Course Overview
Archaeology is among one of the most active, varied and research intensive academic Schools within the University. The School is based on the cusp of the Cambrian mountains and thus enjoys being part of one of the most beautiful University campus locations in the UK. Archaeology is the study of the human past through an examination of physical remains such as stone tools, pottery and bones, through to buildings, structures, monuments and landscapes. It attempts to reveal how both contemporary societies and past societies are organised, how humanity interacts with the environments and landscapes, and how ideas about the world are visible in the objects people have created.
To be able to understand the past in any depth, engagement with theoretical and ethical issues is needed. This means we explore issues such as heritage, representation, land use, technology, environmental change, death, beliefs and the evolution of the human body, mind and ideas with a view to broadening and widening knowledge of how humanity has arrived at the position it is in now.
Many modules include a field trip to local sites or historic features of the landscape: we also do a graveyard survey for the less-squeamish. As well as classroom activities you will participate in our annual excavation at the spectacular Cistercian monastery and hinterland of Strata Florida, a few miles north of the campus in the Cambrian Mountains.
Key Features
Reasons to choose this course include:
- UK and overseas field excavations (Strata Florida, Mediterranean, Qatar)
- Combines theory, method and practice of archaeology with the support and expertise of active researchers and leaders in their field
- Excellent facilities for field and laboratory-based courses, with its own bespoke series of laboratories (covering analysis of soil, pollen, 'the bone lab', the project room)
- Hi-tech computer facilities to undertake GIS survey
- Many wide-ranging and varied option courses to choose from
- Staff with teaching and research expertise in a wide international area
- Ideal area with sites ranging from prehistoric hill forts and monuments, to Roman gold mines and imposing medieval castle complexes
- Work placement opportunities with local archaeology trusts, CADW, National Trust and so on
Modules
Typical modules include:
- Excavation and Fieldwork
- Nautical Archaeology
- Post-Excavation and Analysis
- Advanced Archaeological Analysis
- Forensic Archaeology
- Bronze Age Societies
- Funerary Beliefs in Ancient Egypt
- Palaeoenvironmental archaeology
- Museums, Heritage and Representation
- Human Evolution
- Exhibiting Egypt
- Battlefield Archaeology
- Land, Sea and Sky-scapes
- Humans and their Environments in Prehistoric Europe
- Medieval Castles in Context
Course Tutor(s)
- Dr Ros Coard
- Dr Quentin Drew
- Dr Penny Dransart
- Prof. Nigel Nayling
- Dr Martin Bates
Assessment
The programme is assessed in a variety of ways and will include several of the following type of assessment: essays of 1,000 to 4,000 words in length, document analysis, book/ journal reviews, short reports and reflective journals, time tests, seen and unseen exams, field journals, posters, group and individual presentations, dissertations of 10,000 words, wikis, commentaries and film evaluations.
Career Opportunities
Career and employment opportunities include:
- Government and commercial management
- Teaching, education officer
- Voluntary work
- Research and Postgraduate opportunities
- Heritage sector
- Museum, exhibition and archive work
- ITC
- Local community and council work
- Professional field archaeology
Related Courses
- BA Archaeology Professional Practice
- BA Ancient Civilisations
- BA Archaeology with Forensic Studies
- BA Environmental Archaeology
- BA Nautical Archaeology
Tuition Fees
Annual tuition fees for entry in the academic year 2017/18 are as follows:
UK/EU: £9,000
International: £14,900
Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3% for International students and at the capped fee rate as set by the UK Government for UK/EU students.
You can find further information on fees and how to pay on our Student Finance pages.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's Bursaries and Scholarships page
