Entry requirementsEntry requirements: A First or Upper Second Class Honours degree, or the overseas equivalent.
Academic titleArchaeology: Neolithic MA
Course descriptionCourse description
This Pathway, one of only two dedicated MAs in Neolithic Archaeology in Britain, provides a comprehensive, international overview of the period. Over the last two decades, it is in the field of Neolithic studies that some of the major shifts in archaeological theory have occurred. This pathway provides a comprehensive overview of the period and these developments and draws on the internationally-renowned expertise of Dr Stuart Campbell, Dr Colin Richards & Prof Julian Thomas. The MA aims to examine a range of themes and issues prevalent in contemporary approaches to Neolithic Archaeology, and consider the problems of interpreting Neolithic material culture in key areas of the British Isles, Atlantic Europe and the Near East. Intellectual and research skills are also developed to enable successful students to undertake independent research in Neolithic Archaeology.
We recommend this MA to those who have an interest in this aspect of archaeology in and of itself, and to those considering further research (PhD) in this or a related area.
Module details
Research training is an important part of the MA programme. There are two components:
-SAGE (Skills Awareness for Graduate Education): This course addresses broad research skills and trains students in areas such as formulating research questions, developing analytical strategies, and critical use of sources. Students also undertake a skills audit to identify specific training needs and relevant training courses.
-Research skills in Archaeology: theory, interpretation, practice: This course delivers essential intellectual and cognitive skills relevant to archaeology. Particular emphasis is placed on the interrelationships between theory, interpretation and practice within the history of the discipline, as well as connections between archaeology and other disciplines (such as anthropology, art history, geography, literary theory, sociology). At the end of the course there is a 'student conference', which forms part of the assessment in conjunction with a work folder encouraging self-reflection with respect to modes of learning and research.
Course units for the Neolithic Archaeology pathway include:
-Neolithic Europe in Context
-Neolithic Archaeology of Britain
-Reconstructing Prehistoric Society in the Near East
-Students may also opt to take one course unit elsewhere in the School of Arts, Histories and Cultures or the Faculty of Humanities.
(course units are subject to change according to the commitments of individual staff).