Course description
The MSc Geoarchaeology programme
The MSc Geoarchaeology is a 12-month programme (24 months part time), comprising both
‘core’ and ‘optional’ modules. Each module is assigned a credit value, and the total number
of credits in the programme is 180. Each credit equates approximately to 10 hours of work
(including all contact hours such as lectures or classes, as well as further reading and any
assessments) for the average student.
Summary of programme aims
Geoarchaeology: Principles and Practice
Provides an introduction to, and overview of, the principles and practice of earth science
approaches to archaeology. Key aspects include the geological basis of landscape, and
natural and anthropogenic processes of sediment formation. There is discussion of a wide
range of sedimentary contexts in which archaeological evidence may be found (including
coastal, fluvial, lacustrine, and colluvial contexts), and issues of preservation and
management of the archaeological resource within such contexts. Practical applications of
geoarchaeological approaches are illustrated by case studies in which earth science methods
have been used to address archaeological questions, and archaeological evidence has
contributed to understanding of timescales and causes of environmental change. A full day
visit to English Heritage at Fort Cumberland provides the opportunity for students to see
how geoarchaeology is employed by the Government’s lead heritage organisation.
Teaching methods: Lectures (14 hours), seminars (4 hours), study visit (1 day).
Assessment: Examination (100%).
Laboratory Methods in Geoarchaeology
Introduces a range of laboratory-based methods for analysis of archaeological samples. Key
topics covered are stable isotope analysis, dating methods (radiocarbon, dendrochronology,
amino acid racemisation, palaeomagnetism, uranium series dating, thermoluminescence
and electron spin resonance), X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction, provenancing (of
stone, pottery and metal ores, fuels and smelting residues) and bioarchaeological analyses
(pollen, charcoal and mollusca).
Teaching methods: Practical classes (25 hours) and lectures (5 hours).
Assessment: Coursework - laboratory reports (50%) - and examination (50%).
Field Methods and Experimentation in Geoarchaeology
Techniques used in assessing the geoarchaeological potential of sites as part of the planning
and development process are reviewed. These include key issues such as heritage
management, coastal zone management, alluvial sequences and their relationship to
aggregate extraction. The contribution of experimental methods to the understanding of
formation processes is considered, leading to discussion of site monitoring, effects of land
use and erosion, and issues of the in situ preservation of sites. Practical field skills are
developed using key techniques such as coring, test-pitting, and surveying, with particular
reference to alluvial geoarchaeology. Other topics covered include use of air photography,
geophysical survey and sediment description. Students also learn how to contribute to
writing an assessment report and research design, and how to undertake a fieldwork risk
assessment. There is a visit to Butser Ancient Farm, an experimental reconstruction of an
Iron Age Farm and Roman villa, where students investigate formation processes of the
archaeological record, including the effects of agriculture and erosion.
Teaching methods: Lectures (4 hours), fieldwork (17 hours), lab work (6 hours), Butser
(1 day).
Assessment: Coursework - fieldwork report (100%).
Applications of Micromorphological Analysis
Provides practical and critical understanding of micromorphological approaches to the
study of soils and sediments. Key issues include formation processes of the archaeological
record and conditions leading to preservation of archaeological artefacts and sites, with
emphasis on implications for in situ preservation and management of sites. Techniques of
field sampling, sample preparation, optical microscopy and micro-analysis are discussed
with reference to various on- and off-site contexts. Students learn to identify and record
microscopic characteristics of: rocks and minerals, biological components, artefacts and
architectural materials, and micro-stratigraphic indicators of depositional and postdepositional
processes. A range of case studies from temperate and semi-arid environments
are reviewed, including use of micromorphology to reconstruct spatial and temporal
variations in use of space in buildings, buried land surfaces, and impacts of agriculture and
land management strategies on soils.
Teaching methods: Lectures (5 hours), laboratory work (25 hours).
Assessment: Coursework - laboratory reports (90%) and laboratory test (10%).
Soils in Archaeology
Introduces students to the study of soil science in the field and laboratory, so that they
understand and can investigate the potential of soil evidence as part of an archaeological
field project. Key topics include soil formation, classification, soil survey, soil constituents
and processes, and the early origins of soil contaminants. There is a half-day in the field to
enable students to gain experience of interpreting soil profiles, and simple field tests of
soils, and to collect samples for subsequent laboratory analysis.
