University of Bradford: Undergraduate Programme specification UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD Faculty of Life Sciences School of Archaeological Sciences Programme title: Archaeology Awarding and teaching institution: University of Bradford Final and interim awards: BA (Hons) [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Level 6] BA [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Level 6] Diploma of Higher Education [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Level 5] Certificate of Higher Education [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Level 4] Programme titles: Archaeology Programme approved / accredited by: Not applicable Duration: 3 or 4 years full-time; 6 years part-time UCAS code: V401, V402 Subject benchmark statement: Archaeology (2007) FHEQ Levels: 4, 5 and 6 Approved : August 2014 © University of Bradford 1 Introduction The BA Archaeology programme centres on field archaeology with a strong professional focus. It will equip students for employment in environmental/archaeological consultancies, field units, local/central government sector positions. Archaeology is fundamental to our understanding of how we evolved, how our communities developed, and how we study, preserve and interpret our past. Archaeology, the study of the past through its material remains, is increasingly closely associated with a wide range of other disciplines in the Humanities, the Social Sciences and the Sciences. At Bradford, our distinctive approach emphasises this integration in accordance with the University's mission, 'Making Knowledge Work'. BA Archaeology aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the world of modern archaeology, with an emphasis on the cultural aspects. The programme of study will provide the student with a sound knowledge of current archaeological thinking on many cultures and regions whilst also providing an understanding of professional practice and how relevant techniques are used and integrated within commercial and research archaeology. Archaeological Sciences has an excellent research profile, which supports our teaching in all areas. Throughout the programme, you will acquire skills that will be useful not only in Archaeology, but in whatever profession you choose to follow. These include project and time management, critical review and analytical thinking, presentational skills, computer and other applied IT skills and the management of data. These will be taught, practised and assessed. Over the last 15 years, more than 92% of our graduates had found employment within six months of completing their studies. Fieldwork, which contributes to each of the awards, takes place during the summer vacation between stages one and two: recent sites include Swandro, (Orkney), Old Scatness (Shetland), Duggleby Howe (Yorkshire) and Dyffryn Lane, (Wales). Staff research informs much of the curriculum, especially in the final stage (50% of our research was recently (RAE 2008) judged to be ‘internationally excellent’, including 20% which was judged to be ‘world leading’)’. Three years or four years? You may undertake a placement between stages two and three. It is quite clear that students who do undertake a placement not only have an even better chance of employment, but also tend to gain a higher classification in their degree award. Your degree title will reflect the successful completion of the placement. When you have completed the placement, you will have acquired the following: © University of Bradford 2 Professional Skills, according to the specific programme of training, including aerial survey; excavation/fieldwork; post-excavation; artefact conservation and finds management; artefact analysis, geophysical survey; Sites and Monument Record management; education, heritage and museum work. Personal Transferable Skills, including further development of communication, problem-solving, administrative and IT skills; time management; the ability to work independently; self-motivation; adaptability; team working. Programme Aims The programme is intended to: deliver a flexible programme of study in Archaeology, that reflects areas of staff expertise, for example in the areas of archaeological fieldwork and consultancy, prehistoric archaeology and environmental archaeology; encourage the development of independent learning skills, by providing a supportive, structured environment; develop wide subject knowledge and understanding, and provide training in discipline skills to enable graduates to pursue further programmes of study or careers in archaeology or related practice; develop personal transferable skills to enable a significant proportion of graduates to pursue further programmes of study or careers in non-cognate fields; provide educational opportunities for mature and alternatively qualified students, as well as for school-leavers and traditionally qualified students. Programme Learning Outcomes When you have completed the programme you will be able to: LO1. Appraise theories of human biocultural evolution LO2. Review archaeological theory and practice; the archaeology of the British Isles, the scientific principles underlying archaeology, landscape development and the formation and nature of the archaeological record LO3. Evaluate archaeological field monuments, principles and methods of environmental archaeology; concepts of archaeological