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Different course options

Study mode

Part time

Duration

2 years

Start date

OCT

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MSc - Master of Science

Subject areas

Landscape Archaeology

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

Overview

Oxford is a research-intensive university, and the subject of Archaeology is currently ranked as No.1 in the world by the QS World Rankings.

Dr David Griffiths, Reader in Archaeology at Oxford University and founder of the MSc course sums up its aims as follows:

"If you share with me a passion for landscape, and an urge to find out how it has all come together and changed over time, then this course could be for you. The landscapes we experience in the UK and in every other part of the inhabited world are the products of human engagement and interference with the natural environment. Agriculture, industry, warfare, settlement and belief systems have all left their mark over the centuries. We can use and develop field and investigative skills to record and interpret these, and to tell the story of the landscape. Although we make most use of UK examples on our teaching, the course has no period or geographical limits - meaning you can follow your own interests. Landscape Archaeology is all about being out there together, exploring the traces of our fascinating shared past."

Oxford is a wonderful place to study and it has unrivalled facilities. We have been running this part-time masters course successfully for seventeen years. The overwhelming response gained from our students over the years is one of satisfaction, enjoyment and fulfilment. We have brought together a good balance of recent graduates, older and younger students, historic environment professionals and those with a personal or community interest in the subject. We have had some great field experiences and outstanding seminars. Although the coursework requires a solid commitment from you over two years, the course atmosphere is informal and friendly, and we aim to support every student with ideas, guidance and encouragement.

What the course offers

The MSc in Applied Landscape Archaeology is a part-time modular course over two years, leading to an Oxford University Postgraduate Degree in Archaeology. Students become fully matriculated members of Oxford University during their period of registration, and therefore also become a member of a college. The course is designed for the needs of students who wish to study part-time and this includes those who are in full-time employment. Those with a personal or professional interest in landscape archaeology are welcome to apply.

Landscape Archaeology is an increasingly popular and widely-understood concept. Using a multi-period systematic approach, it is concerned with understanding past human impacts on the resources, topography and environment of the whole landscape, from uplands to coasts, and from farmed landscapes to urban/industrial areas.

Many methods of research are being developed in landscape archaeology, including geophysical survey, digital mapping and remote-sensing techniques such as LiDAR. These take their place alongside fieldwalking, historic landscape analysis, aerial photography and selective excavation to provide an effective armoury of techniques for the researcher. Skills such as survey and resource assessment are becoming essential for anyone involved in the management of the historic environment. Effective communication and presentation of the value and potential of the historic landscape is vital in the world of planning, tourism, outreach and education.

Modules

Method and Theory in Landscape Archaeology - Core
Advanced Paper (Archaeological Prospection)
Advanced Paper (Artefacts and Ecofacts in the Landscape)
Managing Historic Landscapes in the 21st Century - Core
Advanced Paper (Reading the Historic Landscape)
Field Training Week
Advanced Paper (Digital Landscapes)

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£4,655

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£12,220

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any relevant subject. A good master's level qualification is usually required.