Archaeological Prospection - Shallow Geophysics
Degrees Available
MSc Full-time
Suitable for International Students?
Yes
| Award | Tuition Fees | Attendance Mode | Length of Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc | 2012/13:
(A small increase can be expected for the subsequent year) |
Full-time | 12 months
September |
Course Introduction
The course is a highly focused postgraduate degree programme which develops specialist skills in the theory and practice of archaeological prospection, in particular in near-surface geophysics.
It provides students with knowledge and experience of the principal geophysical and geochemical techniques currently available for the detection of buried archaeological features and other near-surface targets. It gives an appropriate background to materials and soil science, together with the relevant mathematical principles.
Other methods of detection such as remote sensing, topographical survey and field-walking are introduced as essential components of an integrated approach to landscape assessment. Sampling procedures and the computer treatment and display of field data from all methods are critically examined with the aid of case studies based on field experience. Skills and knowledge are developed through lectures, seminars, laboratory and fieldwork classes and a formal dissertation.
Course Syllabus
2011/12: All Modules are Core
Semester 1 (60 Credits - 4 Modules):
- Electrical Methods of Survey (20 Credits)
- GIS for Practitioners (10 Credits)
- Magnetic and Electromagnetic Methods of Survey (20 Credits)
- The Nature of Matter* (10 Credits)
Semester 2 (60 Credits - 4 Modules):
- Research Skills (10 Credits)
- Site Evaluation Strategies (20 Credits)
- Soils and Chemical Prospection (10 Credits)
- Treatment, Display and Interpretation of Field Data (20 Credits)
End of Semester 2 onwards (60 Credits - 1 Module):
- Dissertation (MSc) (60 Credits)
*If substantial prior experience in this module can be demonstrated, it may be substituted with another module
MSc Part-time
Suitable for International Students?
Not suitable for International Students
| Award | Tuition Fees | Attendance Mode | Length of Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc | 2012/13:
(A small increase can be expected for the subsequent year) |
Part-time | Up to 5 years
September |
Course Introduction
The course is a highly focused postgraduate degree programme which develops specialist skills in the theory and practice of archaeological prospection, in particular in near-surface geophysics.
It provides students with knowledge and experience of the principal geophysical and geochemical techniques currently available for the detection of buried archaeological features and other near-surface targets. It gives an appropriate background to materials and soil science, together with the relevant mathematical principles.
Other methods of detection such as remote sensing, topographical survey and field-walking are introduced as essential components of an integrated approach to landscape assessment. Sampling procedures and the computer treatment and display of field data from all methods are critically examined with the aid of case studies based on field experience. Skills and knowledge are developed through lectures, seminars, laboratory and fieldwork classes and a formal dissertation.
Course Syllabus
2011/12: All Modules are Core
Stage 1 (60 Credits - 4 Modules):
- Electrical Methods of Survey (20 Credits)
- GIS for Practitioners (10 Credits)
- Magnetic and Electromagnetic Methods of Survey (20 Credits)
- The Nature of Matter* (10 Credits)
Stage 2 (60 Credits - 4 Modules):
- Research Skills (10 Credits)
- Site Evaluation Strategies (20 Credits)
- Soils and Chemical Prospection (10 Credits)
- Treatment, Display and Interpretation of Field Data (20 Credits)
Stage 3 (60 Credits - 1 Module):
- Dissertation (MSc) (60 Credits)
*If substantial prior experience in this module can be demonstrated, it may be substituted with another module
PG Diploma Full-time
Suitable for International Students?
Yes
Course Introduction
The course is a highly focused postgraduate degree programme which develops specialist skills in the theory and practice of archaeological prospection, in particular in near-surface geophysics.
It provides students with knowledge and experience of the principal geophysical and geochemical techniques currently available for the detection of buried archaeological features and other near-surface targets. It gives an appropriate background to materials and soil science, together with the relevant mathematical principles.
