Archaeology BA/Diploma/Certificate

Duration and mode of study

All study is by distance learning.

Choose from the BA, Diploma or Certificate

If you know from the outset that you can’t, or don’t want to, commit to a full BA, you can apply for the Certificate or Diploma only. Similarly, if for any reason you are unable to complete the full BA programme, you can opt to leave at the end of Level 1 with a Certificate or at the end of Level 2 with a Diploma.

Previous academic study

If you have studied Archaeology at undergraduate level before, it may be possible for you to transfer the credits from your previous study in place of some or all of the modules relating to that particular level. For example, if you already hold a Certificate in Archaeology, you may be able to enter the courses at the Level 2/Diploma stage. In order for us to assess your eligibility to transfer credits, we will need to see a transcript of any credits you have achieved to date, showing the title of all modules and the marks/grades awarded.

Individual modules

Perhaps you don’t want a formal qualification, but would just like to study archaeology or ancient history for interest? It is possible to study up to two Level 1 or 2 modules without registering for a formal qualification. Successful completion of an associate module will entitle you to a transcript formally recording your achievement and you may be able to count the credits achieved on that module towards further undergraduate study at Leicester or elsewhere at a later date.

Start dates

February, June, October

Entry requirements

Our distance learning Archaeology and Ancient History courses do not have formal entry requirements – you just need to demonstrate an active interest in archaeology and ancient history and a genuine commitment to putting the time in to study. For applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of a minimum standard of English is required  as a condition of entry.

Fees

These are the total course fees. Please note that the fees for our distance learning programmes are based on where you will be residing in the world during your studies.

June 2013

BA

Home/EU/International: £16,050

Diploma

Home/EU/International: £10,700

Certificate

Home/EU/International: £5,350

October 2013, February 2014 and June 2014

BA

Home/EU/International: £16,770

Diploma

Home/EU/International: £11,180

Certificate

Home/EU/International: £5,590

Course outline

The course is based on our extensive experience in developing and teaching both archaeology and ancient history courses and our world-leading research. 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, museums, or elsewhere.

This course will:

• Enable you to pursue your personal or professional interest in archaeology.
• Introduce you to key themes in the study of archaeology and enable you to develop your knowledge and understanding of the wide chronological and geographical range of the discipline of archaeology.
• Provide you with practical, hands-on experience of fieldwork and laboratory work.
• Develop your ability to draw upon appropriate archaeological theories, methods, techniques and concepts towards understanding the past through material culture and other residues.

We will provide you with an intellectually challenging and stimulating curriculum which draws on the full expertise of members of the School of Archaeology and Ancient History and our proven track record of delivering archaeology by distance learning and which will enable you to develop transferable skills necessary for successful career development or further academic study.

Course structure

The BA in Archaeology is made up of three levels, with each level taking two years for part-time students to complete, or one year for full-time students. Each level consists of six modules, lasting 12 weeks each, with short breaks in between. Part-time students study each module in turn, whereas full-time students study two modules at a time.

Level 1 (part-time years 1 and 2; full-time year 1)

• Aims and Methods in Archaeology

Plus five modules from the following:

• Early Prehistory
• Later Prehistory
• Classical Archaeology
• Medieval Archaeology
• Historical (Post-medieval and Industrial) Archaeology
• The Archaeology of Egypt, Nubia and the Middle Nile

Level 2 (part-time years 3 and 4; full-time year 2)

• Archaeological Theory
• The Rise of States in the Old World
• The Mediterranean in the Medieval World
• Interpreting Archaeological Evidence
• Being Human: Evolution and Prehistory
• Fieldschool

Level 3 (part-time years 5 and 6; full-time year 3)

• Households and Families
• Archaeological Practice
• The Archaeology of Urbanism
• Archaeology, Religion and Belief
• Individual dissertation

Your learning experience

Each module consists of specially prepared self-study materials, which are delivered by post to your door and supplemented with additional material made available online through Blackboard, our virtual learning environment.

We recommend that you plan to set aside 15-20 hours study time per module per week. You will be allocated an academic tutor for each module. Your tutors are available by email or phone to provide advice on academic and study matters.

Wherever you are in the world, you will have access to University services, including the University’s David Wilson Library and its extensive range of electronic journals and e-books.

Modules are assessed by written coursework, usually in the form of essays or reports. There are no examinations and no requirements for you to attend the University campus for assessments.

Fieldwork and attendance on campus

Level 2 Fieldschool

The compulsory Level 2 Fieldschool module gives you the opportunity to get practical, hands-on experience in a number of aspects of survey and excavation. You can participate in the week-long fieldschool that we organise each year at Burrough Hill in Leicestershire, or opt to make your own fieldwork arrangements.

You can participate in the week-long fieldschool that we organise each year at Burrough Hill in Leicestershire, or opt to make your own fieldwork arrangements. The Burrough Hill Fieldschool normally takes place at the end of June or beginning of July each year. In 2012 students coming to Burrough Hill can choose between:

• Sunday 24 June to Friday 29 June 2012
• Sunday 1 July to Friday 6 July 2012

Level 3 Archaeological Practice

The compulsory Level 3 Archaeological Practice module requires attendance at a week-long practical laboratory-based session in the School of Archaeology and Ancient History at the University of Leicester. This laboratory session is held in May of year 5 or 6 if you are a part-time student, or in May of year 3 if you are a full-time student. In 2012 the laboratory week takes place from Monday 21 May to Friday 25 May.

Contact

If you would like more information, please visit the School of Archaeology and Ancient History's website or download a copy of our brochure. Alternatively, if you would like a one-to-one discussion about your application, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us  and we will arrange a telephone appointment with you.

Distance Learning Team
School of Archaeology and Ancient History
University of Leicester
Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
+44(0)116 252 2772 or 3360
Fax: +44(0)116 223 1267
archdl@le.ac.uk
www.le.ac.uk/archaeology