Archaeology

MA Archaeology

Part-Time Programme

Why study this course at Birkbeck?

• Makes extensive use of archaeological sites in London and southern England.
• Practising field archaeologists teach on, and help oversee, the degree.
• Range of option modules available, giving hands-on archaeological experience.

Building on a long and distinguished tradition at Birkbeck, this programme introduces advanced archaeological methods and practice. It has much to offer anybody interested in developing an understanding of this exciting discipline. It has a strong practical base and you will develop many skills, including survey, excavation and post-excavation work, all learnt in the context of wider interpretive and analytical issues fundamental to archaeology.

What will I be studying?

Core module: designed to provide information about the various processes involved in undertaking archaeological projects, from prospecting for sites through to the stages of analysis and publication.

Objectives

On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Initiate and participate in all aspects of archaeological projects from site prospection to publication and archiving.
• Show awareness of the management, investigation, interpretation and presentation of the archaeological resource in London and southern England.
• Explain the conceptual and theoretical framework which underlies archaeological practice.
• Apply a range of investigation techniques, which by selection may include geophysical and topographical surveying, documentary assessments, excavation, recording, finds analysis, draughtsmanship and archaeological experimentation.
• Undertake archaeological research through rigorous and critical use of evidence deriving from surveys and excavations.
• Outline contemporary archaeological practice.
• Use archaeological material remains to form interpretations about past societies.
• Use environmental data to form interpretations about past environs, flora and fauna and discuss their influence on past societies.
• Outline the philosophy and practice of experimental archaeology.
• Evaluate the presentation of individual sites and monuments.
• Record and produce plans of standing buildings.