MLitt/PgDip Battlefield and Conflict Archaeology


We are delighted to announce that the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology’s groundbreaking postgraduate course MLitt/PgDip in Battlefield and Conflict Archaeology will be entering its fifth year this autumn, 2010. We are also pleased to offer a new optional module, ‘Introduction to Forensic Archaeology’, which will be available in semester 2.

The MLitt/PgDip in Battlefield and Conflict Archaeology is a unique course which reflects the key role played by the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology at the University of Glasgow in the worldwide development of battlefield and conflict archaeology.  Over recent years battlefields, both ancient and modern, have come to be accepted as important elements of the world’s cultural heritage and this course provides an ideal grounding for those interested in the archaeological potential of these fields of conflict.  The course also places an emphasis on the social role and impact of warfare and additionally explores issues of conflict not directly related to warfare.  The course draws on a wide range of international experts in order to familiarise the student with the latest developments in this exciting and rapidly evolving area of study.    

Scotland is generously populated with historic battlefields, ranging from the Roman era to Culloden, the last battle fought on British soil, and other sites of conflict, such as castles and coastal defences.   Excursions to a number of these sites play an important role in the course and among those on the itinerary are: Bannockburn and Culloden battlefields, Edinburgh and Stirling castles and Hadrian’s Wall.   

Students benefit from privileged access to the extensive collection of arms and armour held by Glasgow Museums.  The Centre for Battlefield Archaeology, in conjunction with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, also holds a small armoury of 18th century muskets and cannon, which students have the opportunity to handle and operate during the ballistic tests run as part of the course.  Where opportunity permits students will also be encouraged to play an active part on the various archaeological projects undertaken by the Centre.

The course programme is structured around a number of core and optional modules which are available in the first and second semesters respectively. The core modules provide a secure grounding in the study of battlefields and conflict, whereas the optional modules allow the student to explore particular areas of study in more detail.

Core Modules

•	The Art of War:  provides a worldwide introduction to the study of battle and warfare in its various forms, ranging from prehistoric conflict up to the twentieth century.  .  
•	Battlefield and Conflict Archaeology – Theory and Practice: explores the various implications of battlefields and other sites of conflict as culturally important sites and examines the nature of the archaeological record.  

Optional Modules

A wide range of optional modules are available in the second semester which draws on the particular interests and expertise of members of staff, including the new module in forensic archaeology. 

•	Early Modern Warfare - 16th century to the First World War.  provides students with an introduction to the military history and archaeology of the early modern and modern period. It will focus on the archaeological impact of these conflicts, with relevance not only to military experience but also the social context of conflict using a series of archaeologically based case studies. 
•	British Battlefields.  provides an overview of the military archaeology and history of Britain, including battlefields, castles, forts and more modern military installations such as cold war airfields. As well as exploring the various aspects of Britain’s battlefield heritage to gain an understanding of their importance as an archaeologically sensitive cultural resource.

•	Roman Warfare.   focuses on what understanding may be drawn from the Roman army’s representation in archaeological monuments and material culture throughout the Roman Empire, as well as assessing the problems and potential of Roman battlefield archaeology in the understanding of conflict in this era.
•	Introduction to Forensic Archaeology.  provides students with an introduction to the basic concepts, specialist techniques and methodologies used within the discipline of forensic archaeology. Case studies from across the world, including the investigation of crime scenes such as clandestine graves, international war crimes, mass grave excavations and mass fatality incidents, will form an integral part of the course.

Students may also choose any one of the specialist modules offered by the MLitt in Professional Archaeology, which include:
•	Archaeological Geophysics
•	Aerial Photography
•	Archaeological Data Management
•	Using CAD for Archaeological Projects
•	Advanced Survey Techniques
•	Human Remains


More detailed information on the course and individual modules, as well as information on how to apply for the course is available on the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology website and the Department of Archaeology website. The Centre also has its own Facebook page to keep up to date with recent news, projects and activities. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Centre’s Administrator:

[log in to unmask]

Centre for Battlefield Archaeology:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/departments/battlefieldarchaeology/

Department of Archaeology Course Prospectus:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/departments/archaeology/prospectivestudents/postgraduate/taughtmasters/