Distance Learning in Archaeology and Ancient History
Why study archaeology and ancient history by distance learning at Leicester?
Research-led courses
All of our courses are based on our extensive experience in developing and teaching both archaeology and ancient history and our world-leading research. The outcome of the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) confirmed our place as one of the leading Archaeology and Ancient History departments in the UK. No less than 65% of our research was rated in the top two brackets of international excellence (4*, 3*). This proportion puts us second equal among UK Archaeology departments, and first equal among departments teaching both disciplines. Our research strategy exploits the disciplinary mix within the School. Staff work all over the world on research projects in Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Greece, central Europe, Egypt, Libya, North America, Iran, Syria, Pakistan, Southeast Asia, Venezuela and elsewhere. We cover all periods from the earliest humans to the recent past. This means you will be taught by staff at the leading edge of developments in your specific research area, allowing you to benefit from these developments as they occur.
All distance learning students are invited take part in the Burrough Hill Iron Age Fort project, pictured here, whether working there as part of the undergraduate Fieldschool module, or to gain extra field experience.
Excellent teaching
We received a maximum 24 in the most recent QAA teaching assessment, so you can be confident that we can translate our leading research into effective and relevant teaching, allowing you to gain maximum benefit.
We have some of the most satisfied students in the country, with consistently high student ratings in the National Student Survey. The University has been a winner in the Times Higher Education Awards for five years running, including the title of Times Higher Education University of the Year 2008/9, and we also won their award for Outstanding Support for Students 2009/10.
Pioneering approach to distance learning
The University of Leicester has more than 20 years experience of offering high quality distance learning courses and we fully understand the specific needs of distance learning students, wherever they are based. The School of Archaeology and Ancient History pioneered archaeology distance learning with the introduction of our MA Archaeology and Heritage in 1997 and we have been going from strength to strength ever since.
Structured, supportive framework for study
Our courses are designed to be studied at a distance, giving you the flexibility to study from any location within a structured and supportive framework. Each of our modules is developed and written with the specific needs of distance learning students in mind and students from more than 25 countries have chosen to study archaeology by distance learning with us. We provide excellent learning support, delivered by the same expert archaeology academics and professionals as our on-campus courses. Because we understand that many of our students are combining study with demanding careers and family lives, we provide a range of entry and exit points onto our courses, along with the opportunity to move between full-time and part-time study if circumstances change.
Career Progression
Our courses have been designed to enable you to develop your skills and knowledge, whether you wish to study to enhance your career prospects, proceed to further study, or for general interest. Our modules cross the traditional academic boundaries of archaeology and ancient history, enabling you to gain a wider knowledge in your chosen area. There are opportunities for you to develop and enhance your practical skills, and employability skills are embedded throughout our curriculum. Consequently, our courses are highly valued by employers who will recognise the key transferable and subject-specific skills gained. Our courses will enable you to focus on your specific interest, and enable progression in archaeology, ancient history, or elsewhere.
Our Brilliant Dissertations
From Prehistoric Past to Saxon Christian Present: the reuse of prehistoric sites in Wessex
Alistair Thompson's dissertation, by Distance Learning, wasadded annual MRC prize for the best undergraduate dissertation on a medieval topic. His dissertation discussed the appropriation of prehistoric monuments for early medieval church and monastic enclosures, focusing on the heartlands of Wessex (Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset).
