Public Archaeology MA

This module examines the skills and methodologies required for advanced archaeological, historical and heritage research. Students gain the opportunity to explore a range of skills and to build on their existing knowledge and expertise, including how to identify relevant resources, how to appraise and critique research publications, and how to construct and analyse historical and archaeological evidence. This module therefore lays the groundwork for larger research projects such as the dissertation. Through this module, students are afforded the opportunity to engage with the practicalities of undertaking research in the archive and in the field, considering varying approaches to active and pro-active research. Students will learn how to work with historical and archaeological practitioners, organisations and digital resources, honing their craft with cutting edge research methods and practice.

Why and how does the past matter? Why and how do academic researchers tackle the human journey and its significance in today's world? Spanning the disciplines of history, heritage studies and archaeology, this module provides an advanced-level introduction and engagement with current theoretical and applied debates on the meaning of the human past and its significance in today's world.

Each student researches and writes a 12,000-word dissertation on a historical, archaeological, museums or heritage-related topic of their choosing. This must relate to the overarching subject discipline of the pathway being followed. The topic and title is negotiated between the student and the supervising tutor; tutor approval of the topic and title is an essential requirement.  The research dissertation is based upon guided but largely independent research and upon substantial use of a range of primary source materials.

The dissertation module includes taught elements on dissertation prep and design and one to one individual supervision.

Drawing on current research this module explores theoretical and practical debates in public archaeology. In doing so the module links to relevant, historic and current political and social movements in both the U.K. and U.S. and covers key issues associated with public participation in archaeology including community archaeology; the practice and ethics of volunteering in archaeology; the creation of, and access to, archaeological information; archaeology and social benefit.

This module interrogates specialist approaches to a shared endeavour of history, archaeology and heritage studies: to tell the story, and to critique the stories we tell, about past worlds. In the 21st century this now encapsulates a host of digital and virtual environments as well as more traditional engagements with tangible spaces and places. Material culture studies and social memory are pivotal concepts in this innovative field, allowing us to explore how people create the past through their engagements with physical as well as digital environments. 

Tackling these critical approaches outside of traditional subject-specific silos, through this module you will engage with interdisciplinary and specialist frameworks to enhance your chosen Master’s pathway. Here you will have the opportunity to work with dedicated members of staff to explore topics in depth and to develop your skills as a professional in your particular field. The module allows you to explore a wide range of chronological and geographic landscapes and environments, virtual or physical, through one of two critical lenses, either:  

• Tangible pasts: exploring landscape, material culture and memory in the past and present (incorporating archaeological, historical and heritage theory, method and practice) 

• Digital pasts: evaluating and utilising digital and virtual environments for public history, heritage and public archaeology. 

Students studying the MA Death and Memory pathway will explore the rich interdisciplinary and growing research field of social memory in relation to landscapes past and present. Using case studies from different periods and places, from prehistory to the contemporary world, current debates on landscapes and memory are considered and interrogated, focusing on how people construct and reproduce their sense of history and social memory through space and place. Applications in archaeology, medieval and modern history, and heritage studies, are the primary foci. 

Students studying the MA Public Archaeology pathway will explore themes and debates in digital methods of outreach and engagement, developing the skills and knowledge to undertake participatory research in History and/or Archaeology. You will explore the use of digital 'citizen science' research methods, the application of social media and digital technologies for outreach and engagement, as well as examine history and archaeology in, and as, contemporary digital popular culture. 

Students on the MSc Museums and Heritage Practice or MA History pathways may choose either of these topics to suit their interests and professional development.  

This module offers experiential learning opportunities for students on the MA Archaeology, MSc Museums and Heritage and MA History pathways in the form of bespoke placements, experiential or research projects that are embedded in professional practice.   Projects allow students to develop applied skills in public archaeology, history, museums and heritage through a closely defined piece of work. There is considerable flexibility in the design and scope of these professional projects, but they may include digital work, placements or research projects undertaken either internally or externally. Each project will enable students to understand the demand, design, purposes, commissioning and delivery of specialist research and practice across the heritage and public engagement sectors. 

Archaeology, History, Heritage and Museum Studies all place a high value on research project work and the communication of that work to the public.  The skills and capacity to carry out and present subject research according to required professional formats, accessibly and concisely for a range of audiences is an essential skill of the researcher. Demonstrating desk-based, collection-based, heritage or public engagement research expertise is also a key aspect of professional practice.  

Projects will be arranged to reflect your interests and according to your pathway of study may reflect on: 

• Curation and collections management 

• Material culture studies or archives 

• Museums and heritage learning and public engagement 

• Digital research or development 

• Educational resources 

• Relationships between archaeology and the public 

• Archaeological, museums or heritage research practices, such as display 

• Sector research and strategy