Archaeology and Landscape Studies BSc (Hons)

This degree provides an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to studying the landscape and the people who have inhabited and shaped it.

Archaeology and Landscape Studies is an exciting single honours programme that draws on the subjects of archaeology and physical geography to provide a multidisciplinary approach to studying the landscape. Landscape studies are diverse and exciting, demanding a wide range of practical and academic skills, and the programme combines the methods and theory of archaeology with those used to study the physical environment in order to fully interpret the landscape.

Human interaction and impact upon the landscape is key to understanding the archaeological past and in order to fully understand this interaction it is essential to have a detailed understanding of the natural environment and the different geomorphological processes that have shaped it. This innovative degree addresses both landscape evolution and human use of the land. The focus is upon theoretical approaches and practical techniques, placed within the chronological framework of human activity.

This course introduces you to a wide range of techniques needed to decipher the landscape, including archaeological excavation, topographical survey, aerial photographic interpretation, GIS and essential computing skills. Practical work and field trips are essential to the course, allowing you to apply your skills in observation and interpretation to the real world.

You will have also access to an impressive range of equipment and resources which includes survey grade GPS, geophysics, well-appointed laboratories and a brand new digital mapping and survey suite, The varied assessment strategy will provide you not only with a range of subject specific skills but also transferable skills that include team and independent working, problem solving and decision making, communication and organisational skills.

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Access to cutting edge technology, small class sizes and friendly, research active staff all contribute to the supportive learning environment you will enjoy when you study Archaeology and Landscape Studies at the University of Worcester.

View the Archaeology Programmes Overview and read more about studying archaeology or read the Archaeology Newsletter.

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UCAS code

Archaeology and Landscape Studies BSc (Hons) VK43 BSc/ALS

UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education in the UK.

Read our How to apply pages for more information on applying and to find out what happens to your application.

Entry requirements

240-280 UCAS Tariff points

Further information about the UCAS Tariff can be obtained from www.ucas.com

Course fees

The standard annual fee for full-time UK/EU students enrolling in 2013 is £8,650 per year. Part-time fees are generally charged on a pro rata basis.

For more details, please visit our course fees page.

Study options

Single Honours

Get in touch

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

Dr Jodie Lewis
Archaeology Lecturer
01905 855182
jodie.lewis@worc.ac.uk

Dr Derek McDougall
01905 855440
d.mcdougall@worc.ac.uk

Employability

This course prepares you for careers in commercial (field) archaeology, museums and the heritage industry, national organisations (English Heritage, National Trust, Natural England, the Environment Agency), archaeological/environmental consultancies, countryside management and conservation, teaching, local government and planning and the Civil Service.

The course also provides the ideal grounding for postgraduate study and research.

Modules

Introduction to Archaeology
Introduction to Fieldwork in Archaeology
The Archaeology & Heritage of the British Landscape
World Archaeology & Ancient Civilisations
Mapping the Environment
Earth Systems & Processes
Landforms & Landscapes
Introduction to Geology
Heritage Studies: A Critical Introduction
Interpreting the Past
Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
The Study and Interpretation of Artefacts
The Archaeology of Death and Burial
Landscape Archaeology
Environmental Archaeology
Soils & the Environment
Mountain Geomorphology
River Processes
Iron Age and Roman Britain
Research Methods
Managing the Historic Environment
Archaeological Field Study (Excavation)
Mountain Environments Field Course
Neolithic and Bronze Age Britain
Ice Age Britain
Applied Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing
Forensic Archaeology
Work Placement
Extension Module
Independent Study

Elective modules

Single Honours Students: The structure of our courses allows you to tailor your studies according to your interests and strengths. You can study topics outside of your chosen course if you wish, thus giving you the opportunity to build skills that can boost your employability. You are able to choose from a number of Elective Modules in your first and second years which add breadth to your studies, make your degree distinctive and enable you to stand out from the crowd.

Visit our Elective Modules pages to find out more.

Assessment

A wide range of learning and teaching methods are used within Archaeology and Landscape Studies. These include lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work, laboratory and computer practicals, field work and visits to archaeological sites and museums and “natural” features in the landscapes. There are also opportunities to undertake residential fieldwork.

The varied assessment methods support your learning and provide you with subject specific and transferable skills. Assessment types include essays, seminar papers, reflective journals, source critiques, portfolios, presentations, posters, field and laboratory reports and independent research projects.

The expertise of the staff includes the prehistoric and roman periods, landscape archaeology, material culture studies, built environment conservation, geo-conservation and environmental geology, glacial and fluvial geomorphology and mountain environments. Students may have opportunities to participate in staff research projects through voluntary work and the “Earn as you Learn” scheme.

David Orr

Student, Archaeology and Landscape Studies BSc (Hons)

“Archaeology and Landscape Studies combines my interest in archaeology and physical geography in a single honours course. For me, the course is a great introduction to archaeology, hopefully leading to a career in the field. Worcester is a great place to study- there’s plenty to do but not too many distractions, which is ideal when you’re juggling study, work and a family of five!”

Academic department

Institute of Science & the Environment

“The Institute’s acclaimed research in areas such as river management, rural issues, forensic biology, nutrition and archaeology has a common thread: our belief that science should be centred around its impact on people.”
Professor John Newbury, Head of Institute