UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution and Location
of Delivery
University of Central Lancashire
Preston Campus
3. University School/Centre
Forensic and Investigative Sciences
4. External Accreditation
None
5. Title of Final Award
MA Archaeology
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full-time, part-time
7. UCAS Code
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
Archaeology
QAA Masters Degree Characteristics
9. Other external influences
10. Date of production/revision of this
form
March 2011
11. Aims of the Programme
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To provide an in-depth study of archaeology.
To develop, and enhance, the critical, theoretical and analytical skills involving the principles,
practices and techniques of archaeology.
To develop, and enhance, competence in research methods and presentation of archaeological
information and to prepare students for further study.
To develop skills in solving problems both independently and as a team member to a level
commensurate to level 7.
To prepare students effectively for professional practice, employment or doctoral studies in the
area of archaeology.
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Analyse a problem involving the specific aspects of archaeology and be able to design and
implement a suitable solution.
A2. Present archaeological information clearly and concisely
A3. Apply data handling skills, effectively plan a project and use documentation skills in an
appropriate manner.
A4. Design, plan and implement research questions to problems in archaeology and be capable of
analysing the effectiveness of such research questions.
A5. Develop and write a research project within guidelines and be able to assess the success of such
a project.
A6. Apply the skills developed on the course to a relevant individual project.
A7. Synthesise solutions to problems involving several aspects of archaeology independently.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Seminars, lectures, structured laboratory classes, group tutorials, 1:1 tutorials, and meetings with
supervisors.
Assessment methods
Essays, reports, reviews, practical reports, poster presentations and project reports.
B.
B1.
B2.
B3.
B4.
Subject-specific skills
Implement archaeological research techniques to specific case studies.
Effectively communicate archaeological research methods within archaeological case studies.
Research information from literature/manuals/internet.
Evaluate different potential solutions to a problem.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Seminars, lectures, structured laboratory classes, group tutorials, 1:1 tutorials, and meetings with
supervisors.
Assessment methods
Essays, reports, reviews, practical reports, poster presentations and project reports.
C. Thinking Skills
C1. Evaluate technical and theoretical information
C2. Plan and conduct an extended research project.
C3. Communicate results
C4. Assimilate ideas quickly.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Seminars, lectures, structured laboratory classes, group tutorials, 1:1 tutorials, and meetings with
supervisors.
Assessment methods
Essays, reports, reviews, practical reports, poster presentations and project reports.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Work to deadlines.
D2. Work in a team.
D3. Work independently under minimum supervision.
D4. Generate original ideas.
D5. Synthesise knowledge.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Skills developed through seminars, lectures, structured laboratory classes, group tutorials, 1:1
tutorials, and meetings with supervisors..
Assessment methods
Essays, reports, reviews, practical reports, poster presentations and project reports.
13. Programme Structures*
Level
Level 7
Module
Code
FZ4413
FZ4414
FZ4403
FZ4404
FZ4406
FZ4408
FZ4410
Module Title
14. Awards and Credits*
Credit
rating
Techniques for Archaeological
Research
Burial Archaeology
Key Issues in Theoretical
Archaeology
Archaeology Research Project
Human Osteology I
Zooarchaeology I
Aspects of Archaeological
Research
40
20
20
60
20
20
20
MA in Archaeology
Requires 180 credits at Level 7
MA with Distinction APM and
Research Project  70%
MA with Merit APM and Research
Project  60%
Postgraduate Diploma in
Archaeology
Requires 120 credits at Level 7
Postgraduate Certificate in
Archaeology
Requires 60 credits at Level 7
15. Personal Development Planning
PDP is delivered and monitored through project modules and the personal tutor system. Students are
provided with a PDP handbook and an introductory lecture on it during induction week.
The PDP programme is based around core modules and assessments rather than stand-alone
modules. Students are introduced to the idea of PDP and career planning through sessions in
induction week and through the provision of the Schools PDP guide called “Developing in all the Right
Ways”. This is supplemented with talks from careers advisors or employers and meetings with their
personal tutor and project supervisor. Reflection and self-assessment on their achievements and
goal setting is supported by meetings with their personal tutors.
Students are advised to keep a progress file containing reflections and examples of work.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications,
together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be
expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have
been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for
the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
Undergraduate degree in any subject, at 2(i) level or higher, or equivalent, or a 2(ii) in archaeology
where it is supported by a good dissertation 2(i) or higher.
Students with other qualifications or experience will be considered on a case by case basis, and may
be interviewed.
17. Key sources of information about the programme
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University web site
School website
Factsheet
Course Leaders
Admissions tutor
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
LEVEL 7
Level Module Module Title
Code
Note:
FZ4413 Techniques for
Archaeological
Research
FZ4414 Burial Archaeology
FZ4403 Key Issues in
Theoretical
Archaeology
FZ4404 Archaeology Research
Project
FZ4406 Human Osteology I
FZ4408 Zooarchaeology I
FZ4410 Aspects of
Archaeological
Research
Core (C),
Compulsory
(COMP) or
Option (O)
Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding Subject-specific
Thinking Skills
Skills
Other skills relevant to
employability and
personal development
A1
A2
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A7
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B4
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C1 C2 C3
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C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5
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O
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C
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O
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Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks
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