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Archaeological Science
Introduction
The Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art offers a one year Master of Science course and a one year Master of Studies course in Archaeological Science. The courses are designed to give a broad but detailed grounding in the theory as well as practical experience in the major applications of science in archaeology. They are intended for archaeologists or scientists who wish to go on to undertake research in archaeological science, or archaeologists who intend to pursue a career in the management of archaeological projects or become policy makers in this area and would like to have a sound understanding of the potential of science to elucidate archaeological problems. The courses can be taken for their own sake, or (MSc) as preliminary training for doctoral research.
Applicants may have either a predominantly archaeological or science based education, although it is advantageous to have some experience of both subjects.
The MSc consists of two nine-week terms of taught material and a five month research project. The MSt shares the taught component of the MSc course, but instead of the research project, the candidates are required to submit a 5000 word report on a practical project of approximately 6 weeks duration.
Course subjects
The Course is based on the research strengths of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology.
The pre-set essay and dissertation provide opportunity for specialisation within these areas. Further details on each area are given below.
| Topics assessed by examination (List A) | Coordinator(s) |
|---|---|
| Materials analysis and the study of technological change | Prof Mark Pollard |
| Molecular Bioarchaeology | Dr Rick Schulting |
| Principles and practice of scientific dating | Prof Christopher Ramsey |
| Subject topics (List B) | |
| Topics from Archaeology MSt/MPhil | |
| Topics from Classical Archaeology MSt/MPhil | |
Most students study all three options in list A, but it is possible to replace one of these with an option from one of the other Masters courses run by the department (list B). Students can also supplement the course by attending teaching in another course in preparation for the extended essay. One option which provides very useful supplementary skills is the Practical Archaeobotany option from the MSt in Archaeology.
Academic staff
Course coordinators:
Also teaching on the course:
- Amy Bogaard
- Nicole Boivin
- Fiona Brock
- Alison Crowther
- Peter Ditchfield
- Peter Ditchfield
- Chris Doherty
- Ceiridwen Edwards
- Linda Fibiger
- Rebecca Fraser
- Brian Gilmore
- Julie Hamilton
- Michael Haslam
- Tom Higham
- Christine Lane
- Daniel Miles
- Michael Petraglia
- Oliver Pryce
- Linda Reynard
- Nadine Schibille
- Jean-Luc Schwenninger
- Victoria Smith
Examinations
Formal coursework finishes in April, and written examinations, including submission of the pre-set essay(s) are sat in early May. Project work for the MSt Report or MSc Dissertation starts in May and finishes in June (MSt) or mid-September (MSc). Candidates for the MSc must submit a 15-20,000 word dissertation on a research area or topic selected in consultation with their supervisor.
MSt candidates are required to submit a 5000 word report on a practical project of approximately 6 weeks duration chosen in consultation with their supervisor.
A viva voce examination may be held at the end of September, when candidates' work-books may also be examined, at the discretion of the examiners.
Recent dissertation topics
- A Palaeodietary and chronometric investigation of the prehistoric Necropoleis of Varna and Durankulak (Bulgaria)
- Analytical investigation and replication studies on the production of ancient Egyptian faience
- Ancient Maya cave mortuary practices: a reinterpretation using isotopic evidence from West-Central Belize and Naj Tunich, Guatemala