Programme Specification1

1. Programmes: MLitt in Aerial Archaeology

A6RF3QGS

MLitt in Aerial Archaeology (Part-Time)

A6RP3QGS

2.1 SCQF Level: 11 - Masters Degree

2.2 Credits: 180

3. Awarding Institution: University of Glasgow

4. Teaching Institutions:

5. Faculty: Faculty of Arts

6. Department: ARCHAEOLOGY [REG100]

7. Programme Accredited By: Not Applicable

8. Entrance Requirements: Normally an upper-second class Honours degree in Archaeology or other relevant discipline (geography, geology, history, environmental science, physics); or other appropriate qualification. Students without the

1 This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course can be found in course handbooks and other programme documentation and online at http://www.gla.ac.uk

The accuracy of the information in this document is reviewed periodically by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

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normal entry requirements but with relevant professional experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Please refer to the current graduate prospectus at: http://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/prospectus/ 9. Programme Aims: This programme offers a detailed introduction to a fundamental survey technique widely employed in archaeology: aerial photography, which is the single most important technique for the discovery of new archaeological sites and the appreciation of their broader landscape setting. This unique programme of study has a strong practical content and focuses on the principles, methods and applications of aerial-based remote sensing techniques in archaeology. It combines Glasgow’s general expertise in aerial photography and computing within the Department of Archaeology with that in photogrammetry and remote sensing in the Department of Geographical and Earth Sciences, and the practical and professional aerial photographic skills of a relevant professional organisation, such as the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) in Edinburgh. The programme aims to prepare students for participation on both a practical and theoretical level in the field of aerial archaeology, also providing promising students with the appropriate training to embark on a PhD in this subject area. The specific aims of the programme are: • • • • • •

To familiarise students with the theory and principles of aerial-based remote sensing techniques in archaeology. To develop an appreciation of the value and potential application of aerial-based remote sensing techniques in archaeology. To provide students with the necessary practical skills to undertake and interpret the results from survey utilising aerial-based remote sensing techniques. To develop academic presentation skills in a range of contexts, including written presentation in essays, reports and (for MLitt) a Research Report. To provide MLitt students with experience of the major aspects of the practical aerial photographic work of a relevant professional organisation. To provide MLitt students with the necessary intellectual preparation to pursue further scholarly research in this subject area.

10. Intended Learning Outcomes of Programme: The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas. Knowledge and Understanding By the end of the programme student will be able to: • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of the theory and principles of aerial-based remote sensing techniques in archaeology. Demonstrate an appreciation of the value, limitations and potential application of aerial-based remote sensing techniques in archaeology. Demonstrate an understanding and experience of the major aspects of the practical aerial photographic work of a relevant professional organisation. Skills and Other Attributes Subject-specific/practical skills By the end of the programme student will be able to: • undertake transcription, classification, cataloguing and interpretation of aerial photographic data at a professionally competent level, using relevant software as appropriate.

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Intellectual skills By the end of the programme student will be able to: • • •

display a capacity for critical thought and competence in scholarly writing. formulate, articulate and sustain the study of a research question. assess and evaluate oral, written and graphical material and to respond appropriately to the ideas expressed or data presented.

Transferable/key skills By the end of the programme student will be able to: •

communicate data and express ideas appropriately in writing and orally through presentations. • apply a range of appropriate IT resources in a suitable manner, which may include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, GIS and graphical software. • work to clear deadlines and organise work appropriately. • take responsibility for own work and to work in conjunction with others in a formal workplace environment. design, plan and execute a short research programme.

