Course description
BA Archaeology
Programme
Year One
You will study the archaeological past from the origins of the human species to the twentieth century and you will be taught the aims and methods of archaeology. You will also gain practical experience across a broad spectrum of archaeological activities. As a key part of your first year you will participate in an excavation training school in the Leicester area.
Year Two
You choose four particular archaeological periods to study in detail. Choices include early prehistory, Iron Age and Roman archaeology, the archaeology of the Mediterranean world, and medieval and early modern archaeology. You will also have the option to study a range of laboratory-based courses and there are core courses in practical archaeology, archaeological theory and professional skills. At the end of the year you participate in a research excavation, which can take place anywhere in the world! In Year two there is the option of transferring to a BSc stream, where there is greater emphasis on laboratory and science-based courses.
Year Three
You write a dissertation on a topic of your own choice, and choose four specialist modules from a wide selection. Current choices include, among others: period specialisms such as human origins, Iron Age Britain, Britain in the Roman Empire, the medieval city, and early Christian Europe; thematic modules, including, food and culture, and warfare, conflict and violence in antiquity; and science-based methodological courses such as forensic archaeology, ceramic technology, archaeobotany and human skeletal analysis.