MLitt/PgDip Battlefield Archaeology 
Glasgow University

This unique course reflects the important the contribution which the
Department of Archaeology at Glasgow University has played in the
development of archaeological approaches to battlefields over recent years.
During this time battlefields, both ancient and modern, have come to be
accepted as important elements of the world's cultural heritage and this
course will provide an ideal grounding for those interested in the
archaeological potential of these fields of conflict. The course is centred
within the recently founded Centre for Battlefield Archaeology at the
Department of Archaeology but will draw on a wide range of experts in order
to familiarise the student with the latest developments in this rapidly
developing field of study. In addition to taught elements the course will
encourage students to engage with the subject on a practical basis and will
involve fieldtrips to a number of battlefields relevant to their studies.   

Entry Requirements

An upper-second class Honours degree in Archaeology or other relevant
discipline (e.g. History, Geography, Anthropology, Classics); or other
appropriate qualification; or suitable experience.

Programme Structure

The taught part of the course will extend over twenty weeks across semesters
one and two and consists of three compulsory core modules, which will
provide a general framework for the archaeological study of battlefields,
accompanied by three more specialised optional modules. The three core
modules will involve a total of ten seminars or tutorials, while the three
optional modules will each consist of five seminars or tutorials.

For MLitt students this taught element is followed 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
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: in conjunction with the Scottish Centre for War
Studies, this module will provide an introduction to the study of battle in
its various forms, ranging from prehistoric conflict up to the twentieth
century. An understanding of the way that changing tactics and technology
have influenced the character of battle over time is essential in any
attempt to interpret the physical traces left behind after these bloody
events. Additionally, case studies from various parts of the world will be
used to examine the cultural and social implications of warfare. The
relationship between history and archaeology will be explored through an
introduction to using historical sources as a framework for archaeological
research. 

.	Battlefield Archaeology - Theory and Practice: Placing the
sub-discipline within the context of the wider field of landscape
archaeology this module will explore the various implications of
battlefields as culturally important sites and examine the nature of the
archaeological record. Through case studies based on projects carried out by
members of the Centre and by other researchers students will be introduced
to the various techniques used to investigate battlefields, with the study
of material culture representing an essential stepping stone to
interpretation (for some elements students will have access to Glasgow
Museum's very impressive arms and armour collections). 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. 

You must choose three options, two of which must come from the following:

.	Roman Warfare
.	Medieval Weapons and Warfare
.	Early Modern Warfare 
.	British Battlefields
.	Human Remains


The third option will consist of one of the specialist modules offered in
the MLitt Professional Archaeology:

.	Archaeological Geophysics
.	Aerial Photography
.	Archaeological Data Management
.	Using CAD for Archaeological Projects
.	Archaeological Illustration
.	Advanced Survey Techniques

Dissertation

The MLitt Dissertation is a sustained piece of scholarly work on a topic to
be agreed between the convenor and the student and is undertaken between
June and September.

Assessment 

Assessment is entirely on the basis of course work (essays, seminar
presentations etc.). Progression to the MLitt dissertation will require
performance at MLitt level across the coursework elements, and an assessed
presentation will be made at an annual postgraduate symposium on the
proposed dissertation topic.

Fieldwork

The Centre for Battlefield Archaeology is actively engaged in a number of
field projects, both within the UK and overseas. Past and present projects
include the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 in South Africa, the Jacobite rebellions
in Scotland and an archaeological evaluation of British battlefields. Where
ever possible students will be encouraged to take part in on-going projects.
Visits to battlefields will also represent an important part of the course -
Bannockburn and Culloden among them.

Application and Enquiries

Please refer to the Dept. of Archaeology Website at:

http://www.gla.ac.uk/departments/archaeology/courses/postgraduate/index.html

or contact:

Dr. Tony Pollard, Director, Centre for Battlefield Archaeology, University
of Glasgow at: [log in to unmask]