Practical Archaeology – (M.A.)

Contents

The programme is embedded within Birmingham Archaeology, the specialist fieldwork and research services division of the Institute of Archaeology and Antiquity, providing students with experience of archaeological practice in a real professional and commercial archaeology environment. It demonstrates the diversity of careers in archaeology, introduces students to the practitioners and organisations operating within the profession, and provides hands-on practical training in fieldwork and analytical techniques, including experience of dealing with ‘live project data’ in real field archaeology situations.

Learning and teaching

There is a strong practical approach to learning throughout the programme, and coursework is designed specifically to provide students with a portfolio of reports (from project costings to finds reports) that will demonstrate report-writing, editing and computer skills to potential employers. The MA course includes a three-week training placement on a fieldwork project, and in addition, MA students also undertake a supervised research project that culminates in a 12,000-word dissertation.

The course is delivered by in-house staff within Birmingham Archaeology, IAA academic staff and invited speakers who are specialists in their respective professional fields.

Core modules

* Introduction to practical archaeology
* Excavation techniques and project planning
* Post-excavation analysis
* Field Survey

Optional modules

* Two from a range of choices, including Archaeological geophysics; Materials, objects and things - the archaeology of artefacts; Holocene environments; Human and animal bone; Virtual landscapes

Dissertation: 12,000 word dissertation

Type of Course: Taught, distance learning, continuing professional development

Duration: Full-time – 6 x 4-week modules completed in 12 months; Part-time – 6 x 4-week modules completed in 24 months; Modular – 6 x 4-week modules completed over 4 years