Artefact Studies MA

at University College London

Modules

The teaching is carried out in the first two terms. One compulsory core module provides the foundation for the degree and you will take 60 credits of modules (chosen from a range of options). The programme provides training in the study and interpretation of artefacts from archaeological sites and museum collections. You will be introduced to the skills of finds specialists. We will focus on the practicalities of working with artefacts and assemblages and cover the sequence from excavation to cleaning, labelling, documenting, cataloguing and finally publishing and archiving artefacts. A lot of the lectures contain practicals.  The programme also includes practical exercises in the assessment of finds-assemblages. We will also discuss practical issues in the professional study of artefacts and major theoretical debates about the collection, interpretation, reporting and curation of archaeological materials. A central concern will be the integration of finds analysis within wider archaeological research questions.
 

 In the second term you will identify a dissertation topic and supervisor then in the third term you begin work on your dissertation, which continues over the summer. Research skills sessions provide support for this and you have to make an oral presentation of your dissertation plans to staff and your student colleagues to obtain feedback.
 

Compulsory modules

•  Dissertation
•  Working with Artefacts and Assemblages
   

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

Overseas tuition fees

£26,600
 

The degree is tailored to give graduates a solid grounding in systematically recording and documenting artefacts as well as analysing artefact assemblage. They will also have a basic understanding of creating graphs and diagrams, and analysing and assembling finds-catalogues. Without concentrating on any specific epoch, we give students the tools for understanding and systematically analysing any type of archaeological artefact assemblages.