chronology and scientific dating techniques; © University of Bradford 3 LO4. Review the administrative legislative and financial context of modern archaeology LO5. Evaluate sampling strategies and excavation and recording techniques LO6. Evaluate growth, decline and sustainability of different human societies within different environmental contexts LO7. Recognise and handle archaeological artefacts and materials LO8. Interpret stratigraphic sequences and archaeological evidence LO9. Apply a variety of scientific techniques LO10. Apply practical field surveying and present survey data LO11. Review the management of archaeological projects LO12. Evaluate professional practice in archaeology LO13. Employ excavation and recording techniques LO14. Formulate a research design LO15. Design and complete a substantial work of independent study LO16. Distinguish between metaphysical concepts and epistemological concerns LO17. Employ skills in critical thinking and data evaluation, basic numerical and statistical techniques; independent learning and research, and team working LO18. Evaluate scientific concepts LO19. Employ IT and computer assisted learning skills; written and oral communication skills; time management skills; analytical, numerical and problem solving skills LO20. Prepare a curriculum vitae LO21. Present within a conference format © University of Bradford 4 Curriculum Stage 1 Module Code Module Title Type Credits Level Study period AR-1107D Archaeology of the British Isles Core 20 4 1 AR-1006D Archaeological theory and method Core 20 4 1 AR-1108D Human Evolution Core 20 4 1 AR-2304D Scientific Frameworks for Archaeology Core 20 4 2 EN-1004D Field Course I (Malham) Core 20 4 2 AR-2007D Humans: Past and Present Core 20 4 2 Stage 1 introduces the major strands of the degree programme. The first major strand is fieldwork (Malham Field Course), which prepares the ground for fieldwork at stage 2. This includes introductions to techniques of field survey and archaeological geophysics. A second key strand is archaeological/environmental management (Malham Field Course/Humans Past and Present), preparing the way for Environmental Impact Assessment in stage 2. Human Evolution and Humans Past and present together give broad coverage of the deep human past from the earliest times to the present day. Archaeological Theory and Method, together with Scientific Frameworks for Archaeology provide grounding in the range of approaches to archaeological material and introduce the distinctive ‘Bradford brand’ which blends the perspectives of the sciences and the humanities in the study of the human past. In stage 1 you will develop knowledge and understanding of archaeological principles, and laboratory skills. By the end of stage 1 you will be able to appreciate the breadth and range of the discipline, will have gained a broad understanding of the principles of archaeological theory and practice, an understanding of key themes and topics in world archaeology, an appreciation of the use of scientific methods in archaeology, and will have acquired experience of archaeological fieldwork through guided group-work in the field. As stage 1 is shared with the BSc Archaeology and BSc Archaeological Sciences, it will also be possible for students to change programmes at this stage if, having gained a fuller understanding of the discipline, they feel that one of the other programmes will better equip them for the career path that they have in mind. If you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Level 4 and have achieved learning outcomes 1-3, 7-10 and, operating only within a context that has been defined for you, learning outcomes 17-19, you may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Certificate of Higher Education. © University of Bradford 5 Stage 2 Module Code Module Title Type Credits Level Study period AR-3010D Archaeology Field Course Core 20 5 Vacation AR-3510L Heritage Management Core 20 5 3/4 AR-5310M Artefact Studies Core 10 5 3 AR-3506M Theoretical Archaeology Core 10 5 3 AR-3012D Britain and Ireland in the Neolithic and Bronze Age 4000-1000BC Core 20 5 3 EN-2314D Introduction to GIS Option 20 5 3 AR-4307D Advanced Methods in Archaeology Option 20 5 4 AR-4104D Celts, Greeks & Romans: the Iron Age in Europe Core 20 5 4 Stage 2 develops the fieldwork strand (Archaeology Field Course) and archaeological/environmental management strand (Heritage Management). Coverage of aspects of archaeological theory and method (Theoretical Archaeology, Artefact Studies) fulfil the major benchmarking requirements in those areas, while the optional modules Advanced Methods in Archaeology and Introduction to GIS offer further depth. Cultural modules (Celts, Greeks & Romans, Britain and Ireland in the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age) enable you to focus on the application of archaeological perspectives to well-defined chrono-geographical blocks. By the end of stage 2 you will be able to critically discuss current themes, issues and approaches in archaeology and you will have gained a critical appreciation of issues in heritage management and professional practice (preparing you for the optional Placement Year). You will have developed skills in archaeological fieldwork as well as a range of transferable skills (e.g. in data gathering and evaluation, CV preparation, group-work). If you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Levels 