Taught Postgraduate Course (Full and Part Time) Academic Year 2009-2010 (commences Sept. 2009)

This ground-breaking course reflects the key role played by the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology at Glasgow University in the worldwide development of battlefield and conflict archaeology. Over recent years battlefields, both ancient and modern, have come to be accepted as important elements of the world’s cultural heritage and this course provides an ideal grounding for those interested in the archaeological potential of these fields of conflict. The course also places an emphasis on the social role and impact of warfare and additionally explores issues of conflict not directly related to warfare. The course draws on a wide range of international experts in order to familiarise the student with the latest developments in this exciting and rapidly evolving area of study.

Scotland is generously populated with historic battlefields, ranging from the Roman era to Culloden, the last battle fought on British soil, and other sites of conflict, such as castles and coastal defences. Excursions to a number of these sites play an important role in the course and among those on the itinerary are: Bannockburn and Culloden battlefields, Edinburgh and Stirling castles and (in England) Hadrian’s Wall.

Students benefit from privileged access to the extensive collection of arms and armour held by Glasgow Museums. The Centre for Battlefield Archaeology, in conjunction with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, also holds a small armoury of 18th century muskets and cannon, which students have the opportunity to handle and operate during the ballistic tests run as part of the course. Where opportunity permits students will also be encouraged to play an active part on the various archaeological projects undertaken by the Centre.

Entry Requirements

An upper-second class Honours degree in Archaeology or other relevant discipline (e.g. History, Geography, Anthropology, Classics); or other appropriate qualification. The Centre will consider applicants who may not have attended university for many years or can provide alternative life experience and qualifications in lieu of a university degree.

Programme Structure

The taught part of the course will extend over twenty weeks across semesters one and two and in semester one consists of three compulsory core modules, which will provide a general framework for the archaeological study of conflict. Three, more specialised optional modules are taken during semester two. Each module will involve between eight and ten seminars and most will include a number of fieldtrips. For MLitt students this taught element is followed in semester three by a period of self-study leading towards the dissertation during the summer

Core Modules

The core modules provide a secure grounding in the study of battlefield and conflict archaeology:
• Research Skills: designed to give students training and support in a wide variety of research methods tailored to their individual requirements, including library skills, humanities computing, writing and presenting papers, etc.
• The Art of War: provides a worldwide introduction to the study of battle and warfare in its various forms, ranging from prehistoric conflict up to the twentieth century.
• Battlefield and Conflict Archaeology – Theory and Practice: explores the various implications of battlefields and other sites of conflict as culturally important sites and examines the nature of the archaeological record. The preservation and presentation of battlefields will also be considered, with battlefields presenting a number of particular challenges and problems for cultural resource managers.

Optional Modules

The optional modules will allow you to explore particular areas of study in more detail. These modules draw upon the particular interests and expertise of the contributing staff and therefore the options available may vary slightly depending on staff availability and are also subject to a minimum number of students. Please contact us to confirm likely availability of optional modules in any given year.

Choose from three options, at least two of which will come from the following:
• Roman Warfare
• Early Modern Warfare (16th century to the First World War)
• British Battlefields

You may also choose any one of the specialist modules offered in the MLitt Professional Archaeology, which include:
• Archaeological Geophysics
• Aerial Photography
• Human remains analysis
• Using CAD for Archaeological Projects
• Advanced Survey Techniques

For their third option it is possible for students to take a module within the Scottish Centre for War Studies at Glasgow University, which has a close working relationship with the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology.

Application and Enquiries

Please refer to the Centre’s website at:
www.gla.ac.uk/departments/battlefieldarchaeology/

or contact:
Natasha Ferguson,
Administrator
Centre for Battlefield Archaeology
University of Glasgow

N.Ferguson@archaeology.gla.ac.uk