University of Bradford: Undergraduate Programme specification template UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD School of Life Sciences Division of AGES Programme/course title: BSc (Hons) in Archaeology Awarding and teaching institution: University of Bradford Final award: BSc (Hons) [National Qualifications Framework level H] Programme title: Archaeology Programme approved / accredited by: Not applicable Duration: 3 or 4 years full-time; 6 years part-time UCAS code: V400, V403 Subject benchmark statement: Archaeology Date produced: Last updated : February 2010 Introduction The BSc Archaeology is a professionally-focussed degree in archaeology with a strong fieldwork component and a focus on human osteology and/or the environment. It has a strong environmental dimension to 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. At Bradford, our distinctive approach emphasises the integration of the natural and physical sciences in this enquiry in accordance with the University's mission, 'Making Knowledge Work'. A characteristic of Bradford's approach is the examination of human-environment interactions within a chronological framework, which provides a time-depth perspective of contemporary concerns such as ecosystems, globalisation and sustainability. 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. © University of Bradford 1 AGES has an excellent research profile, which supports our teaching in all areas. Throughout the course, 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, less than 8% of our graduates were still seeking work six months after 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 Pompeii, the Yorkshire Dales, Hadrian’s Wall, Old Scatness (Shetland) and Cambridgeshire. 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. You will also receive a Diploma of Professional Archaeological Studies when you complete the placement successfully. When you have completed the placement, you will have acquired the following: 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 human Osteoarchaeology 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; © University of Bradford 2 develop personal transferable skills to enable a significant proportion of graduates to pursue further programmes of study or careers in noncognate 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: Knowledge and Analysis 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 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. Appraise the scientific principles underlying archaeology LO8 . Evaluate archaeological artefacts, materials and production technology Professional Skills LO9. Recognise and handle archaeological artefacts and materials; LO10. Interpret stratigraphic sequences and archaeological evidence LO11. Formulate a research design; LO12. Apply a variety of scientific techniques; LO13. Design and complete a substantial work of independent study; LO14. Apply practical field surveying and present survey data;; LO15. Distinguish between metaphysical concepts and epistemological concerns © University of Bradford 3 LO16. Review the management of archaeological projects LO17. Evaluate professional practice in archaeology LO18. Employ excavation and recording techniques LO19. Interpret artefactual evidence LO20. Identify and interpret environmental evidence Personal Transferable Skills LO21. Employ skills in critical thinking and data evaluation, basic numerical and statistical techniques; independent learning and research, and team working; LO22. Prepare curriculum vitae; LO23. Evaluate scientific concepts; LO24. Present within a conference format; LO25. Employ IT and computer assisted learning skills; written and oral communication skills; time management skills; analytical, numerical and problem solving skills; Curriculum Stage 1 Module Code Module Title Type Credits Level Study period AR1107D Archaeology of the British Isles Core 20 1 1 AR1006D Archaeological theory and method Core 20 1 1 AR1108D Human Evolution Core 20 1 1 AR2304D Scientific Frameworks for Archaeology Core 20 1 2 EN1004D AGES Field Course I (Malham) Core 20 1 2 AR2007D Humans Past and Present Core 20 1 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 human osteoarchaeology strand (Human Evolution) which introduces concepts and handling of osteoloarchaeological material to be developed in stage 2. The final key strand is archaeological/ environmental management (Malham Field Course/Humans Past and Present), preparing the way for Environmental Impact Assessment in stage 2. Human © University of Bradford 4 Evolution and Humans Past and present together give broad coverage of the deep human past from the earliest times to relatively modern periods. 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 BA Archaeology and BSc Archaeological Sciences, it will also be possible for you to change programmes at this stage if, having gained a fuller understanding of the discipline, you feel that one of these alternative programmes will better equip you for the career path you have in mind. Stage 2 Module Code Module Title Type Credits Level Study period AR3010D Archaeology Field Course Core 20 2 Vacation EN-2003L Environmental Impact Assessment Core 20 2 3/4 new Professional Practice in Archaeology Core 10 2 3 AR3506M Theoretical Archaeology Core 10 2 3 20 2 3 AR3012D Britain and Ireland in the Neolithic and Bronze Age 4000-1000BC Option1 EN-2314D Introduction to GIS Option* 20 2 3 new Advanced Methods in Archaeology Core 20 2 4 20 2 4 20 2 4 AR4104D Celts, Greeks & Romans Option1 AR-3107D Bioarchaeology Option* *students must take one of these options 1 students must take one of these options Stage 2 develops the fieldwork strand (Archaeology Field Course) and archaeological/environmental management strand (Environmental Impact Assessment). The human osteoarchaeology strand