Historical Archaeology

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Historical Archaeology is the study of relatively recent documented periods using material culture as well as texts. It is one of the most rapidly expanding aspects of archaeology, and is dealing with many exciting issues.

The programme will focus on the period from the last part of the Middle Ages, through the Early Modern period, and up to the 20th century. It will examine themes such as the development of mercantile and then industrial capitalism, colonialism, industrialisation and globalisation. Historical archaeology is particularly appropriate to study in Britain, given its early role in these processes of change, but the programme has a significant international perspective including Europe, North America and Australasia. Whilst excavated material forms part of the data source, we also use much material culture that has never been lost and is still in private or public collections, standing buildings, landscapes, and documentary sources of all kinds including maps, newspapers, family, parish and state records.

Students who study Historical Archaeology may have first degrees in one of a number of subjects, including Archaeology, Anthropology, Economic History, History, Art History, or Historical Geography. There is normally a good mix of both British and Overseas students on this programme. Graduates with the MA in Historical Archaeology have gone on to research degrees here and elsewhere, and to posts in interpretation and management at historic sites, in field archaeology, in state archaeology services, teaching, and general management. There has been a very high success rate in employment by graduates.

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
* Issues in historical archaeology 1
* Issues in historical archaeology 2

Recommended option modules
* Analysing historic buildings
* The context and practice of gathering field archaeology data
* Concepts of landscape

* Cultural heritage management 2: audiences, interpretation and museums
* Interpreting historic buildings
* Medieval settlement and communities
* Stuff: an introduction to modern material culture studies

Recommended skills modules
* Narrating our pasts
* Topographical survey
* Artefacts
* Artefacts from excavation
* Buildings survey
* Geophysical survey
* Geographical information systems (GIS)
* Perspectives in landscape research

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.

* A good honours degree (upper second or first) or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution in archaeology or a related field. * Non-graduate applications will be considered from those with three years practical experience related to aspects of historical archaeology. * 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.