PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
Graduate Diploma in Archaeology
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
Graduate Diploma
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
NA
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
From 2009
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Social and Historical Sciences
Parent Department:
Archaeology
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/
(if applicable)
Method of study:
Full time or part time
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/studying/diploma/index
One year full-time
Two years part-time
Level 7
NA
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme
and
its
assessment
methods:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/studying/diploma
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners:
Name of Board of Examiners:
Archaeology
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
NA
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The Institute of Archaeology aims to provide education of the highest quality in all major aspects of archaeology, in
a challenging yet supportive environment, under the supervision of teachers actively engaged in research at the
forefront of the field. The Graduate Diploma in Archaeology provides a solid grounding to allow students to pursue
graduate studies (MA and higher) in the field and to develop their own interests which they will pursue at a graduate
level. At the same time, the Diploma gives students enough knowledge in its own right should they wish to move
onto other objectives and not continue their graduate studies in the field. The programme aims:
1. To develop students’ understanding of past societies within their cultural, socio-political, economic, historical and
environmental contexts.
2. To enhance students’ understanding of the current social and political context of archaeology, with particular
reference to the management, interpretation and presentation of the archaeological heritage.
3. To provide training in the method and theory of archaeological practice
4. To help students to develop their knowledge, critical thinking, analytical capabilities in archaeology that will allow
them to proceed to the study of the field at a graduate level.
5. To provide a foundation for students wishing to obtain a diploma qualification in the field
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
1.
Past human societies and their
development.
2. Archaeological methods and theories.
3. The nature of archaeological analysis
and interpretation.
4. The diverse nature of archaeological
data and argumentation, often through
the study of the culture history of specific
regions or periods.
5. The modern social and political
context of archaeological heritage.
6. The role of scientific methods and
theories as applied in archaeology.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Through lecture, seminars, field work and museum visits
(where applicable). Students take two core courses in
Current Issues in Archaeological Theory (ARCL2028)
and Interpreting Archaeological Data (ARCL2037).
Furthermore, they take three optional course-units
chosen in consultation with the Programme Co-ordinator
and according to the student’s focus of interest.
Assessment:
ARCL2028 is examined by 3 assessed essays (Total
5000 words). ARCL2037 is examined by assessed
coursework (2500 words) and one unseen examination.
The remaining three course-units are normally
examined by means of coursework (a total of 5000
words per half unit)
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
1. Develop critical thinking.
2. Develop analytical and interpretational
skills.
3. Presentation of logical, structured and
supported arguments.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
All courses require regular written work (cf. above).
Regular and detailed feedback is provided to students
on this work.
Assessment:
Through structured essays and one unseen written
examination
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
1. Undertake both field and laboratory
procedures related to archaeology
depending on the options chosen by the
student
3. Search out, and organise effectively,
information from a wide variety of sources
(printed and electronic).
4. Communicate effectively, both in
writing and orally.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Through field work, laboratory classes (depending on
the options chosen by the student), by researching for
essays and other assignments.
Assessment:
Laboratory reports (where applicable), assessed essays
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
1.
Organise, analyse, present and
interpret complex data.
2. Access information from a diverse
range of sources.
3. Use computers and have other
transferable practical skills
4. Communicate ideas in writing and
orally.
5. Work independently and to deadlines.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Compulsory courses in the interpretation of
archaeological data; data analysis and laboratory
classes in options chosen by the student.
Assessment:
Assessed essays, laboratory reports depending on the
options chosen by the student.
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This 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. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Dr Nick Gestrich
Name(s):
Date of Production:
14/05/08
Date of Review:
October 2015
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
October 2015
October 2015