MA in Landscape Archaeology

Introduction

The MA in Landscape Archaeology will introduce graduate students to the theoretical and practical aspects of landscape archaeology. Landscape archaeology is an approach that defines ’landscape’ as a cultural expression, encouraging a holistic and non-period specific appraisal of the cultural meanings conferred on places over time and the evidence for continuities and discontinuities manifest in various domains of cultural expression including built heritage, such as archaeological monuments, and toponymic processes that draw on, for example, mythology, legend and history.

Applicants must have a primary degree in Archaeology with second class honours or its equivalent. Places on the programme are limited to twelve and an interview may form a part of the selection process. Teaching takes place in a dedicated computer suite (managed by Computer Services) in the Department of Archaeology and in field classes (using the landscape as a laboratory).

This one-year taught programme aims to produce a student conversant in the theory and practice of contemporary landscape archaeology. The analysis of archaeological sites and monuments in a landscape context involves hands-on field survey training and theory through a combination of field classes, lectures on landscape theory and case studies. On completion of the programme the student will have acquired a theoretical foundation for understanding and interpreting landscapes ranging from those of the Neolithic period to the present day, a critical understanding of the wide range of sources used in landscape archaeology, a knowledge of the fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems and the archaeological application of this increasingly important tool, an understanding of the role of archaeology in the planning process and the conditions for a landscape approach in heritage management, an appreciation of the politics of landscape and public archaeology in today’s society. Students will also gain practical transferable skills in digital imaging and digital survey techniques, in digital surveying using a total station as well as various geophysical methods.

Taught Modules

The programme comprises six taught modules and a dissertation. The modules are:

Module A is an introduction to landscape studies in general and provides a theoretical foundation for understanding landscapes. With a wide variety of examples of how landscapes may be approached, the module aims towards a critical understanding of this field of study. The module is taught mainly by staff in the Department of Archaeology with contributions from a number of external lecturers. This module is examined by a 2000-word essay and three Powerpoint presentations. 

Module B examines how different archaeological landscapes may be read and interpreted. A series of field classes compliments the lectures.  Most of the staff in the Department, as well as external lectures, contribute to this module. It is examined by a 3000-word essay, a 1500 essay and a class presentation.

Module C is an introduction to GIS and includes a series of lectures on GIS in general as well as on its archaeological applications, followed by an introduction to the GIS software ArcGIS 9.1. The teaching of ArcGis 9.1 is through lectures, tutorials and workshops. The module is examined by a 2000-word essay and a practical assignment.

Module D focuses on the role of archaeology in the planning process, in heritage management and in politics. The module includes lectures by staff, as well as by external lecturers from bodies such as the Department of the Environment, the commercial sector and the National Roads Authority. The module is assessed by a 3000-word essay consisting of a review of an Environmental Impact Statement.

Module E offers a critical understanding of the wide range of sources used in landscape archaeology and focuses on the methods and problems in their use and interpretation. Lectures cover various topics ranging from vegetation history and geology to place-names and folklore. Case studies at the end of the lecture series serve to illustrate how methods and sources have been used in different projects. The module is taught by staff as well as by external lecturers. It includes two fieldtrips, one to various archives in Dublin and one to a west of Ireland archaeological landscape. The module is examined by a 3000-word and a 1500-word essay.

Module F consists of two parts, the first being a series of lectures and workshops on digital imaging, based on Photoshop 8.0, while the second part consists of a week of fieldwork followed by processing on campus. This week-long field school, held off campus, is an important and integral part of the programme. Workshops in surveying techniques will be running concurrently with the taught modules.  The module is examined by a project and a practical assignment.

Dissertation

A dissertation of c. 15,000 words, must be submitted by the end of August. The taught part of the programme is awarded 50% (450 marks) of the total mark, with the dissertation (450 marks) comprising the remaining 50%. A pass mark (40 %) must be achieved in both the taught programme and the dissertation.

A recent survey by the Department of Archaeology of MA students who completed the programme has revealed that 64% are working in archaeology or in similar employment in the heritage sector, 21% are in other forms of work including teaching and 15% are undertaking further education.

Current Research

The dissertation titles of the current MA in Landscape Archaeology group are listed in the table below. To see a list of completed dissertations from previous years, click on the relevant year: 2003; 2004; 2005; 2006; 2007; 2009; 2010: 2011. 

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