Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Archaeology-Palaeoecology program is a 3-year full-time (or 6-year part-time) Single Honours degree program offered by Queen's University Belfast. This program examines the human past from a scientific perspective, offering a unique blend of archaeological and palaeoecological perspectives. Students gain hands-on experience working with archaeological materials, undertaking fieldwork and exploring laboratory techniques. The program emphasizes the dynamic relationships between human societies and their environments, providing a deeper understanding of the processes that have shaped our world.

Objectives:

Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the key principles and methodologies of Archaeology and Palaeoecology.
Cultivate practical skills in archaeological excavation, field recording, laboratory analysis, and research methods.
Develop critical thinking and analytical abilities, fostering the ability to interpret and evaluate archaeological and palaeoecological data.
Enhance communication skills, enabling students to effectively communicate their findings through written and oral presentations.
Foster a strong understanding of the ethical and professional responsibilities associated with archaeological and palaeoecological research.

Program Description:

The Archaeology-Palaeoecology program is designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the human past. Students gain insights into the development of human societies, their interactions with the environment, and the impact of environmental change on human populations. The program emphasizes a hands-on approach, with students actively participating in archaeological excavations, field surveys, and laboratory analyses. This fosters a strong foundation in research methods and critical thinking, preparing graduates for successful careers in archaeology, palaeoecology, and related fields.

Additional Information:

The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK).
Graduates are eligible for employment in a wide range of sectors, including commercial archaeology, heritage management, consultancy, research, and academia.
The program offers opportunities for study abroad and placements, enhancing the global perspective and employability of graduates.

Outline:

Program Structure:

The program is structured across three stages, each consisting of six modules. Single Honours students are required to complete at least five Archaeology/Palaeoecology modules, while Joint Honours students are expected to complete three modules in these disciplines.

Course Schedule:

Stage 1: Introduces students to the fundamental principles of world archaeology, archaeological fieldwork techniques, and the relationship between past human societies and their environments.
Stage 2: Explores the themes introduced in Stage 1 in greater depth, delving into specific geographical areas, archaeological periods, and theoretical frameworks.
Stage 3: Students focus on their chosen dissertation project, building on the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program.

Individual Modules:

Stage 1:
Introduction to World Archaeology
Archaeological Excavation
Ancient Humans and Landscapes
Environmental Change: Past, Present and Future
Europe in Prehistory
Themes in Historical Archaeology
Stage 2:
Archaeological Excavation (Compulsory for some students)
Thinking through Things: Theorizing Global Archaeology
Palaeoenvironmental Techniques
Landscapes and Geographical Information (GIS)
The Archaeology of Islands (Residential Fieldtrip Module)
Ireland in Prehistory
From St Patrick to the Plantation: The Archaeology of Historic Ireland
Archaeology in Practice
Stage 3:
Archaeology/Palaeoecology Dissertation
Independent Project
Critical Thinking and the Past
Maps and Mappings
The Archaeology of Ancient Greece (Residential Fieldtrip Module)
Volcanoes: Environmental and Societal Impacts
Kingship and Religion in the First Millennium AD
Advanced Geographical Information Systems
Society, Death and Disease

Module Descriptions:

Detailed descriptions of each module, including learning outcomes, assessment methods, and teaching styles, can be found on the Queen's University Belfast website.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

Examinations: Assess students' understanding of key concepts and theories.
Coursework: Includes essays, reports, presentations, and practical exercises, evaluating students' ability to apply knowledge and skills.
Fieldwork and Laboratory Assessments: Evaluate students' ability to conduct fieldwork, analyze data, and interpret archaeological and palaeoecological evidence.
Dissertation: Assesses students' research skills, critical thinking abilities, and capacity for independent study.

Assessment Criteria:

Assessments are evaluated based on the following criteria:

Accuracy and completeness of knowledge.

Critical analysis and interpretation of evidence.

Effective communication of findings.

Originality and creativity.