is developed through Bioarchaeology, while Introduction to GIA provides an option for students who do not which to deal with human bones to enhance their skills in landscape investigation. Coverage of aspects of archaeological theory and method (Theoretical Archaeology, Professional Practice in Archaeology) fulfil the major benchmarking requirements in those areas, while the core module Advanced Methods in Archaeology offers further depth in areas such as archaeological geophysics. Cultural modules (one of Celts, Greeks & Romans, Britain and Ireland in the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age) enable © University of Bradford 5 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 will have gained a critical appreciation of issues in heritage management and professional practice (preparing them 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). Stage 3 Module Code Module Title Type Credits Level Study period AR8131K Individual Project Core 40 3 5/6 New Vikings Option1 20 3 5 AR8128D Forensic Archaeology Option 20 3 5 AR-5002D Human Osteoarchaeology Option * 20 3 5 New Professional Project Core 20 3 6 AR8132D Reconstructing Past Environments Option * 20 3 6 AR3101D Hunter Gatherers: Present and Past Option1 20 3 6 New Urbanisation Option 20 3 6 EN3325D Geohazards: Past, Present, and Future. Option 20 3 6 *students must take one of these options 1 students must take one of these options Stage 3 develops the fieldwork (Professional Project) and archaeological/ environmental management strands (Professional Project) and provides the opportunity for students to develop and refine their analytical skills in a major piece of guided research (Individual Project). The human osteoarchaeology strand culminates in the module Human Osteoarchaeology, while Reconstructing Past Environments provides an option for students who do not which to deal with human bones to enhance their skills in landscape investigation. Other modules are all presented as options, allowing students to select from a range of cultural/thematic/methodological modules as best suits their own perceived needs as they acquire greater confidence and understanding of their 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 a range of transferable skills (especially in critical thinking, presentation and team-work). The Curriculum meets the requirements of the subject benchmark statement for Archaeology published by the QAAHE. © University of Bradford 6 The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures. 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 course. The assessment strategy is designed to support the learning outcomes of each course and each specific module. A wide range of formative and summative assessment methods are used, including essays, worksheets, laboratory reports, group-work, poster and oral presentations, reflective journals and examinations. For example: 1. In the core module Environmental Impact Assessment at stage 2, students are expected to set up and work in an interdisciplinary ‘consultancy’ team, to prepare ‘consultancy-type’ CVs, 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 3000 word technical report (80%), assesses the application of knowledge specific to environmental management while an oral presentation (20%) 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. In the core module Professional Project at stage 3, which develops the skills and knowledge learned in Environmental Impact Assessment, students in groups learn in how to tender for, cost and carry out a deskassessment in relation to a ‘real’ development proposal for a client. This module draws together skills learnt throughout the course in a mock consultancy situation, drawing on archaeological and environmental knowledge. Through challenging groups to take full responsibility for both the process and outcome of their work, this module develops skills in project planning, group working and reflection. Students learn through a series of structured workshops, field visits (both laboratory and field-based) and group-work. Assessment is tailored to address the specific needs of the module. There will be formative opportunity to hand in one set of meeting agenda/minutes for inspection and comment. Summative assessment includes a second set of agenda/minutes submitted as a piece of group work (20%), as well as a tender document (a group report) (50%) and a reflective summary submitted as an individual piece of work (30%). © University of Bradford 7 Part-time (intensive) route Students may also elect to undertake this degree programme on an intensive parttime 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 Type Credits Level Study period AR1107D Archaeology of the British Isles Core 20 1 1 AR1006D Archaeological theory and method Core 20 1 1 EN1004D AGES Field Course I (Malham) Core 20 1 2 R2007D Humans Past and Present Core 20 1 2 Type Credits Level Study period Year 2 Module Code Module Title AR1108D Human Evolution Core 20 1 3 New Professional Practice in Archaeology Core 10 2 3 AR3506M Theoretical Archaeology Core 10 2 3 AR2304D Scientific Frameworks for Archaeology Core 20 1 4 new Advanced Methods in Archaeology Core 20 2 4 Type Credits Level Study period Year 3 Module Code Module Title AR3010D Archaeology Field Course Core 20 2 Vacation EN-2003L Environmental Impact Assessment Core 20 2 5/6 AR3012D Britain and Ireland in the Neolithic and Bronze Age 4000-1000BC Option1 20 2 5 EN-2314D Introduction to GIS Option* 20 2 5 AR4104D Celts, Greeks & Romans Option1 20 2 6 AR-3107D Bioarchaeology Option* 20 2 6 Type Credits Level Study period Option 20 2 7 Year 4 Module Code AR3012D Module Title Britain and Ireland in the Neolithic and Bronze Age 4000-1000BC © University of Bradford 8 EN-2314D Introduction to GIS Option 20 2 7 new Vikings Option 20 3 7 AR8128D Forensic