Archaeology

In this module you will examine a range of key issues and themes in British archaeological research and occasionally the wider international setting. You will gain an understanding of the chronology of different archaeological time periods, current debates relating to British archaeology and some of the most recent developments in this field.

The module explores archaeological and forensic aspects of human remains recovery. You'll learn about human anatomy and skeletal biology. You'll identify physical characteristics, age, race, and sex of human skeletons. The module also examines injuries, pathology, and causes of death.

You'll learn about field collection, processing and reporting of geospatial and geophysical data. You will develop field research, computer analysis and data interpretation skills. You will gather data relevant to a range of archaeological, environmental, and investigative case studies. You'll learn geophysical survey techniques and topographic survey.

Our module will provide you with an underpinning knowledge in mortuary archaeology with a particular focus on encounters with death and the dead body. You will partake in a mixture of lectures and seminars, which will explore contemporary themes in archaeology through a range of case studies.

You'll explore modern commercial archaeology, including practices, techniques, and philosophies. You'll enhance your fieldwork skills, delve into project management, and learn about post-excavation. Learning alongside professionals, you'll encounter real work scenarios when possible.

This module builds on your prior knowledge of archaeological fieldwork. You will develop skills needed to contribute to commercial or research excavations without direct supervision. You will have a four-week placement on an archaeological research project and will develop transferable team-working and time and work management skills.

In this module you will examine a range of key issues in hunter-gatherer research in relation to both past and present societies. You will explore the variety and diversity of hunter-gatherer existence and look for useful comparisons between past and present societies at a practical and theoretical level, which will be addressed through a variety of case studies.

This module will develop your skills in field research, computer analysis and data interpretation. This module will prepare you for future research projects. You will learn to collect field data in an archaeological environmental and investigative case studies. You will also learn to use Geographical Information Systems software.

You'll gain a grounding in mortuary archaeology, biological anthropology, and osteoarchaeology. You'll explore displaying the dead, cemetery organisation, and social patterns. You'll learn about practical circumstances in the workplace and explore ethics and issues. The module analyses death in society both ancient and modern.

During this module you'll build on your knowledge of human skeletal anatomy, introducing key forensic aspects of the mechanical properties of bone and post-mortem bone modification. The module will aim to address issues of scientific taphonomic investigation outside the areas of post-mortem interval estimation and decomposition studies. Laboratory and field based exercises will allow you to put these theoretical concepts into practice with the emphasis on problem solving, applied practical skills and evaluative writing.

This module allows you to explore issues in archaeology and aspects of archaeological investigation within a structured environment. You will discuss topics relevant to the archaeology of ancient landscapes, material culture, and archaeological theory. You will explore practical topics, including phenomenology, chronology, and material culture.

Our module builds on the knowledge of archaeological fieldwork gained in your previous years of academic study. You will develop the skills needed to contribute to commercial or research excavations as well as learning supervision skills through a 4-week placement.