MLitt/PgDip Battlefield and Conflict Archaeology
We are delighted to announce that the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology’s
groundbreaking postgraduate course MLitt/PgDip in Battlefield and Conflict
Archaeology will be entering its fifth year this autumn, 2010. We are also
pleased to offer a new optional module, ‘Introduction to Forensic
Archaeology’, which will be available in semester 2.
The MLitt/PgDip in Battlefield and Conflict Archaeology is a unique course
which reflects the key role played by the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology
at the University of Glasgow 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 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.
The course programme is structured around a number of core and optional
modules which are available in the first and second semesters respectively.
The core modules provide a secure grounding in the study of battlefields and
conflict, whereas the optional modules allow the student to explore
particular areas of study in more detail.
Core Modules
• 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.
Optional Modules
A wide range of optional modules are available in the second semester which
draws on the particular interests and expertise of members of staff,
including the new module in forensic archaeology.
• Early Modern Warfare - 16th century to the First World War. provides
students with an introduction to the military history and archaeology of the
early modern and modern period. It will focus on the archaeological impact
of these conflicts, with relevance not only to military experience but also
the social context of conflict using a series of archaeologically based case
studies.
• British Battlefields. provides an overview of the military archaeology
and history of Britain, including battlefields, castles, forts and more
modern military installations such as cold war airfields. As well as
exploring the various aspects of Britain’s battlefield heritage to gain an
understanding of their importance as an archaeologically sensitive cultural
resource.
• Roman Warfare. focuses on what understanding may be drawn from the Roman
army’s representation in archaeological monuments and material culture
throughout the Roman Empire, as well as assessing the problems and potential
of Roman battlefield archaeology in the understanding of conflict in this era.
• Introduction to Forensic Archaeology. provides students with an
introduction to the basic concepts, specialist techniques and methodologies
used within the discipline of forensic archaeology. Case studies from across
the world, including the investigation of crime scenes such as clandestine
graves, international war crimes, mass grave excavations and mass fatality
incidents, will form an integral part of the course.
Students may also choose any one of the specialist modules offered by the
MLitt in Professional Archaeology, which include:
• Archaeological Geophysics
• Aerial Photography
• Archaeological Data Management
• Using CAD for Archaeological Projects
• Advanced Survey Techniques
• Human Remains
More detailed information on the course and individual modules, as well as
information on how to apply for the course is available on the Centre for
Battlefield Archaeology website and the Department of Archaeology website.
The Centre also has its own Facebook page to keep up to date with recent
news, projects and activities. If you have any questions please do not
hesitate to contact the Centre’s Administrator:
[log in to unmask]
Centre for Battlefield Archaeology:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/departments/battlefieldarchaeology/
Department of Archaeology Course Prospectus:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/departments/archaeology/prospectivestudents/postgraduate/taughtmasters/
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