BSc Archaeology

UCAS code: F420
Course length: 3 years full-time (part-time also available)

As part of a larger School of Human and Environmental Sciences we have access to a wide range of scientific facilities, laboratories and expertise. The study of human bones (osteology, palaeopathology) allows us to learn about past societies, diets and diseases. The study of molluscs, pollen, plant and insect remains (environmental archaeology) provides information about the natural environment of archaeological sites and the activities and economy of human societies. The study of soils (geoarchaeology, soil micromorphology) can tell us about past climate change and the evolution of landscapes as well as highly detailed information about human activity in a single room.

Course description

Year 1 of the BSc introduces you to the history and methods of archaeology, and how archaeological methods are used to reconstruct past lifestyles and human social development.

In Year 2, approaches to the interpretation of different types of scientific data and archaeological material culture are explored, and you choose modules from the prehistoric and historic periods. Practical teaching includes participation in the Silchester field school and laboratory-based sessions.

In Year 3 there is a choice of subjects (see below). You also undertake your own research project as a basis for your dissertation.

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules:

• Practising Archaeology
• Bones, Bodies and Burial
• Primates to Pyramids or From Rome to Reformation

Optional modules (Archaeology):

• Analysing Museum Displays

Plus options selected from other Departments, including relevant earth science options from across the School of Human & Environmental Sciences.

Year 2

Compulsory modules:

• Archaeological Science (including a chosen practical option in subjects currently including pollen, molluscs, and Geographical Information Systems)
• Silchester Field School
• Contemporary Practice in British Archaeology
• Archaeological Thought

Optional modules (vocational):

• Techniques in Skeletal Interpretation
• Human Activity and Environmental Change
• Crime Scene Analysis
• Geophysics
• Techniques in Artefact Interpretation (including two chosen options in subjects currently including Roman small finds, pottery, axes, stone artefacts, and artefact illustration)

• Object Analysis & Museum Interpretation

Additional scientific modules in related subject areas (e.g. the earth sciences) are also available from elsewhere in the School of Human & Environmental Sciences.

Optional modules (period-based):

• The Middle Palaeolithic of Europe & South-West Asia
• The Mesolithic of North-West Europe
• Later Prehistoric Europe
• Celts & Romans
• Rome's Mediterranean Empire
• Post-Roman & Early Medieval Europe
• Later Medieval Europe

Final Year

Compulsory modules:

• Dissertation

Optional modules, students choose four options from a list including:

• The Archaeology of Food and Nutrition
• Vegetation History and Archaeobotany
• Palaeopathology
• Coastal & Maritime Archaeology
• Science and the Dead
• Micromorphology

Plus period-based and thematic options are also available from the module list for BA Archaeology.

Prospective students should be aware that the exact range of modules available in any one year may vary