Introductory Courses in Distance Learning

By successfully completing six modules of 20 credits each (including Module 1, Aims and Methods in Archaeology), you will be awarded a Certificate in Archaeology which is an accredited qualification. These Level 1 modules are equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree. Alternatively you may only be interested in one or two modules, and it is possible to study just those modules for interest. These modules can also sometimes be used as part of a bridging course for postgraduate study for students whose first degree is in a non-archaeological subject area - contact us for further details or see the postgraduate pages.

Successful completion of the Certificate guarantees acceptance into the second year of our campus-based archaeology degree courses, as well as our Level 2 Diploma courses by Distance Learning. From 2010 we will offer distance learning modules at Level 3, enabling students to obtain a full BA in Archaeology degree through distance learning, though this will require a short period of attendance at Leicester, and further approved fieldwork.

Modules

We currently offer seven introductory modules (20 credits each at Level 1).

For each module you will receive a course workbook written by us, supporting textbooks, a Course Handbook and a Study Guide. You will also get access to all the material available online through the University of Leicester library. Depending on your background it is likely that you will need to spend between 10-15 hours a week studying. Each module lasts for 12 weeks (ten weeks of guided study and two weeks for the assignment) and is assessed by an essay. New students will automatically begin with Aims and Methods in Archaeology (if you wish to begin with another module please contact the DL Office via their email address).

Modules available

Aims and Methods in Archaeology
Early Prehistory
Later Prehistory
Introduction to Classical Archaeology
Medieval Archaeology
Historical (Post-Medieval and Industrial) Archaeology
The Archaeology of Egypt, Nubia and the Middle Nile

Each module has ten topics - details of module contents

Module start dates

It is possible to start any of these modules in February, June or September.

Entry requirements

These courses have been designed to be as open as possible and so there are no basic entry requirements - these modules are available to anyone. However, the level of work expected from students is equivalent to the first year of a university course and before students commit themselves to these courses they should ensure that they have the necessary reading and writing skills, as well as the available time - perhaps 10-15 hours a week, depending on your background.

The only formal requirement is for proven English language competence if English is not your first language - see our application forms for further details. We can arrange for a test to be taken online, through the University, for a small fee. Please contact us if you would like to find out more.

Please note that places are not unlimited, and from time to time intakes may be capped.

Next step: request an Information and Application Pack