Technical proficiency.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes diverse teaching methods, including:

Lectures: Introduce students to key concepts and theories.
Seminars: Facilitate interactive discussions and critical analysis of archaeological and palaeoecological materials.
Practical classes: Provide hands-on experience in archaeological and palaeoecological techniques.
Fieldwork: Offer opportunities for students to participate in archaeological excavations and surveys.
Laboratory work: Students gain experience in analyzing and interpreting archaeological and palaeoecological data.
Individual supervision: Supports students in their research and dissertation projects.

Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and dedicated academic staff with expertise in archaeology, palaeoecology, and related disciplines.

Unique Approaches:

Fieldwork: The program emphasizes hands-on experience through participation in archaeological excavations and field surveys.
Laboratory work: Students gain experience in laboratory-based analysis of archaeological and palaeoecological materials.
Dissertation: Students engage in independent research, allowing them to develop their research skills and explore their interests in depth.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the Archaeology-Palaeoecology program are well-positioned for careers in a wide range of sectors, including:

Commercial archaeology: Conduct archaeological assessments, excavations, and surveys for development projects.
Heritage management: Manage and protect archaeological sites and historic environments.
Consultancy: Provide expert advice on archaeological and heritage matters to clients in government, industry, and the private sector.
Research: Conduct research in archaeology, palaeoecology, and related disciplines.
Academia: Teach and conduct research in universities and other educational institutions.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the program are highly sought after by employers in various sectors. Career opportunities include:

Archaeologist: Conduct archaeological field surveys, excavations, and analyses.
Heritage Officer: Manage and protect archaeological sites and historic environments.
Museum Curator: Oversee the care and display of archaeological collections.
Environmental Consultant: Provide expertise on the archaeological and heritage aspects of environmental impact assessments.
Research Assistant/Associate: Assist researchers in conducting考古学and palaeoecological research.

Career Outcomes:

Graduates of the program have successfully secured employment in a variety of sectors, including:

Archaeological consultancies: RPS, Wessex Archaeology, AOC Archaeology
Government agencies: Historic England, National Trust, Environment Agency
Museums: British Museum, National Museum of Scotland, Ulster Museum
Research institutions: University College London, University of Oxford, Queen's University Belfast

Other:

World Class Facilities:

The School of Natural and Built Environment boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including the internationally renowned 14CHRONO Centre for Radiocarbon Dating, the Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork, departmental collections and laboratories for the study of artefacts, human, animal and plant remains and other scientific materials and instruments, access to GIS, laser scanning and specialized teaching laboratories.

Global opportunities:

The program offers opportunities for study abroad and placements, allowing students to gain international experience and enhance their employability.

Student Support:

Queen's University Belfast provides a range of support services to students, including academic advisors, career guidance, and mental health support.

Additional Information:

The program is offered as a Single Honours degree or as part of a Joint Honours program with other subjects, such as Geography, History, and Irish/British archaeology.
Students can choose to undertake an optional additional year of study, either between Stages 2 and 3 or after completing Stage 3.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Northern Ireland (NI):

£4,750

Republic of Ireland (ROI):

£4,750

England, Scotland or Wales (GB):

£9,250

EU Other:

£25,300

International:

£25,300

Payment:

The tuition fees quoted are for the 2024/25 academic year and are a guide only. In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Additional course costs:

The cost of travel and entrance fees for one-day or half-day field trips across all academic years is included in the course fee, but students are expected to pay for subsistence costs.
Participation in a four-week field excavation module at Stage 1 is a requirement of the programme.
At Stage 2 students may choose optional modules that have associated field trips costs ranging from £50 to £500.
If students choose to take a supplementary Additional Year that incurs travel costs (either locally or abroad), they will be required to fund these.
A limited amount of funding may be available to contribute towards these additional costs, if the placement takes place through a government student mobility scheme.

Funding:

Please visit www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/ for information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students.
Each year, the University offers a range of scholarships and prizes for new students.

Program start date	Application deadline
2024-09-01	-
2025-03-10	-

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Archaeology-Palaeoecology

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