Archaeology, MSci Degree Course draft
Program Overview
The UCLan MSci Archaeology program equips students with practical fieldwork skills, analytical abilities, and research capabilities for a professional career in archaeology. The four-year degree, accredited by renowned institutions, emphasizes practical experience, hands-on training, and a strong foundation in archaeological principles, preparing graduates for a diverse range of roles in the field.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MSci Archaeology program at UCLan is a four-year, full-time degree designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a professional career in archaeology. It is accredited by both the Chartered Institute for Archaeology and University Archaeology UK. The program emphasizes hands-on fieldwork and practical experience, making it an ideal choice for students seeking a career in the field.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with:
- Practical skills: Students will gain hands-on experience in archaeological excavation, analysis, and interpretation.
- Critical analysis: Students will develop the ability to critically analyze archaeological evidence and formulate informed conclusions.
- Communication skills: Students will learn to communicate their findings effectively through written reports, presentations, and other media.
- Teamwork skills: Students will work collaboratively on projects, developing their teamwork and leadership abilities.
- Research skills: Students will undertake independent research projects, gaining experience in designing, conducting, and presenting research.
Outline:
The MSci Archaeology program is structured over four years, with a combination of compulsory and optional modules.
Year 1:
- Compulsory Modules:
- The Archaeology of Britain
- History of Archaeological Thought
- Bones, Bodies and Burial
- Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- Field Archaeology 1
- Field Archaeology 2
- Themes in British Archaeology 1
- Archaeological Materials
Year 2:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Field Archaeology 2
- Themes in British Archaeology 1
- Archaeological Materials
- Optional Modules:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Hunter-gatherers: Past and Present
- Geomatics
- Archaeology and Anthropology of Animals
- The Archaeology of Death and the Dead Body
- World Archaeology and Art
- Introduction to Professional Practice
Year 3:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Dissertation
- Field Archaeology 3
- Themes in British Archaeology 2
- Optional Modules:
- Hunter-gatherers: Past and Present
- Introduction to Professional Practice
- Geomatics
- Archaeology and Anthropology of Animals
- The Archaeology of Death and the Dead Body
- World Archaeology and Art
- Applied Forensic Anthropology: Taphonomy and Human Remains Recovery
Year 4:
- Compulsory Modules:
- MSc Research Project
- Approaches to Archaeology
- Research Methods (Archaeology)
- Field and Lab 4
Assessment:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Fieldwork: Students are assessed on their practical skills during excavations.
- Written reports: Students write reports on their research and findings.
- Presentations: Students present their work to their peers and instructors.
- Essays: Students write essays on various archaeological topics.
- Dissertation: Students complete a major independent research project culminating in a dissertation.
Teaching:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Lectures provide students with a foundation in archaeological theory and methods.
- Tutorials: Tutorials offer students the opportunity to discuss course material and ask questions.
- Practical sessions: Practical sessions provide students with hands-on experience in archaeological techniques.
- Fieldwork: Fieldwork provides students with real-world experience in archaeological excavation and analysis.
Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of experienced and research-active faculty members. The staff-student ratio is excellent, ensuring that students receive plenty of personal support and attention.
Careers:
Graduates of the MSci Archaeology program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in archaeology, including:
- Archaeological fieldwork: Graduates can work as archaeologists on excavations, surveys, and other field projects.
- Museum work: Graduates can work in museums, curating collections, conducting research, and educating the public.
- Research: Graduates can pursue research careers in academia or government agencies.
- Heritage management: Graduates can work in heritage management, protecting and preserving archaeological sites and artifacts.
- Commercial archaeology: Graduates can work for commercial archaeological firms, conducting archaeological assessments for development projects.
Other:
- The program offers students the opportunity to participate in research projects both in the UK and abroad.
- Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including an on-campus training excavation site, archaeological science lab, soil flotation unit, dedicated human bone labs, 3D scanners, and cutting-edge excavation equipment.
- The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests.
- The program provides students with a strong foundation in archaeological theory and practice, preparing them for a successful career in the field.
UK Full-time £9,250 per year Part-time £1,540 per 20 credits International Full-time £16,500 per year
