BA Archaeology

About the Course

Archaeology is the study of the human past through an examination ofphysical remains such as stone tools, pottery and bones, through to buildings, structures, monuments and landscapes.

It attempts to reveal how contemporary societies, other past societies, and our own society are organised and how we interact with our environments and landscapes.

You will engage with theoretical and ethical issues such as heritage and tourism, cultural politics and environmental change, as well as participate in an annual excavation at the spectacular Cistercian monastery and hinterland of Strata Florida, a few miles north of the campus in the Cambrian mountains.

The programme offers students a wide range of topics and interests, from Ancient Egypt to issues of conservation, representation and display, from Palaeoenvironmental archaeology to Death and Burial.

Archaeology Professional Practice

This enables you to specialise in the more practical elements of archaeological method and practice and to engage closely with archaeological and historical records. Central to the degree is the field experience involving excavation, and the work placement experience. You will be introduced to the theoretical approaches within environmental archaeology and develop field and laboratory skills. Practical sessions are offered in the identification of pollen, dendrochronology, soils and sediments, animal bones and molluscs in dedicated laboratories. You are introduced to the wider issues of how humans have modified and transformed the land and their environment, reflecting symbolic, social and political factors. This degree capitalises on the diversity of archaeological sites within west Wales with a variety of fieldwork-based projects.

Award
BA (Single Honours)

UCAS Code
V400

BA Archaeology - V400 BA Archaeology (Environmental) - FV94 BA Archaeology (Practice) - F420

Course Length
3 years full-time; part-time study available

Entry Requirements

The School has a dedicated Admissions and Recruitment officer who deals with all UCAS application, liaises with the various Programme Coordinators and arranges visits, and Open Days. The programme requirements are between 240 and 260 points and above or Access to HE Foundation Degree. However we are keen to judge each application on its merits, and thus will also look at non traditional routes though here entry may require an interview.

Career Opportunities

  • Professional field archaeology
  • Government and commercial management
  • Teaching, research and postgraduate opportunities
  • Museum, archive, IT

You will develop powers of analysis, logical thought and argument within a supportive and encouraging environment. It will be these skills of communication, understanding, analysis and self-management that provide you with a passport into employment. Types of employment could include museum and archive work, journalism, law, banking, local politics, all types of administrative work, marketing and advertising, and teaching

Campus

Lampeter Campus

Typical modules

  • Excavation and Analysis
  • Castles in Context Archaeology
  • Funerary Beliefs in Ancient Egypt
  • Battlefield Archaeology
  • Environment and Climate Change
  • Advanced Environmental Techniques
  • Bronze Age Society
  • Museums, Heritage and Representation
  • Human Evolution and the Origins of Human Behaviour
  • Work placement

Key Features

  • UK and overseas field trips
  • Combines theory, method and practice of archaeology
  • Excellent facilities for field and laboratory-based courses
  • Many wide-ranging and varied option courses to choose from
  • Staff with teaching and research expertise in a wide international area
  • Ideal area with sites ranging from prehistoric hill forts and monuments, to Roman gold mines and imposing medieval castle complexes
  • Work placement opportunities

Programme Specification

Programme Specification ARCHAEOLOGY

Further Information

Joint Routes Available:

  • BA Archaeology and Classical Studies - QV84
  • BA Archaeology and History - V V14
  • BA Archaeology and Islamic Studies - TV64
  • BA Archaeology and Medieval Studies - V V41

Assessment methods

Assessment methods for the course draw upon a range of different forms and approaches that include a variety of written formats from essays (ranging from 1500 words up to 3500 words in length), short 1000 word analyses, field reports and journals, document, oral presentations delivered both in a group and individually, and both seen and unseen examinations.

In addition to summative assessments the programme also undertakes a range of formative assessments that may include one or more of the following: peer assessed work, group presentations, reflective journals, blogs and wikis, internet searches, document analysis, and bibliographic exercises.

Learning and Teaching methods

Teaching methods are designed to provide interest, variety and academic curiosity. Seminars, workshops and small group work are our principal means of teaching, though supported by lectures, field trips, revision and study groups. We are also offer one-to-one tutorials in which you can discuss aspects of your on written work such as help with the structuring of essays, or writing technique or feedback advice on a specific assignment.