Program Overview

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University Program Information

The university offers a wide range of programs, including short and online courses, undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and research degrees.

Subject Areas

• Archaeology and anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Anthropology
• Architectural history
• Business and management
• Data science, computing, maths
• Diplomatic studies and law
• Economics and politics
• Education and study skills
• Environment and sustainability
• History of art
• History, including local and social
• Languages and cultural studies
• Literature, creative writing and film studies
• Medical and health sciences
• Music
• Natural sciences
• Philosophy
• Psychology and counselling
• Religion and theology
• Technology and AI

Course Formats

• Day and weekend events
• In-person learning
• Lecture series
• Online learning
• Professional
• Summer schools
• Weekly learning

Academic Credit

Many courses can be studied for academic credit, which means they can count towards a recognised qualification.

Undergraduate Programs

Certificates

• Archaeology
• Certificate of Higher Education
• English Literature
• History
• History of Art
• Theological Studies

Diplomas

• Archaeology
• Creative Writing
• English Social and Local History
• History of Art

Advanced Diplomas

• British Archaeology
• IT Systems Analysis and Design (Online)
• Local History (Online)

Pre-Master's

• Advanced Pre-sessional Course for Graduate Students (nine weeks, full-time)
• Foundations of Diplomacy Pre-Master's Course (six months, full-time)

Postgraduate Programs

Certificates

• Architectural History
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Ecological Survey Techniques
• Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Health Research
• Historical Studies
• Nanotechnology
• Patient Safety and Quality Improvement
• Psychodynamic Counselling
• Qualitative Health Research Methods
• Teaching Evidence-Based Health Care

Diplomas

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Severe Mental Health Problems
• Health Research
• International Wildlife Conservation Practice
• Psychodynamic Practice

Master of Studies (MSt)

• Creative Writing
• Diplomatic Studies
• Historical Studies
• History of Design
• Literature and Arts
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
• Practical Ethics
• Psychodynamic Practice

Research Degrees (DPhil)

• Archaeology
• Architectural History
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• English Local History
• Evidence-Based Health Care
• Literature and Arts
• Sustainable Urban Development

Master of Science (MSc)

• Applied Landscape Archaeology
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• English Local History
• Evidence-Based Health Care
• Evidence-Based Health Care Medical Statistics
• Evidence-Based Health Care Systematic Reviews
• Evidence-Based Health Care Teaching and Education
• Experimental and Translational Therapeutics
• Nanotechnology for Medicine and Health Care
• Surgical Science and Practice
• Sustainable Urban Development
• Translational Health Sciences

Professional Programs

Continuing Professional Development

• Business and management
• Cultural heritage
• Data science, computing, maths
• Diplomatic studies
• Education
• Environment and sustainability
• Medical and health sciences
• Nanotechnology and nanomedicine
• Philosophy and ethics
• Psychology and counselling
• Research methods and skills
• Technology and AI
• Urban studies

Research

Research Community

Research at the university extends across the disciplines and is supported by a research culture that encourages interdisciplinary initiatives.

Research Areas

• Academic staff profiles
• Part-time DPhil programmes
• Research areas
• Research students

Research Forums

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Steering Group
• Lifelong Learning Pedagogies forum
• Research Ethics Colloquium
• The Vice-Chancellors Colloquium

About Us

The Department

• Academic staff profiles
• Mission, vision and values
• Our history
• Student spotlights
• Vacancies and tutor panel
• Visiting Fellowships Scheme

News and Events

• News
• Open events
• Whats on

Our Venues

• Accommodation
• Conferences
• Dining and catering
• Facilities

Student Information

• Continuing Education Library
• Oxford qualifications
• Student resources and support

Course Details

Archaeology in Practice

• Code: O25P362AHV
• Credit: 10 CATS points
• Fees: ｣415.00
• Dates:
  • Mon 22 Sep 2025 - Fri 05 Dec 2025
  • Mon 26 Jan 2026 to 10 Apr 2026
  • Mon 27 Apr 2026 to 10 Jul 2026
• Location: Online (Flexible)

Course Overview

This course introduces the methods and practices of archaeology to students with little or no previous knowledge of the subject.

Course Aims

• Understand how archaeologists collect, analyse, and interpret data.
• Become familiar with the different types of evidence available and learn to critically assess such evidence.
• Critically analyse and discuss current topics, such as the relationship between archaeology and the public and the ethical debates around dealing with human remains.
• Further develop interest in archaeology.

Teaching Methods

• Introduction to and overview of the session, highlighting the main issues to be examined and discussed.
• Guided readings (required and optional).
• Tutors' notes and handouts.
• Practical activities, including discussion on the unit forum.
• Concluding comments and indication of areas for further independent study and research.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be expected to:

• Have an appreciation of the diverse skill sets and techniques applied in archaeology.
• Be able to think critically about material and textual evidence.
• Be prepared to further pursue their interests in archaeology, either through further formal study or visiting sites and museums.

Assessment Methods

• Two pieces of work for the course:
  • The first of 500 words is due halfway through the course.
  • The second, assessed piece of work of 1,500 words is due at the end of the course.
• The assessed work is marked pass or fail.

Level and Demands

This course is open to all and no prior knowledge is required. It is offered at FHEQ level 4 (i.e., first year undergraduate level) and requires an expected total commitment of 100 study hours.

English Language Requirements

No English language certification is required, but students may be at a disadvantage if their language skills are not comparable to those listed on the university's website.

IT Requirements

This course is delivered online; to participate, students must be familiar with using a computer for purposes such as sending email and searching the Internet. Regular access to the Internet and a computer meeting the recommended minimum computer specification is required.