Overview

The MSc in Archaeological Information Systems is designed for people who have a basic grounding in computer literacy and an interest in archaeology and heritage, and who 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.

Staff

Staff involved with MSc teaching are listed below, with their current research interests in archaeological computing.

• Michael Charno: Digital Archivist & Web Developer, ADS: GIS and Spatial technologies
• Tim Evans: Digital Archivist: electronic archives and publication
• Jo Gilham: Digital Archivist, ADS: databases, GIS, XML, XHTML
• Helen Goodchild: Fieldwork & Project Officer: GIS
• : Deputy Director, ADS: VR modelling; databases, GIS
• Anthony Masinton: Computing Officer: VR modelling; visualisation and recording
• Julian D Richards: Professor of Archaeology; Director ADS; Co-Director, Internet Archaeology: databases, GIS, Internet applications
• Penny Spikins: GIS
• Judith Winters: Editor, Internet Archaeology: electronic publication
• Holly Wright: XML, SVG

Facilities

Excellent research computing facilities are available within the Department of Archaeology, including a well-equipped spatial computing laboratory, with plotters, digitisers and scanners.

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 one of the largest centres for research into archaeological computing in the United Kingdom.

Other facilities for all Masters students 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
• one 20 credit optional placement module

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

Core modules

• Digital publication and web technologies
• Analysis and visualisation
  

Recommended option modules

• Cultural heritage management 1: concepts, principles and practice
• Analysing historic buildings
• The context and practice of gathering field archaeology data
• Concepts of landscapes
• Cultural heritage management 2: audiences, interpretation and museums
• Interpreting historic buildings
• The analysis, interpretation and dissemination of field archaeology data
• Themes in the historic landscape
• Themes in the prehistoric landscape

Recommended skills modules

• Working on the web
• Database design and implementation
• Geographical information systems (GIS)
• Virtual reality modelling

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.

Work experience placement

• Archaeological Information Systems placement

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.
• Other applicants may be considered in exceptional circumstances, for example those with considerable ICT experience.
• You will be expected to provide evidence of some basic familiarity with a range of ICT applications and an aptitude for computer-based skills. We interview most applicants, unless you live or work overseas.

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:

• have examined how computers have been applied in archaeology and the impact of their use on the development of the discipline
• understand the concept of the Internet and locate and use relevant information on it and create materials to add to it
• have the skills to evaluate critically the claims made for different computer applications and select the correct application for a given problem
• have an understanding of authoring tools and be able to create an electronic text
• have an understanding of database design and be able to design and implement a simple relational database
• have an understanding of CAD and GIS and be able to create effective applications in each
• have an awareness of principles of digital archiving, resource discovery and metadata

Many of our graduates go onto careers in archaeological computing, working in contract units, county-based Historic Environment Records, or founding their own consultancy businesses. Some apply their computing skills in a more mainstream archaeological work, in museums, or in the wider world. Some pursue further research at doctoral level.