Course Overview
The major part of the programme, 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. The surrounding landscape, coastline and environment is also of a uniquely historic and archaeological character which the School is able to utilise in its teaching and research. This makes for teaching that is highly practical, with plenty of on-site activity, that is rooted in an exploration of regional examples and developments, and yet is global in its points of reference. 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.
For the minor part of their study students will immerse themselves in a range of topics covering different aspects of ancient Egyptian culture. This part of the programme brings together existing staff expertise and research strengths from the School of Archaeology, History and Anthropology and from the School of Classics to offer students a very broad sweep of study specialisation, notably research on ancient Egyptian Funerary rituals and management of the dead, ancient Roman trade through Thrace, ancient Egyptian medicine and medical practice, forensic archaeological techniques as applied to ancient Egypt and the Mediterranean world in its broadest sense.
Key Features
Reasons to choose this course include:
- Small classes with interactive learning
- Opportunity to construct your own degree scheme
- Training in historical research methods
- Use of local record office and museum resources
- Various opportunities for field trips
- Study visits to national parks, local heritage centres, museums, the National Library of Wales, galleries, Castles and Cathedrals
- UK and overseas field excavations (Strata Florida, Mediterranean, Qatar)
- Combines theory, method and practice of archaeology
- 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
Modules
Typical modules include:
- Pharaohs, Phoenicians and Peoples of the Sea
- What makes ancient civilisations?
- Exhibiting Egypt: digitising material culture
- Data, Methods and Practice
- Hieroglyphs, Text and Society
- Funerary Belief in Ancient Egypt
- Excavation and Fieldwork
- Post-Excavation and Analysis
- Death and Burial
- Funerary Beliefs in Ancient Egypt
- Bronze Age Societies
- Funerary Beliefs in Ancient Egypt
- Museums, Heritage and Representation
- Human Evolution
- Advanced Environmental Techniques
- Humans and their Environments in Prehistoric Europe
- Origins and Innovations
- Medieval Castles in Context
- Towns, Tombs, and Temple
- Forensics of a Classical Age
- Museums, Representation and Identity
Course Tutor(s)
- Katharina Zinn
- Dr Louise Steel
- Ros Coard
- Dr Martin Bates
Assessment
Assessment methods
Assessment methods for the course draw upon a range of different forms and approaches that include a variety of written formats, from essays (ranging from 1,500 words up to 3,500 words in length), book reviews, literature surveys, short 1,000-word analyses, reflective journals, document analysis, exhibitions and displays, article reviews, to oral presentations delivered both in a group and individually, and both seen and unseen examinations. In addition to summative assessments the programme also undertakes a range of formative assessments that may include one or more of the following: peer assessed work, group presentations, journals, internet searches, document analysis, and bibliographic exercises.
Learning and Teaching methods
Teaching methods are designed to provide interest, variety and academic curiosity. Seminars, workshops and small group work are our principal means of teaching, though supported by lectures, field trips, revision and study groups. We also offer one-to-one tutorials in which you can discuss aspects of your own written work such as help with the structuring of essays, or writing technique or feedback advice on a specific assignment.
Career Opportunities
The Careers Service subscribes to a range of careers databases and networks to ensure that you benefit from having access to the latest information. The Careers team is able to help you to identify and plan your career by matching your interests and course of study to relevant jobs. The service also includes assistance with writing applications and CVs, interview techniques, Professional Development Planning (PDP), as well as general careers counselling for individuals and groups.
Specifically the course offers employment opportunities in the following areas:
- Heritage sector and heritage management
- Teaching and education
- Tourism and tourism management
- Volunteer work
- Tour guides
- Online publishing
- Museum and archive
- Local government archaeology
- Administration
- Business and commerce
- Local government
Further Information
Visiting the University
For any students considering studying BA Archaeology with Ancient Egyptian Culture at UWTSD it is worthwhile attending a Visit Day or Open Day. You can take a tour of the Lampeter campus, meet some students, and question the lecturers to get a comprehensive understanding of the university and its teaching. To find out more about forthcoming dates visit the Open Day and Visit Day pages.
Related Courses
- BA Ancient Civilisations
- BA Classical Civilisation
- BA Ancient History and Archaeology
- BA Ancient History
- BA Archaeology of Egypt and the Near East
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