Archaeology Option 20 3 7 new Professional Project Core 20 3 8 AR4104D Celts, Greeks & Romans Option 20 2 8 AR-3107D Bioarchaeology Option 20 2 8 AR8132D Reconstructing Past Environments Option 20 3 8 AR3101D Hunter Gatherers: Present and Past Option 20 3 8 EN3325D Geohazards: Past, Present, and Future. Option 20 3 8 new Urbanisation Option 20 3 8 Type Credits Level Study period 40 3 9 Year 5 (half year only) Module Code AR8131K Module Title Individual Project Core Assessment Regulations This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations which are available at the following link: http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Undergrad_Regs_.html 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. © University of Bradford 9 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. Learning Resources The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist libraries in the School of Health and the School of Management provide 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 School 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 24/7. 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 course-related materials this way. Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available. The AGES 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 AGES Society which sponsors social and academic events, and runs a Coffee Bar in our student common room. Students are also encouraged to attend AGES weekly Research Seminars where prominent scholars from other institutions (and from within AGES) talk on cutting-edge research – a valuable complement to the formal taught component of the programme which is a major benefit of AGES status as a top research department. AGES is well equipped with teaching and research laboratories for the specialisms covered in the course 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, and. Bradford’s state-of-the-art University Analytical Centre, a £3m facility housing the major analytical instruments of the University. There is also an extensive collection of over 3000 specimens of rock, minerals and fossils to support geology and earth science components of the © University of Bradford 10 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). Student Support and Guidance Course Team Support for you personally and in your course of study will be provided both by the University and the Course 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 School 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 course 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 opendoor 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. The Hub, Student Support Centre The Hub, Student Support Centre provides a central reception where students can receive information, advice and guidance on a whole range of topics about their life at University. The Hub is located in the Richmond Building adjacent to the Atrium. The teams located within The Hub: Accommodation Admissions o Education Liaison o Enquiries Student Administration and Support o Bursaries and Financial Support o Finance and Credit Control Group o Payzone o Records and Tuition Fees International Office Customer Service Team www.brad.ac.uk/hub +44 1274 232233 Students’ Union © University of Bradford 11 We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of course 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 Student’s Union. Careers and Employability The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career Development Services including help to find part time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk. Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops. These may take place as early as year 1, or may be achieved through a customised Career and Personal Development module in year 2 or 3 which is developed in close cooperation with the academic department. An annual First Destination Survey leads to compilation of a report on the outcomes of all programmes and to the development of an annually updated Traffic Light Analysis of Employability which is used as a performance indicator. 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. Learner Development Unit (LDU) The Learner Development Unit provides support in all aspects of academic, maths, numeracy and interpersonal skills. A programme of interactive workshops is delivered during both semesters which complements individual support available from Advisers and the wide range of interactive online materials available from the LDU website (www.bradford.ac.uk/LSS/learnerdevelopment ). © University of Bradford 12 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 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 ESD & 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 www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity The University of Bradford and the School 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/what-sustainability.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 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 Professional Project are particularly relevant. Developing increasingly 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. AGES Field Course 1 (Malham)) and optional (e.g. ‘Reconstructing Past Environments’, ‘Urbanisation’). Further Information: © University of Bradford 13 For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions. The Admissions Office The Admissions Office The University of Bradford AGES/School of Life Sciences Richmond Road The University of Bradford Bradford, BD7 1DP Phoenix SW UK Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0)1274 233054 +44 (0)1274 23XXXX http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/ http://www.bradford.ac.uk/archenvi/ The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and course approval, monitoring and review procedures. © University of Bradford 14