Overview

The MA in Landscape Archaeology is designed for students with an interest in how people have engaged with landscapes and environment during the prehistoric and protohistoric periods. The course is designed to explore the links between landscape theory and practise, and provide a broad foundation in the recognition, recording, interpretation and conservation of archaeological landscapes. The course comprises modules that assess the development of landscape archaeology and the range of approaches and methods employed in this increasingly important field of study. Case studies from many different periods and areas around the world are used to illustrate the variation in approaches to the study of landscape change. The skills modules allow students to engage with a series of important methods; from topographic survey, geoarchaeology through to Geographical Information Systems.

Staff

• Mark Edmonds: interests lay in Prehistory, in particular on the study of landscape and memory and on the social dimensions of technology. He is particularly interested in the Neolithic and Bronze Age of Britain and North-Western Europe.
• Jonathan Finch: specialises in landscape studies and church archaeology. He has published articles on medieval landscapes, as well as commemoration and the construction of social identities.
• John Schofield: Specialises in cultural heritage management, landscape archaeology of the contemporary past and conflict archaeology.
• Kevin Walsh: works in the Mediterranean on multiperiod landscape projects in the French Alps and Greece. His particular interest is the history of human/environment interaction throughout the Holocene.

Facilities

There is a wide range of facilities for students undertaking an Archaeology Masters programme. These include:

• Dedicated IT suite with a full range of software including generic and specialist archaeological packages and computing support from two highly experienced experimental officers
• A comprehensive range of state-of-the-art field survey equipment which postgraduates can normally use for their project work (and can gain experience with via the skills modules we offer)
• A wide range of lab facilities for archaeological analysis including environmental and artefact processing as well as the bioarchaeological facilities on campus
• A well stocked library with access to electronic resources, and study areas both in the Kings Manor library and the library on campus
• The Kings Manor includes a common room and refectory open to all staff and students, and WiFi is available across the Kings Manor

Structure

Structure

Over the autumn and spring terms you will take:

• two core 20 credit modules
• two option 20 credit modules
• four 5 credit skills modules

In the summer you will carry out research for your dissertation and give an Assessed Lecture on your dissertation topic.

Core modules

• Concepts of landscape
• Themes in the prehistoric landscape

Recommended option modules

• Cultural heritage management 1: concepts, principles and practice
• The context and practice of gathering field archaeology data
• Mesolithic theory and interpretation
• Coastal landscapes

• Analysis and visualisation
• Coastal settlement and economy
• Analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of field archaeology data
• Medieval settlement and communities
• Mesolithic lifeways

Recommended skills modules

• Narrating our pasts
• Topographical survey
• Artefacts
• Geophysical survey
• Geoarchaeology
• Geographical information systems (GIS)
• Virtual reality modelling
• Perspectives in landscape research
• Archaeological theory and interpretation

Whilst we endeavour to give everyone their first choice on modules, please note that this cannot always be guaranteed. Please be aware that certain skills modules are required by particular programmes, and so may be more over-subscribed than others.  Please see the Full modules list for scheduling information on option and skills modules, as some run concurrently.

Entry

You will need:

• A good honours degree (upper second or first) or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution in archaeology or a related field.
• Non-graduate applications will be considered from those with three years practical experience related to the conservation or management of landscapes.
• We normally interview applicants interview before making an offer.

Apply now

First, check our How to apply page, which explains what information the Department needs from you.

• Apply online

Careers

When you complete the course, you will:

• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of research methods appropriate to Landscape Archaeology
• understand and critically assess the sources of information pertinent to the study of Landscape Archaeology
• understand the fundamental concepts, techniques, and current debates relevant to Landscape Archaeology
• have developed an ability to gather and organise information and arguments in a critical and independent manner through writing essays under various conditions
• have undertaken a piece of independent research on a topic within the field of Landscape Archaeology
• have developed presentation skills through the delivery of seminar papers on a range of diverse themes

On completion of this MA you should hope to find employment with:

• Public archaeology services such as English Heritage, Historic Scotland, CADW
• Private archaeology units
• National Parks and related landscape heritage organisations
• or, go onto to a PhD