Environmental Archaeology MSc

Students gain practical experience in laboratory analysis of at least one of either: identification of animal bones, identification of plant macro-remains, sedimentological analyses. They develop an understanding of stratigraphic formation processes and their implications for developing sampling strategies, and are trained to collect and analyse data and report scientific results.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (30 credits), optional modules (60 credits) and a research dissertation (90 credits).

Students are required to take the following:

• Environmental Archaeology in Practice
• Resources and Subsistence

• Aegean Prehistory: Major Themes and Current Debates
• Archaeobotanical Analysis in Practice
• Archaeology of Hunter-Gatherers from Emergence of Modern Humans
• British and European Prehistory: Neolithic to Iron Age
• Comparative Archaeologies of the Americas I: First Peoples to Emerging Complexity
• Funerary Archaeology
• Geoarchaeology
• The Mediterranean World in the Iron Age
• The Neolithic and Early Bronze Age of the Near East: The emergence of villages and urban societies
• Zooarchaeology

Please note not all modules are available every year.

All students undertake an independent research project, normally based on practical laboratory-based research, which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000 words (90 credits).

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, presentations, laboratory sessions, practicals, and site and museum visits. Assessment is through the dissertation, and a combination of essays, coursework, presentations, practical examination and laboratory reports, depending on the options selected.