:

* two core 20 credit modules
* two option 20 credit modules
* four 5 credit skills modules

In the summer you will carry out research for your dissertation and give an Assessed Lecture on your dissertation topic.

Core modules

* Analysing historic buildings
* Interpreting historic buildings

Recommended option modules

* Context and practice of gathering field archaeology data
* Cultural heritage management 1: concepts, principles and practice
* Digital publication and web technologies
* Approaches to conservation
* Issues in historical archaeology 1
* Concepts of landscapes

* Analysis, interpretation and dissemination of field archaeology data
* Analysis and visualisation
* Cultural heritage management 2: audiences, interpretation and museums
* Issues in cultural heritage conservation
* Medieval settlement and communities
* Issues in historical archaeology 2

Research skills modules

* Narrating our pasts
* Topographical survey
* Buildings survey
* Characterisation (new for 2012/13)
* Legislation and policy
* Geographical information systems (GIS)
* Virtual reality modelling
* Conservation solutions

Whilst we endeavour to give everyone their first choice on modules, please note that this cannot always be guaranteed. Please be aware that certain skills modules are required by particular programmes, and so may be more over-subscribed than others. If you are aware or think you need to take a certain module for your dissertation, then please be clear about this on your module choices. Please see the Full modules list for scheduling information on option and skills modules, as some run concurrently.

Applications are welcomed from graduates with a good first degree in Archaeology or a related subject or an equivalent foreign qualification. The usual minimum entrance requirement is a 2i (US 3.0 GPA) or equivalent. Mature students or those with less conventional qualifications but with three years´ field experience will be seriously considered. Applicants are normally interviewed before an offer is made.English Language Requirements The University's absolute minimum English language requirements are: * IELTS: 6.0 (in the 'Academic' test) * IELTS 6.5 with at least 6 in Writing and Speaking * TOEFL: paper-based 550/ computer-based (CBT): 213/ internet-based (iBT): 79 * Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: A, B, C * Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: A English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 79 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.