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Archaeological Studies
Archaeological Studies is a fascinating discipline which allows us to understand past peoples and cultures. You explore the historical past as well as more distant times, many millennia before the appearance of written evidence.
Programmes
| Programmes on offer |
|---|
| Certificate |
| Diploma |
| Degree |
| Locations |
| Canterbury |
Your studies introduce you to the archaeology of Britain and ancient cultures around Europe and the Mediterranean. Our programmes focus mainly on developing your understanding of archaeology as an academic discipline. However, if you are interested in gaining practical skills in field archaeology, you can apply to take part in the University’s training excavations, or we can advise you on how to gain experience elsewhere.
You can progress from certificate level to diploma and on to a full honours degree programme. You have the opportunity at diploma and degree level to study a favourite topic in depth via an extended written assignment and a project.
Certificate in Archaeological Studies
The programme introduces archaeology as an academic discipline and looks at the approaches archaeologists use, depending on the sources available. You learn about the archaeology of varying historic and prehistoric societies, including ancient civilisations, and study the development of archaeology as a discipline. You gain an understanding of archaeological evidence and how it furthers our knowledge of past societies (sometimes in combination with other sources of evidence).
There are no formal entry requirements, but you do need to demonstrate that you have the ability to study at this level. If you have already studied on another programme, you may be able to use your credits towards the certificate, replacing one or two of the modules. Students who successfully complete this programme may continue their studies on the diploma programme.
Facts
| Fee: | £730 per annum (60 credits). Visits to sites and museums are not included in this fee. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Canterbury |
| Times: | Wed 7pm-9pm |
| Length: | Usually two years |
| Entry requirements: | No formal requirements: open to all those who can show an ability to study at this level. |
| Progression: | Students who successfully complete the certificate can go on to diploma level. |
Programme content
The programme consists of four modules:
Archaeology: Its History, Themes and Personalities
In this module, you study the way that archaeology became a field of study in its own right, from the history of early antiquarians to the development of museums and the relationships between archaeology, heritage and the media. You explore changing approaches to both excavation and interpretation and gain an understanding of the wider cultural context of archaeological studies. (Location Canterbury 2011/12, code CL348, 30 credits).
Egyptology: Chronology and Sources
You examine the chronological framework constructed for ancient Egypt during the dynastic period. You cover the principal categories of data, whether archaeological, artistic or textual, and learn how the various sources of data combine to improve our understanding of social organisation and religion in dynastic Egypt. The principles applied when using different types of evidence can be employed in the study of any ancient civilisation. (Location Canterbury 2012/13, code CL322, 30 credits).
Introduction to Aegean Archaeology
A great many aspects of the Greek world in archaic and classical times can be traced back to the Great European Bronze Age civilisations of the second millennium BC. This is the world of the Mycenaean palaces, of Minoan Crete, and the Greek heroic age of The Iliad and The Odyssey. In this module, you examine the Minoan and Mycenaean world by studying its religion, its art and architecture, and its politics and script. (Location Canterbury 2012/13 code CL338, 30 credits).
Roman Britain
The archaeology of Britain is explored as it emerges into protohistory during the last century BC. Sources include the accounts of classical authors and the evidence of British coinage. You then examine the conquest of Britain and its development as part of the province of Britannia in the Roman empire, looking at both historical and archaeological evidence. We discuss the interaction between native British culture and that of the Romans and other peoples of the empire. (Location Canterbury 2011/12, code CL334, 30 credits).
Teaching and asssessment
Weekly meetings, which include presentations and seminar discussions, may be supplemented by a day school and/or class site or museum visit. Please note that these do not always take place on the same day as the weekly meetings.
Each module is continuously assessed by written assignments. You need to attend a minimum of 60% of the classes.
Diploma in Archaeological Studies
This programme broadens your knowledge and critical appreciation of archaeology in a European and Mediterranean context. It enhances your understanding of how archaeologists explore various aspects of the prehistoric and ancient past, drawing on combinations of data from archaeology and related disciplines.
This programme is suitable for those who have a Certificate in Archaeological Studies or an equivalent level of attainment and knowledge. Graduates of this diploma may go on to study for a BA (Hons) degree in Archaeological Studies.
Facts
| Fee: | £730 per annum (60 credits). Visits to sites and museums are not included in this fee. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Canterbury |
| Times: | Wed 7pm-9pm |
| Length: | Usually two years |
| Entry requirements: | Certificate in Archaeological Studies or its equivalent. |
| Progression: | Students who successfully complete the diploma can go on to degree level. |
Programme content
You take 120 credits to gain the diploma. In the year beginning 2011, you take the modules listed below.