Teaching methods: Lectures (8 hours), laboratory work (28 hours), fieldwork (4 hours).
Assessment: Coursework - field and laboratory reports (30%) - and examination (70%).
Field Course
An 8-day conducted field class in north Norfolk and the Fenland provides the opportunity to
visit a wide range of types of archaeological site (Palaeolithic to post-medieval), examine
many types of soil and sediment (including wetland and coastal deposits, and aggregate
extraction sites) and consider diverse geomorphological contexts. Field investigations are
conducted at key sites and the implications of the observations for landscape management
and planning issues are reviewed. There is a particular focus on coastal geoarchaeology, and
environmental and heritage management and their relationship to nature conservation. As
part of the course students make a rapid geoarchaeological assessment of a transect of
landscape in the context of a hypothetical planning application. The module develops skills
in field observation, recording and data analysis, much of it requiring work as part of a
team, and practice in the recognition of archaeological sites and artefacts in a field context.
Students present their results and recommendations to the group. There is also a visit to
Peterborough Museum for a talk on creation of a GIS-based Sites and Monuments Record
that integrates the environmental history of the fens with archaeological information from
the area.
Teaching methods: Lectures (4 hours), fieldwork and field visits (66 hours).
Assessment: Coursework - field notebook (100%)
Research Resources and Skills
Provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of the resources, techniques and skills
for conducting independent research, and critical analytical writing, at Masters level.
Enables students to gain practical experience of a range of IT applications (including
spreadsheets, databases, statistics and graphics) and data sources, and to evaluate the
application of these techniques and resources in their own research. There are sessions on
health and safety issues and ethics. The module is also aimed at developing personal
responsibility and initiative in both academic tasks and problem solving, and addresses
continuing professional development, and future applications for employment and funding.
Teaching methods: Lectures (6 hours), seminars (10 hours), practicals (14 hours).
Students also undertake independent IT training through the resources of the
University’s IT Services department (up to 30 hours).
Assessment: Coursework – critique and IT task (100%).
Dissertation
This module comprises a taught component (in the Spring Term), followed by full-time
independent research for, and writing of, the dissertation (from early May to mid
September). The taught component of the module begins with an introduction to the skills
necessary to write a Masters dissertation, after which students critique a previous
dissertation, design their own project, and get feedback first on the research design, and
then on an oral presentation of the proposal at the Masters’ Conference. The dissertation
can be on any subject within the range of expertise of staff, and is expected to develop field
and/or laboratory skills. Students are assigned one or two supervisors (two if one is
external) to advise and offer specialist assistance, and also receive considerable support and
guidance from technical staff in relation to use of particular items of equipment and
techniques. The dissertation (10,000 words) is written in the form of a paper for a scientific
journal. Students also produce a poster for display at the end of the course, encouraging
them to develop the ability to present their results in a summarised and accessible format.
Teaching methods: Lectures (3 hours), seminars (10 hours) and conference (1 day), plus
individual discussions with supervisor and training in specific techniques as required
Assessment: Coursework - oral dissertation presentation (5%), poster (5%), dissertation
(90%).
Options
Students take 1 (20 credit) or 2 (10 credit) options (to a total of 20 credits) from a list of c. 12
offered by departments in the School of Human and Environmental Sciences. The choice
offered varies annually, but examples include:
· The Lower Palaeolithic of North-West Europe
· Environmental Archaeology and the Cultural Landscapes of Prehistory
· Environment and Landscape in Historical Periods
· Coastal and Maritime Archaeology
· Geophysics for Archaeology
· Geographical Information Systems
· Palaeopathology
· Reconstructing Ancient Diet
· Biomolecular Archaeology
· Archaeological Graphics
· Emergence of Civilisation in Mesopotamia
· Ancient Aegean Landscapes
Teaching methods: These vary, but most involve a mixture of lectures and student-led
seminars.
Assessment: Coursework (100%) – usually an essay and seminar presentation.
Career opportunities
The MSc Geoarchaeology enables those with training in environmental science or geoscience to move into archaeology, and those with training in the scientific aspects of archaeology to develop their knowledge of geoscience. This interdisciplinary training prepares MSc graduates for a wide range of careers in archaeological units and consultancies, heritage organisations, environmental consultancies, local authorities, and research laboratories and organisations. The MSc also provides an excellent training for research at doctoral level
