Archaeological Illustration

The programme has been developed in close collaboration with the Association of Archaeological Illustrators and Surveyors and provides a unique Masters level qualification respected by the industry. It develops visual, creative and technical skills together with strong academic research and works in co-operation with Archaeological Units, the National Monuments Record Centre and English Heritage.

Distinctive features of the first part of this programme (which lasts up to 60 weeks) are the use of projects as a vehicle for learning, and the group or individual critical session, where students present and critically discuss their work with peers and tutors, thereby having direct involvement in assessment. The assessment thus becomes a learning strategy. The assignment content is organised into interrelated modules emphasising the holistic nature of the learning and coherence is maintained by the continuous assessment methods together with the academic guidance of tutorial backup.

The second part is a research-based programme of independent study lasting for 30 weeks. This study can take the form of either a dissertation on an appropriate topic within Archaeological Illustration research (part of which could be visual equivalents of textual discourse), or a prepared body of original illustrative work, which should be negotiated with an external source within archaeological practice.

The department already has active contacts with professional or academic concerns e.g. the Oxford and Wessex Archaeological Units, English Heritage, the National Monuments Record, the AAI&S, the Learning and Teaching Support Network (History, Classics & Archaeology) and can assist the student in finding appropriate partners for such research. The student will be supported by arranged tutorials during this part, and it is expected that the professional body (AAI&S) will be involved in the recommendation for the award of Master of Arts.

Course Content

You will cover core modules of Visual Studies and Research Studies; Optional modules of Recording Studies; Reconstruction Studies; Digital Applications; Information Graphics during the first part, and either Dissertation or Material Practice in part two.

Students can elect to study part one only as a PG Dip, but must signify this intention at the commencement of studies.

Dedication

90 weeks, part-time.

Entry Requirements

Successful applicants will normally have a good honours degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Archaeology, Art & Design). Applicants with equivalent qualifications in related disciplines and those without formal academic qualifications might also be considered, providing they can provide evidence of relevant experience and level of work appropriate to the academic demands of the programme. Candidates will be selected after a presentation of a portfolio at interview, and admissions tutors will decide selection on the basis of the candidate’s ability to benefit from the programme.

Applicants must be able to prove an academic fluency with the English language. This will normally be acquisition of a recognised EFL qualification for overseas candidates.