4 and 5 and have achieved learning outcomes 1-5, 7-12 and, operating both within and beyond a context that has been defined for you, learning outcomes 17-21, you may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Diploma of Higher Education. Stage 3 Module Code Module Title Type Credits Level Study period AR-5309D Advanced Archaeology Field Skills Option 20 6 Vacation AR-5305K Individual Project Core 40 6 5/6 AR-5308D The Viking Settlement of the North Atlantic Option 20 6 5 © University of Bradford 6 AR-8128D Forensic Archaeology Option 20 6 5 EN-3328D Environmental Law and Governance Option 20 6 5 AR-6112D Funerary Archaeology Core 20 6 6 AR-8132D Reconstructing Past Environments Option 20 6 6 AR-6109D Hunter- Gatherers: Present and Past Option 20 6 6 EN-3325D Geohazards: Past, Present, and Future. Option 20 6 6 Students may also draw up no more than 20 credits from the Level 5 modules, which may include Introduction to GIS, Advanced Methods in Archaeology, or Bioarchaeology Stage 3 develops the fieldwork (Advanced Archaeology Field Course) archaeological/environmental management strands (Environmental Law & Governance) and provides the opportunity for you to develop and refine your analytical skills in a major piece of guided research (Individual Project). Other modules are all presented as options, allowing you to select from a range of cultural/thematic/methodological modules as best suits your own perceived needs as you acquire greater confidence and understanding of your personal aspirations and career plans. By the end of stage 3 you will be able to critically evaluate research in your field, understand and participate in heritage management exercises geared to the world of employment in the heritage sector, and further refine your understandings of archaeological evidence from a range of time-periods and regions. You will have developed enhanced skills in archaeological fieldwork, beyond those available in most undergraduate programmes in the sector, as well as a range of transferable skills (especially in critical thinking, presentation and team-work). If you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Levels 4 to 6 and have achieved learning outcomes 1-16 and operating in a context that is, in part, at the forefront of the discipline, learning outcomes 17-21, you are eligible for the award of BA (Hons) If you have not met the credit requirements for an Honours degree but have achieved the regulatory credit requirements for the award of an Ordinary degree and have met learning outcomes 1-13 and 16-21 you are eligible for the award of an Ordinary degree. The Curriculum meets the requirements of the subject benchmark statement for Archaeology published by the QAAHE. The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. © University of Bradford 7 Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies The teaching and learning strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes, progression through the levels of study, the nature of the subject and the student intake, and the need for you to take greater responsibility for your own learning as you progress through the programme. The assessment strategy is designed to support the learning outcomes of each programme and each specific module. A wide range of formative and summative assessment methods are used, including essays, worksheets, laboratory reports, group-work, poster (in the placement year) and oral presentations, reflective journals and examinations. For example: 1. In the core module Heritage Management at stage 2, students are expected to set up and work in an interdisciplinary ‘consultancy’ team, to prepare ‘consultancy-type’ documents, and to make a scoping assessment and recommendations about one development proposal. The group work is formative, preparing students for assessed group work at stage 3. Summative assessment, via a 1500 word technical report (70%), assesses the application of knowledge specific to Heritage management while an oral presentation (30%) assesses skills in communicating specialist knowledge. The twin forms of assessment – technical report and oral presentation – are thus specifically geared to assessing key outcomes for this module. 2. The core module Artefact Studies at stage 3, examines the postexcavation processes with regard to archaeological artefacts resulting from interventions such as those studied in Heritage Management. This module draws together observational and identification skills learned throughout the programme in a critique (50%) and practical exam (50%). Part-time (intensive) route Students may also elect to undertake this degree programme on an intensive part-time route over four years instead of three years full-time. In such cases they would follow the programme of study outlined below, undertaking 80 credits per year rather than the 120 credits taken yearly on the full-time route. Note that this route does not allow for a placement year. Year 1 Module Code Module Title © University of Bradford Type Credits Level Study period 8 AR-1107D Archaeology of the British Isles Core 20 4 1 AR-1006D Archaeological theory and method Core 20 4 1 EN-1004D Field Course I (Malham) Core 20 4 2 AR-2007D Humans:Past and Present Core 20 4 2 Module Title Type Credits Level Study period Year 2 Module Code AR-1108D Human Evolution Core 20 4 3 AR-5310M Artefact Studies Core 10 