11. Assessment Methods: Assessment is focused on written performance and the demonstration of practical skills. Formative feedback is provided at all stages: during group activities and oral presentations, upon the return of assessed coursework, and on the submission of draft sections of projects and Research Reports where appropriate. Essays (Summative assessment only) At least three of the courses include essays which assess the student’s knowledge and understanding and at the same time enable the demonstration of a range of subject-specific, intellectual and transferable skills. Seminars (Formative assessment only) At least three of the courses employ seminars, which provide students with the opportunity for developing experience in debating issues and demonstrating their subject-specific knowledge and understanding Practical exercises (Both summative and formative assessment) Three taught courses employ assessed practical exercises: on photogrammetry; on mapping and interpreting cropmarks; and a series of general GIS/mapping exercises and a short independent GIS/mapping project. These provide students with the opportunity, respectively, to develop and demonstrate their practical skills in the interpretation of vertical and oblique aerial photographs and in the use of GIS. Portfolio (Both summative and formative assessment) The portfolio enables the student to illustrate the range of practical work experienced during the work placement. It will involve the provision of extracts and examples of that work, with illustrations and an associated commentary, to demonstrate the development of personal and professional skills. Work diary (Both summative and formative assessment) The work diary is a personal account, c. 3000 words in length, of the daily work undertaken during the work placement reflecting on the skills and experience gained. It will enable students to demonstrate a critical awareness of the approach involved and the wider context into which it fits. Research Report (Both summative and formative assessment) The Research Report is a significant piece of written work in the order of 6,000-8,000 words with

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accompanying illustrations, tables, appendices etc resulting from individual research. It can relate to any topic relevant to the degree and enables the student to undertake independent research and explore in detail a subject agreed with the course convenor.

12. Learning and Teaching Approaches: Diverse methods of teaching and learning are employed. Lectures provide basic information; practical exercises encourage the acquisition of specific skills; seminars provide students with directed reading and written assignments, through which they have the opportunity to prepare material and engage in subsequent discussion. The critical engagement required by these various activities fosters and encourages a wide range of subject-specific knowledge and skills as well as broader intellectual and transferable skills. Formative and summative assessment incorporating essays, seminar discussion and practical exercises demand that students engage with specific key topics in much greater detail, critically evaluating the work of others and formulating and sustaining academic arguments, as well as incorporating a range of key practical, intellectual and transferable skills. The Work Placement enables MLitt students to develop a range of more explicitly vocational skills associated with the acquisition, interpretation and curation of aerial photographic data. The work experience is evaluated through a Portfolio of practical work, which demonstrates a range of skills associated with report writing and data interpretation, and a Work Diary, which encourages self-reflection and critical evaluation of the ethical and professional issues surrounding the work of a professional body. A broad range of key subject-specific skills and knowledge is addressed. The dissertation enables MLitt students to develop skills associated with formulating research questions linked to primary source materials, articulating the range of issues and concepts associated with them, and managing a sustained argument across a substantial piece of written work. This is particularly suitable for students wishing to develop specifically academic skills with a view to moving on to a research degree.

13. Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Statements and Other External or Internal Reference Points: Consultation with the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Scotland has taken place in relation to general programme focus and the work placement experience.

14. Programme Structure and Features: The taught component of the MLitt course consist of five compulsory core courses and one optional course, each of 20 credits, running over the two academic semesters, and a 8-9 week period of placement starting in the latter part of semester 2. This is followed by a period of self-study towards the Research Report. Semester 1 A. Research training (20 credits). B. Interpretation and applications of aerial data (20 credits). C. The principles and practice of aerial archaeology (20 credits). Semester 2 D. Cropmark archaeology (20 credits). E. GIS for archaeological projects (20 credits). F. Appropriate optional module, e.g. Geophysical survey: Interpretation and applications; Advanced archaeological survey methods; Landscape archaeology in the Eastern Mediterranean (20 credits). E. Work Placement (4 days per week) (30 credits) F. Research Report. (30 credits)

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The MLitt Research Report requires students to design, undertake and present a piece of original and independent archaeological research. Students will demonstrate substantial, detailed and informed first-hand knowledge of their chosen subject area, and present cogently and coherently the results of their research in a scholarly fashion, with illustrations and other documentation as appropriate. Overall length: 6,000-8,000 words

Possible exit point: Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits); Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) 15. Additional Relevant Information: Support for students is provided by the Postgraduate/Undergraduate Adviser(s) of Studies supported by University resources such as the Effective Learning Adviser located in the Student Learning Service (http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/tls/sls/), the University Heath Service (http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/health/), the Student Counselling and Advisory Service (http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/counselling/), the Student Disability Service (http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/studentdisability/) and the Careers Service (http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/careers/). See the Department of Archaeology website: www.gla.ac.uk/archaeology/

16. Academic Session: 2009-10

Additional Administrative Information to be completed: 17. Fee Type: Standard

18. Attendance Type: Both

Date of production/revision:

ProgrammeSpecification2009-V1

27/08/2009

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