Archaeology BA (Hons)

Archaeology in Britain

introduces you to how archaeological information is generated, theorised and interpreted, and the issues facing archaeology today through the lens of of British archaeology from the Neolithic to the present day. It will give you the study skills needed for library work, essays, tutorials and computing.

Archaeology Practicals

introduces you to the practical side of archaeology, including assessing primary archaeological materials, sites and monuments through hands-on recording, analysis and scientific techniques.

Introduction to Archaeological Methods

provides an opening introduction to archaeological analysis, from stratigraphic excavation and artefact analysis to geographic information systems and scientific analysis.

Scientific Methods in Archaeology 1

provides a grounding in a range of scientific methods and techniques used in archaeology today. It will help you develop a critical awareness of the potential and limitations of data and its analysis when applied to archaeological problems.

Fieldwork

You will undertake six weeks of fieldwork over the course of the degree – three weeks at our field school at the end of Year 1, and three weeks at an excavation of your choice before Year 3. These placements are attached to modules in Years 2 and 3.

In recent years optional modules have included: Discovering World PrehistoryCities in AntiquityMedieval to Modern: An Introduction to the Archaeology of the Medieval to Post-medieval WorldAncient Civilisations of the EastUp to two modules in another department, including a modern language.

Advanced Skills in Archaeology

provides a choice of two or four, from a suite of practical skills classes, allowing you to deepen your experience with scientific techniques or develop skills in other areas of archaeology and heritage studies.

Developing Archaeological Research

is the dissertation prerequisite. It develops your understanding of how to carry out research on different scales of materials, from sites to artefacts, how to present visual information and assess quantitative information, and develop an effective research plan.

Professional Training

(requires three weeks of fieldwork in the summer before starting Year 2). This module uses practical experience to give you an understanding of the objectives and operation of a fieldwork project and how data and material produced by archaeological projects is processed.

In recent years optional modules have included: Prehistoric Europe  Becoming Roman  Archaeology of Medieval and Post-Medieval Britain  East Mediterranean in the Bronze Age  Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations: East and West Scientific Methods in Archaeology 2 Up to one module in another department, including a modern language.

Advanced Professional Training

requires three weeks of fieldwork in the summer before starting Year 3, this module provides practical experience in excavation, museum, or lab-based work or a similar appropriate placement and builds understanding of project design, management and ethics.

Current Archaeology

enables you to explore the intersection of the past and the present through critical analysis of archaeological discoveries, social issues and current events, looking closely at the way the past is framed, rhetorical strategies in reporting, ethics, partnerships and power.

Dissertation

significantly develops your skills in independent research, the analysis and presentation of evidence and how to structure a persuasive argument. This will involve writing an extended dissertation in your chosen specialist area of archaeology.

In recent years optional modules have included: Specialised Aspects in Archaeology (choice of two or four from a wide range of sub-options)Interpreting Heritage Museum Representation Scientific Methods in Archaeology 3Archaeology and Global Sustainable Development Up to one module in another department, including a modern language.