MSc Archaeological Information Systems
Course director: Prof Julian D Richards
The purpose of the course is to develop existing research and teaching interests within archaeological computing by offering a Masters course in this rapidly expanding archaeological sub-area. The course builds on the existing expertise within the Department of Archaeology to provide training for the next generation of archaeological information scientists. The MSc Archaeological Information Systems at York provides:
- A broad foundation in archaeological computing applicatios
- Applied experience in Internet applications, databases, GIS, CAD, and computer modelling
- A secure linkage with other departmental research strengths in Heritage Policy Studies
- Wide exposure to practical computer applications in the archaeological workplace, including museums, Sites and Monuments Records, and field units
The Archaeology Data Service and the e-journal Internet Archaeology are both hosted in the Department of Archaeology and several members of departmental staff also have significant ongoing research interests in computer applications, making York the largest centre of research into Archaeological Computing in the United Kingdom. Staff involved with MSc teaching are listed below, with their current research interests in archaeological computing.
- J Bateman, Curatorial Officer, ADS: databases; web design
- M Charno, Curatorial Officer, ADS: web GIS
- B Gourley, Fieldwork & Project Officer: GIS
- Dr S Jeffrey, User Services Manager, ADS: VR modelling; databases, GIS
- Dr Anthony Masinton, Computing Officer: VR modelling; visualisation and recording
- J Mitcham, Curatorial Officer, ADS: databases, GIS, XML
- Prof J D Richards, Professor of Archaeology; Director ADS; Co-Director, Internet Archaeology: databases, GIS, Internet applications
- Dr P Spikins, GIS
- J Winters, Editor, Internet Archaeology: electronic publication
- H Wright, Research Manager: XML; SVG
The MSc has a structure identical to other taught postgraduate degrees in the Department, sharing a common core course of theory and research methodology.
The course is designed for archaeologists who have a basic grounding in computer literacy and wish to follow vocational training in archaeological information systems. Whilst providing a broad background to the subject, there is the possibility through the placement and dissertation to specialise in a technique or type of approach that is of particular appeal and to gain valuable practical experience.
Excellent research computing facilities are available within the Department of Archaeology, including a dedicated postgraduate PC laboratory; a well-equipped spatial computing laboratory, with plotters, digitisers and scanners; plus access to high-powered Sun servers and Unix workstations.
Last updated by JDR; Oct 2009