Department of Archaeology

University of York

 

Programme Specification

 

 

1          Programme title(s) covered by this specification MSc in Archaeological Research

2          Name(s) of final award(s) MSc in Archaeological Research

3          Awarding body/institution University of York

4          Teaching institution (if different)

5          UCAS code (where relevant) N/A

6                    Criteria for admission to the programme

A good honours degree (upper second or first) or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution in archaeology or a related field. Candidates are expected to provide an outline of their proposed research topic.

 7         Length and status of programme and mode of study 1 year (full-time); 2-3 years (part-time).

8          Proposed starting date (month and year; for new programmes only) N/A

9          Relevant subject benchmark statement(s) N/A

10        Accreditation (if applicable) N/A

11                Educational aims of the programme

·        to provide the opportunity for undertaking a piece of initial research study on any topic within the Department's research mission, but within a framework of structured learning;

·        to provide a year's suitable preliminary training for students who wish to proceed to a higher research degree (MPhil/DPhil), including both appropriate academic knowledge and research skills and methods;

·          to offer a flexible and wide ranging set of choices in taught courses in order to meet the individual needs of students and their specific research projects.

 

12                Programme structure

 

The programme contains the following elements:

1. Four modules (20 credits each) (taught both Autumn and Spring terms) chosen from the full list of Masters modules available in the department of Archaeology.

All of the above are chosen from the list of all modules provided by all of the Masters programmes running in the department after discussion with the student’s supervisor.

2. Four research skills modules (5 credits each) (two in each of both autumn and spring terms for 4 weeks each, or both in the same term if necessary).

3. The Dissertation: workshops and supervised independent study (80 credits) undertaken during Summer Term and Summer Vacation.

 

13        Intended learning outcomes, distinguishing those which are assessed, in terms of:

(a)         knowledge

i)              elementary or more advanced level of competence (depending on their previous experience) in a modern or ancient language*

ii)             foundational knowledge necessary for pursuing research in their chosen field

(b)         understanding

i)              how differing theoretical approaches in archaeology affect their research project

ii)             research design and process

(c)          skills (discipline-related and transferable)

i)              advanced academic writing, including bibliographic referencing, and professional oral presentation

ii)             ability to plan, design and undertake a piece of independent research

(d)         experience and other attributes

i)              Participated in seminar discussions;*

ii)             Undertaken seminar and lecture presentation;*

iii)           Guided research;*

iv)           Participation in research seminar and visiting speakers programmes;*

 

* Not subject to assessment.

 

14        Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to achieve and demonstrate the learning outcomes

The research skills module is delivered by lectures and workshops and is not assessed.

 

All optional substantive modules are delivered over seminars, lectures and/or practical or field exercises. These modules are assessed by:

·      two 4,500-5,000 word essays, one each due at the end of Autumn and Spring Terms and each worth 20%;

·        an assessed lecture (10%) given in early Summer Term.

 

Learning outcomes achieved:  a) ii; b) i-ii; c)i.

 

Throughout the two taught terms students also undertake a range of formative essays and seminar presentations to prepare them for these assessments.

 

The Dissertation (50%) is supported by two small group workshops in Summer Term in which students present and discuss the progress of their works and learn to respond constructively to their peers.  The sessions involve information sharing, critical evaluation, problem solving and team work.  Students also receive individual supervision with their supervisor.  The dissertation should be based on original research and is 15,000-20,000 words in length.

 

Learning outcome achieved: c) ii (although all other learning experiences contribute to a successful dissertation)

 

15        Variations and exceptions: none

 

16        Quality and standards:

 

Methods of monitoring teaching standards include:  supervisions, evaluation forms, Graduate School Board and Board of Studies representation, Peer Observation of Teaching, External Examination.

 

Departments carry out an annual documented review of all taught programmes, including consideration of student feedback and the reports of external examiners, reporting to the Teaching Committee. Teaching Committee is implementing a process of periodic review on a six-yearly cycle, which will complement its existing scheme of departmental visits to facilitate the exchange of views on the planning, organisation and development of teaching, and the sharing of good practice.

 

17        Date on which this programme specification written or revised:  8th September 2007

 

18        Other sources of information relating to this programme specification 

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of this programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expect to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.  More detailed information and guidance concerning administration and assessment can be found in the Departments postgraduate web pages (http://www.york.ac.uk/depts/arch/gsp/internal.htm).