5 3 AR-3506M Theoretical Archaeology Core 10 5 3 AR-2304D Scientific Frameworks for Archaeology Core 20 4 4 AR-4104D Celts, Greeks & Romans: the Iron Age in Europe Core 20 5 4 Year 3 Module Code Module Title Type Credits Level Study period AR-3010D Archaeology Field Course Core 20 5 Vacation AR-3510L Heritage Management Core 20 5 5/6 AR-3012D Britain and Ireland in the Neolithic and Bronze Age 4000-1000BC Core 20 5 5 AR-4307D Advanced Methods in Archaeology Option 20 5 6 AR-8132D Reconstructing Past Environments Option 20 6 6 AR-6109D Hunter -Gatherers: Present and Past Option 20 6 6 EN-3325D Geohazards: Past, Present, and Future. Option 20 6 6 Type Credits Level Study period Year 4 Module Code Module Title AR-5309D Advanced Archaeology Field Skills Option 20 6 Vacation AR-5308D The Viking Settlement of the North Atlantic Option 20 6 7 AR-8128D Forensic Archaeology Option 20 6 7 EN-3328D Environmental Law and Governance Option 20 6 7 AR-8132D Reconstructing Past Environments Option 20 6 8 AR-6109D Hunter -Gatherers: Present and Past Option 20 6 8 © University of Bradford 9 EN-3325D Geohazards: Past, Present, and Future. Option 20 6 8 AR-6112D Funerary Archaeology Option 20 6 8 Credits Level Study period 40 6 9 Year 5 (half year only) Module Code AR-8131K Module Title Individual Project (Archaeology) Type Core Assessment Regulations This Programme conforms to the standard University Regulations which are available at the following link: Assessment http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/ Admission Requirements The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience. If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications. The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact the programme leader before you apply. A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS main scheme would be 240 points (CCC). Applications are welcome from mature students (those over 21 years of age on entry) and from candidates with non-standard qualifications (eg Science Foundation Course, BTEC, a 12 unit VCE Double award in science, Scottish Higher or Irish Leaving Certificate, International Baccalaureate, GNVQ or Access qualifications in science) or, lacking academic qualifications, having significant relevant experience. Up to 40 students are admitted to Stage 1 each year. © University of Bradford 10 Learning Resources The JB Priestley Library on the city campus provides a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each Faculty provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly. Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open all the time. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and programme-related materials this way. Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24 hour IT helpline available. The Divisional student handbook (available on the Divisional web-site) lists specific resources useful to Archaeology students, including a list of electronic resources produced by the Subject Librarian. Students are encouraged to join the Archaeology Society which sponsors social and academic events, and runs a Coffee Bar in our student common room. Students are also encouraged to attend the Division’s weekly Guest Lectures where prominent scholars from other institutions (as well as from within the Division) present cutting-edge research. These lectures are valuable in complementing the formal taught component of the programme and confirm the Division’s status as a top research department. The Division of Archaeological Sciences is well equipped with teaching and research laboratories for the specialisms covered in the programme and students use these facilities in modules and in dissertation research. Specialised laboratories include: the Biological Anthropology Research Centre (BARC); North Atlantic Research Laboratory; the Iron Age Research Laboratory; Conservation laboratory; Geophysics Laboratory; Archaeobotany and archaeozoology research collections. There is also an extensive collection of over 3000 specimens of rock, minerals and fossils to support geology and earth science components of the programme, and the ecology modules are supported by excellent microscope facilities and supporting biological materials. An excellent stock of field equipment is available for use by students, including equipment for geophysical and topographic survey (both conventional and electronic). © University of Bradford 11 Student Support and Guidance Programme Team Support for you personally and in your programme of study will be provided both by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The Faculty will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries. The University and the Division have a well-deserved reputation in this area. You will be allocated a personal tutor, but in practice all members of staff operate an open-door policy. Personal tutors and dissertation supervisors also provide guidance for your personal development planning. If you opt for a placement you will be visited by your personal tutor and supported by the Placements Tutor and Placements Secretary. Students’ Union We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of programme representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly. The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (based in the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Students’ Union. Employability and Career Development The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile and capabilities through learning opportunities embedded within the curriculum. Furthermore, the University is committed to supporting students to develop their commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan. Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, graduate internship programmes © University of Bradford 12 and graduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students as part of their programme of study may have the opportunity to complete a Career & Personal Development accredited module delivered by the Career Development Service. All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site http://www.bradford.ac.uk/careers/ Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all graduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services’ website http://www.bradford.ac.uk/careers/ For this programme specifically, we provide tailored careers advice through our Personal Tutor system. This begins early, and may be a consideration in the selection of placement opportunities should you decide to take the 4 year route. The placement itself provides an excellent introduction to the careers market in archaeology and equips students extremely well for employment in the archaeological/heritage sectors. For all students, our investment in fieldwork, and our dedicated ‘hands-on’ approach to the teaching of archaeology has ensured that Bradford graduates have long been seen as extremely well-grounded in the skills and knowledge that employers look for. The Division also organises an employability workshop in the spring term. Learner Development Unit for Academic Skills Advice For undergraduate students who are looking to improve their marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of degree discipline or level of study. Students can access a programme of interactive workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range of online and paper based materials for self-study. http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-skills/index.php Disability Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where © University of Bradford 13 you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk University policies and initiatives Learning and Teaching Our University approach to learning, teaching and assessment is encapsulated by an integrated set of themes and principles within our Curriculum Framework. All of our degree programmes have been designed to provide you with an inclusive and engaging learning environment which gives you the opportunity to thrive and develop in your area of study. Our research-informed programmes have a particular focus on developing your employability. We also place a strong emphasis on collaborative, real-world and enquiry-based learning, supported by appropriate learning technologies. Our assessment is designed not just to measure your achievement, but also to shape and guide your learning through preparing you for the increasing level of challenge as you progress through your degree. Together, these lead to you developing a distinctive set of graduate attributes which will prepare you for life beyond university. Ecoversity Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see http://www.bradford.ac.uk/about/ecoversity/ The University of Bradford and the Faculty of Life Sciences are committed to the principles of Education for Sustainable Development as outlined in the UNESCO definition (see http://info.brad.ac.uk/admin/ecoversity/whatsustainability.php ). The programme provides opportunities both to explore the sustainable development challenge (particularly through reflection on the time depth of human interactions with landscape, ecosystems and resources) and to develop a responsible professionalism. For example, the Stage 1 module ‘Humans Past and Present’ explores a range of themes relevant to the impact of past human communities on their landscapes and ecosystems, and examines the ways in which humans have © University of Bradford 14 adapted to environmental change over the long term. A further set of modules develop students’ skills in responsible professional practice: in this respect, the core modules of Environmental Impact Assessment and Heritage Management are particularly relevant. Increasingly developing levels of responsibility as students progress, this pair of modules helps students to develop their skills in problem-based interdisciplinary holistic learning, as applied to the creation of and support for culturally and environmentally sustainable environments in specific case study locations. Themes relating to sustainability and environmental adaptation also occur in numerous other modules, both core (e.g. Field Course 1 (Malham)) and optional (e.g. Geohazards). Further Information: For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions. The Admissions Office The Admissions Office The University of Bradford Faculty of Life Sciences Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP School of Archaeological Sciences UK The University of Bradford Phoenix SW Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0)1274 233054 +44 (0)1274 234290 http://www.bradford.ac.uk/study/our- http://www.bradford.ac.uk/lifecourses/ sciences/arch-sci/index.php/ The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. © University of Bradford 15