The Archaeology of Belief, Cult and Ritual
This course examines the diversity of archaeological material which we can use to study belief, cult and ritual. Focusing mainly on the Roman period, you study both the power of established religions, through, for example, their standing buildings and iconography, and accompanying mystery cults and daily rituals. The transition from Roman paganism to Christianity is also examined. Categories of evidence include plans and inscriptions, standing buildings, burials, religious art and ritual artefacts. (Location Canterbury, code CL614/tbc, 30 credits).
Minoan Art and Architecture
Aegean Art was arguably the most innovative and technically superior art of its time and can be seen as a precursor to the naturalism of the later Greek classical art. It has given us small wonders such as the Cycladic figurines, the frescoes of Santorini, Minoan rings and Mycenaean helmets. This module considers Aegean arts and crafts from their very beginning in the Neolithic period and follows their development through time, considering style, iconography, religious and political use, technique and preservation. (Location Canterbury, code CL623/523, 30 credits).
In the second year, your studies include writing an extended essay (see below) on an archaeological theme.
Extended Assignment
You choose your topic in consultation with an academic supervisor and then work independently under the guidance of your supervisor. The result is an in-depth study that draws mainly on a range of secondary source material. (Location Canterbury, code CL592, 30 credits).
Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean
This module focuses on the interaction between Egypt and her neighbours in the East Mediterranean, particularly Greece, Crete, Turkey, Syria and Palestine between around 1500 BC and 300 BC, with particular focus on the New Kingdom period in Egypt. Themes include diplomatic contact, the nature of Egyptian control and influence, trade and exchange, and the spread of ideas. (Location Tonbridge, code CL596, 30 credits)
In the second year, your studies include writing an extended essay (see below) on an archaeological theme.
Teaching and asssessment
Regular weekly meetings include presentations and seminar discussions and may be supplemented by small group tutorials, a day school, and/or class site or museum visit (please note that these do not always take place at the same time as the weekly meetings). Assessment is by written assignments.
BA (Hons) degree in Archaeological Studies
The BA (Hons) degree programme extends your knowledge of the ancient past of Europe and the Mediterranean and deepens your understanding of archaeology as an academic discipline. This programme is suitable for those who have a Diploma in Archaeological Studies or an equivalent level of attainment in a relevant programme.
Facts
| Fee: | £730 per annum (60 credits). Visits to sites and museums are not included in this fee. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Canterbury |
| Times: | Wed 7pm-9pm.
|
| Length: | Usually two years |
| Entry requirements: | Diploma in Archaeological Studies or its equivalent |
| Progression: | All postgraduate programmes are available on a part-time basis. Please refer to the Graduate Prospectus for details. |
Programme content
Students with a diploma take a furth er 120 credits to obtain their degree. All students complete an Archaeological Project at some stage during their degree studies.
Archaeological Project
This project focuses on the study of primary data. It may involve antiquarian literature; archive documentation involving cartographic sources; sites and monuments records; museum collections; observations of monuments in the field or other forms of approved fieldwork or participation in excavation. You choose your topic in consultation with an academic supervisor who guides you in your studies, helping you to develop skills of autonomous study and research. (Location Canterbury, code CL598/CL599, 30 credits).
The range of modules that may be on offer are listed below. You also have the option to choose a module from another diploma or degree programme.
- The Archaeology of Belief, Cult and Ritual (Code CL614, 30 credits)
- Archaeology of the Romans in the West (Code CL612, 30 credits)
- Barbarians in the West (Code CL591, 30 credits)
- Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean (Code CL596, 30 credits)
- Foundations of Britain (Code CL610, 30 credits)
- Greek Art and Architecture (Code CL608, 30 credits) (Code CL620, 30 credits)
- Heads, Heroes and Horses: In Search of the Ancient Celts (Code CL568, 30 credits)
- Late Antique Archaeology: Mediterranean Life from Constantine to Muhammed (Code CL638, 30 credits)
- Minoan Art and Architecture (Code CL623/523, 30 credits)
- Origins of the Medieval City (Code CL639, 30 credits)
- Roman Art and Architecture (Code CL609, 30 credits)
Many of the modules listed are also available during the daytime at the Canterbury campus. You are welcome to take these and other daytime modules if you wish to increase your choice of topics or accelerate your progress. Please ask for guidance.
Teaching and asssessment
Regular weekly meetings include presentations and seminar discussions, which may be supplemented by small group tutorials, a day school, and/or class site or museum visit (these do not always take place at the same time as the weekly meetings). Assessment is by written assignments.