Postgraduate Schemes
MA & Diploma in Landscape Management & Environmental Archaeology
Managing our archaeological heritage is a central theme in contemporary archaeology, but the emphasis traditionally has been on cultural landscapes and on the sites and monuments therein. Over recent years, however, there has been an increasing interest in ancient landscapes and past environments. The MA course in Landscape Management and Environmental Archaeology has been designed to meet this interest by providing students with a broad training in, and experience of, the practical aspects of environmental archaeology, allied to management practice. The course is designed to provide students with a range of management skills, as well as the ability to recover, process, analyse and evaluate a range of palaeoenvironmental data. Students will also gain practical experience through placement work with an appropriate organisation. The course is aimed at assisting recent graduates seeking employment in businesses and public organisations concerned with the management of the natural environment, landscape and the archaeological heritage.
Term 1
Field Class
(10 credits)
A chance to explore environmental and cultural landscape management issues in the field. Located in the beautiful Welsh Marches.
The Chronology of British Landscape and Environment
(20 credits)
This module provides an introduction to landscape and environmental change in Britain through a broad-ranging review of key elements of the sequence and of the inter-related natural and cultural processes that are involved.
Heritage Project Management in the Modern World
(20 credits)
Students will be introduced to key management skills relevant to the administration and running of businesses and projects in cultural and environmental heritage. These include financial basics, marketing, entrepreneurial and presentational skills, project and team management, feasibility studies, business plans, and report writing.
Term 2
Research Methodologies
(10 credits)
This module provides a series of seminars, workshops, and demonstrations which aim to enhance students’ research and presentational skills through the use of technological and personal ‘tools’. The objective is to develop an ability to use libraries, databases, archives (e.g., SMRs), collections and computing facilities, as well as an ability to write and present information in the public sphere.
Palaeoenvironmental Methods
(40 credits)
The aim is to introduce students to the broad range of techniques that are currently employed in environmental archaeology, including dendrochronology, plant macrofossil analysis, pollen analysis, sediment analysis, soil analysis and vertebrate analysis. Through a combination of lectures and laboratory practicals students will develop an understanding of, and an expertise in, these various palaeoenvironmental methods.
Term 3
Placement
(20 credits)
An opportunity to put training into practice through the department’s placement scheme with professional organisations involved in the management of Welsh natural and cultural landscapes.
Summer
(for those wishing to complete an MA)
Dissertation
(60 credits)
In consultation with the Course Director students will choose a topic for a 15,000 word dissertation that they will research and write for a deadline which will normally be the end of September.