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Archaeological Practice – (M.Sc.)
Bournemouth University
School of Applied Sciences
| Location: | Bournemouth / United Kingdom / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 12 months | Start Date: | September |
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| Languages: | English | ||
Location of Bournemouth University
The archaeological profession relies on individuals with a high level of practical skills and the ability to apply their knowledge effectively in a variety of different situations. This course provides essential practical skills and experience in the core pillars of field survey, excavation, post excavation (large find materials and/or environmental), and research skills.
There are many optional units to choose from within this course that will allow you to gain further knowledge and skills in other specialised areas, such as maritime archaeology, forensic archaeology, zooarchaeology, and Geographical Information Systems. This will give you extra marketability in the professional arena, as well as allowing you to tailor your learning to meet your own needs and interests.
This course is taught by some of the leading field practitioners in archaeology within the country, and under the guidance of this dedicated and enthusiastic team, you will gain experience in managing and supervising excavations and in planning and executing a programme of post-excavation analysis.
Contents
We welcome students on this course for both full-time and part-time study.
For those wishing to complete the course on a part-time basis, the course is studied over two years. Students will be expected to study a minimum of three units per year, plus their dissertation (usually towards the end of their second year). The timetable of when the units take place vary each year, however, the units are timetabled during daytime hours, and will be studied with fellow full-time students.
Year 1 / Level M
Archaeological Field Investigation
You will have the opportunity to plan, monitor, record and report on an element of an archaeological field project, in which you have taken a responsible role using the methods, practices and skills typically used within professional archaeological projects and research. Prior to undertaking the fieldwork, you will gain an understanding of how to plan field projects and produce an appropriate project design, including health and safety and budgeting aspects. Having completed a supervisory field project, you will produce a report to industry standards. A minimum of four weeks experience of working on an archaeological field project would normally be expected to undertake this unit.
Recording & Understanding Archaeological Landscapes
Understand the origins and development of archaeological landscapes, by exploring the ways in which human beings perceive, define, interact and interpret their environment. Prior to undertaking the analysis of archaeological data, you will be provided with essential skills in the deployment and use of a range of largely non-destructive archaeological surveying techniques, commonly used in the profession to collect and analyse archaeological landscapes. You will also learn how to manipulate and interpret such data effectively, using a range of proprietary software and underpinning techniques.
Research Skills
This unit introduces you to a range of academic research methodologies and the research environment. It provides an opportunity to gain experience in using generic research tools, as well as subject specific analytical tools and practical techniques relevant to your specialist subject area. It will combine a variety of learning and teaching methods including lectures, workshops, computer based learning, practical activities and small group work.
Research Project
Develop your expertise in research methods, data collection, analysis, interpretation and synthesis and explore in detail core aspects of your subject area, with a view to generating new practical or theoretical insights. You will develop methodological, research, presentation skills and advanced communication skills by producing an extensive dissertation or report on your research.
Core option units: choose 1 of the following:
Past Environmental Change
Cover the principles and practice of palaeoenvironmental reconstruction and how palaeoecological data (from archaeological and geological sites) can inform our understanding of human evolution and the conservation science. Data on past environmental change is beginning to be used to a greater extent, as a base-line to understand what the environment was like before the increase in human influence. Palaeoecological data from different proxy organism remains (animals and plants), also provide a longer timescale over which to understand ecological processes that operate beyond the length of a human lifetime. Both climate change and other forms of environmental change such as human changes to the landscape will be covered.
Professional Practice in Post-Excavation
Plan and undertake the post-excavation and specialist analysis of a relevant body of archaeological data and archive material using the methods, practices and project management skills commonly employed in the archaeological profession and in archaeological research studies. Prior to undertaking recording and analysis of a specialist material or data archive, you will gain an understanding of how to evaluate the potential of archaeological data and how to plan an appropriate programme of post-excavation analysis and design a suitable recording scheme for a selected body of material.
Optional units: choose 2 of the following:
Maritime Archaeology
Designed to provide you with a solid basis in the history and principles of maritime archaeology, you will learn through structured lectures, with field visits, in which you will further your familiarity with maritime archaeology through cases studies. You will be provided with the knowledge of basic material and site types present in the maritime archaeological record and the principles and scope of maritime studies, and an appreciation of how maritime archaeology is integrated, with other aspects of archaeology.
Forensic Archaeology
Explore the principles, techniques and methodologies of archaeology and areas where traditional archaeological practices are adapted to major incident and crime scenes. Theoretical and practical concepts of archaeology such as stratigraphy, remote sensing, geophysical survey, search, location, recovery and dating techniques are introduced. The application of these methods to forensic scenes is demonstrated through a series of domestic and international case studies. Techniques employed in the excavation of single and mass graves are also explored.
Geographical Information Systems
Develop advanced skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geo-spatial analysis for environmental professionals. You will cover the principles of GIS and undertake practical training in GIS operation, potentially using both commercial and open source software packages. You will develop the ability to manipulate and interrogate spatial data of various kinds, whilst developing expertise in GIS and modelling.
Principles & Methods in Zooarchaeology
This unit will provide you with a solid basis in the principles of identification of mammals, birds and fish and the recording and analytical methods currently employed in the study of animal bones from archaeological sites. It will also provide you with an appreciation of how animal bone studies are integrated with other aspects of archaeology. You will learn mainly through practical workshops, in which you will further your familiarity with zooarchaeological assemblages and techniques, through the handling of material and by practical exercises based on that material. Case studies will explore how investigations of faunal remains can be integrated within the wider discipline of archaeology.
Humans, Animals and Diet
Gain a detailed understanding of the history of animal exploitation for food and the inter-relationships between humans and animals in different periods and regions. This unit aims to provide you with knowledge of the major developments in animal exploitation in Britain. A number of central themes in zooarchaeological studies will be explored that can be applied to the study of human diets in European, Asian and New World contexts. You will also be developing critical awareness of the range of cultural attitudes towards animals, in different human societies.
IELTS
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test.
Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.
Take testRequirements
A good Bachelors Honours degree, 2:2 or above in a relevant subject area or equivalent professional experience
Preferred subjects:
Archaeology
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can read, write, speak and understand English to the level specified below.
English language requirements, for this course are normally:
* IELTS (Academic) 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each component or equivalent
If you have alternative evidence of English language proficiency - for example you have a different English language qualification, you received the majority of your education through the medium of English, or you have a degree in English language/literature), please indicate this on your application form.
Additional Requirements
| Minimal degree required: | Bachelor's degree |
| Minimal amount of work experience | Not specified |
Language Proficiency
| IELTS Band: | 6.5 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): | Grade C (Score: 60) |
Accreditation
The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), the UK government’s teaching quality watchdog, awarded us the highest category of confidence in our academic standards.
Many of our courses are accredited by professional and industry bodies, which means our courses are readily recognised by employers, and our graduates have professional membership or status when they compete on the job market.
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