Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year
MSc Experimental Archaeology
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc Experimental Archaeology | Programme code | PTS1HPSHPS05 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Part Time Full Time |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
This programme explores experimental archaeology's potential as a powerful research method, an effective educational tool and an excellent medium for public outreach.
You will receive a sound practical and theoretical grounding in scientific use of experiments in archaeological research. The programme will give you practical experience of experiments related to archaeological and taphonomic processes and the production of a range of material culture types including ceramics, stone tools, metals and a range of organic materials.
The role of experiments and ‘reconstructions’ in education and public outreach is investigated through classes, practical activities, and field visits. Links with professionals, museums and independent establishments, provide opportunities for practical work based on a sound appreciation of theory.
The University has established an outdoor centre on its Streatham Campus to provide a location for both short and long-term experimental archaeology research.
Advice and guidance on your programme can be sought from your personal tutor and programme director. All staff offer regular office hours that you can drop into without a prior appointment for this purpose.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
This programme will give you advanced grounding in the main themes and methods of Experimental Archaeology. It offers a coherent programme, balancing core elements with a choice of specialist topics to suit your individual aspirations and requirements.
This programme will develop your competence in the subject specific and research skills required in Experimental Archaeology through extended engagement with primary data. You will also acquire advanced competence in core academic, personal and key skills, providing a basis for career progression in the academic world and beyond. The programme provides training for doctoral research or a specialist career. You will be encouraged to become a productive, useful and questioning member of society.
You will be exposed to a variety of teaching and assessment methods within an appropriate learning environment, supported by feedback and monitoring. You will be given an opportunity to develop your self-study skills through a piece of individual research.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/humanities/studying/postgraduatetaught/modules/
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Optional modules offered are subject to change depending on staff availability and student demand.
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in each stage of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module
Stage 1
105 credits of compulsory modules and 75 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARCM105 | Dissertation in Experimental Archaeology | 60 | No |
| ARCM108 | Experimental Archaeology: Research and Public Engagement | 15 | No |
| ARCM109 | Practical Pasts | 15 | No |
| ARCM110 | Research Design in Archaeology | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc Experimental Archaeology Optional modules 2023-4 | |||
| ARCM005 | Professional Skills in Archaeology | 15 | No |
| ARCM007 | Advanced Project | 15 | No |
| ARCM120 | Themes in Archaeological Theory and Practice | 15 | No |
| ARCM130 | Discovering the Past with Molecular Science | 15 | No |
| ARCM200 | Field Study | 15 | No |
| ARCM225 | Landscape Archaeology: Understanding the Historic Environment | 15 | No |
| ARCM403 | Advanced Zooarchaeology | 15 | No |
| ARCM407 | Zooarchaeology | 15 | No |
| ARCM412 | Funerary Osteoarchaeology | 15 | No |
| ARCM501 | Researching the Historic Environment Online | 15 | No |
| ARCM602 | Forensic Anthropology: Principles and Practice | 15 | No |
| ARCM300 | Material Culture | 15 | No |
| ARCM106 | Plants and Animals as Craft Resources | 15 | No |
| ARCM111 | Approaches to Pottery: Archaeology, Archaeometry and Experimental Archaeology | 15 | No |
| ARCM415 | The Archaeology of Humans and Other Animals | 15 | No |
| ARCM107 | Digital Pasts | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Understand advanced experimental archaeological techniques and appreciate their major advantages and disadvantages | A range of teaching methods is employed, appropriate to the subject material and the study mode of the student, including taught classes, seminars, tutorials, fieldtrips and independent study. 1 is developed through ARCM102. 2 is developed through ARCM100 and ARCM102B and ARCM102C. 3 is developed through ARCM004. 4 is developed through ARCM102B and ARCM102C. 5 is developed through ARCM102B and ARCM102C. 6 is developed in all modules. | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of essays, other written reports/projects, and a dissertation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
7. Draw critical thematic comparisons between material from a broad range of different sources. | These skills are developed throughout the programme in all modules. They are developed through lectures and seminars, written work, and oral work (both presentation and class discussion) | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of essays, other written reports/projects, oral presentations, visual presentations, and a dissertation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
13. Undertake independent research and work to deadlines. | Personal and key skills are delivered through all modules, with the following emphases: 13 is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme, notably the Dissertation ARCM004. 14 is developed in coursework 15 is developed through a variety of written assignments throughout the programme. 16 is developed through ARCM102B and ARCM102C. 17 is developed through all modules, and especially ARCM102B and ARCM102C. 18 is developed through the Dissertation ARCM004. 19 is developed through the Dissertation, ARCM004. | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of essays, other written reports/projects, visual presentations, and a dissertation. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
All students within Archaeology have a personal tutor for their entire programme of study and who are available for at least two hours a week at advertised ‘office hours’. There are induction sessions to orientate students at the start of their programme. A personal tutoring system will operate with regular communication throughout the programme. Academic support will be also be provided by module leaders. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MSc Experimental Archaeology
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/11/2011 |
Date of last revision | 28/07/2023 |
|---|