Other methods of detection such as remote sensing, topographical survey and field-walking are introduced as essential components of an integrated approach to landscape assessment. Sampling procedures and the computer treatment and display of field data from all methods are critically examined with the aid of case studies based on field experience. Skills and knowledge are developed through lectures, seminars, laboratory and fieldwork classes and a formal dissertation.
Course Syllabus
2011/12: All Modules are Core
Semester 1 (60 Credits - 4 Modules):
- Electrical Methods of Survey (20 Credits)
- GIS for Practitioners (10 Credits)
- Magnetic and Electromagnetic Methods of Survey (20 Credits)
- The Nature of Matter* (10 Credits)
Semester 2 (60 Credits - 4 Modules):
- Research Skills (10 Credits)
- Site Evaluation Strategies (20 Credits)
- Soils and Chemical Prospection (10 Credits)
- Treatment, Display and Interpretation of Field Data (20 Credits)
*If substantial prior experience in this module can be demonstrated, it may be substituted with another module
PG Diploma Part-time
Suitable for International Students?
Not suitable for International Students
Course Introduction
The course is a highly focused postgraduate degree programme which develops specialist skills in the theory and practice of archaeological prospection, in particular in near-surface geophysics.
It provides students with knowledge and experience of the principal geophysical and geochemical techniques currently available for the detection of buried archaeological features and other near-surface targets. It gives an appropriate background to materials and soil science, together with the relevant mathematical principles.
Other methods of detection such as remote sensing, topographical survey and field-walking are introduced as essential components of an integrated approach to landscape assessment. Sampling procedures and the computer treatment and display of field data from all methods are critically examined with the aid of case studies based on field experience. Skills and knowledge are developed through lectures, seminars, laboratory and fieldwork classes and a formal dissertation.
Course Syllabus
2011/12: All Modules are Core
Stage 1 (60 Credits - 4 Modules):
- Electrical Methods of Survey (20 Credits)
- GIS for Practitioners (10 Credits)
- Magnetic and Electromagnetic Methods of Survey (20 Credits)
- The Nature of Matter* (10 Credits)
Stage 2 (60 Credits - 4 Modules):
- Research Skills (10 Credits)
- Site Evaluation Strategies (20 Credits)
- Soils and Chemical Prospection (10 Credits)
- Treatment, Display and Interpretation of Field Data (20 Credits)
*If substantial prior experience in this module can be demonstrated, it may be substituted with another module
Special Features
- It offers in-depth specialist training, including hands-on experience in the Division's geophysics and computer laboratories and in the field, and a substantial individual research dissertation
- Studentships from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) are available on this course
- A part-time route is feasible, accumulating module credits over a period of study. Individual modules are available to candidates wishing to enhance their specialist knowledge in a particular area
- First destination figures indicate that about 85% of postgraduates in Archaeological Sciences achieve work or further studies in the discipline or cognate areas
Assessment Methods
The dissertation is research based and is undertaken at the end of the second semester. The topics are drawn either from those suggested by the staff or are a result of the student's existing interests. As a result they are highly varied and some recent examples:
- An investigation into the effectiveness of a magnetic cart based system compared to traditional handheld techniques
- A comparison between an ERT system and conventional Earth Resistivity arrays
- Post Medieval lead mining in the Yorkshire Dales: an investigation using magnetometry
- Investigating voids using multiple GPR configuration
- Evaluating the effectiveness of a trapezoidal resistance array for archaeological applications
- The development of a sequential geophysical multi-method prospection design for Norwegian Iron Age Settlements
- Enhancing magnetic survey interpretation of Roman cities: geophysical data combination and archaeological feedback on Ammaia
- Investigating the use of magnetic susceptibility in locating and defining DMVs
- Ground penetrating radar survey and exploratory geophysics at Carlisle Cathedral
- An Investigation into the Role of Remote Probes for Twin Probe Survey over a Roman Fort Site
- High Cayton: disentangling the peasant vill from the Cistercian grange using geophysical techniques
- Social Analysis of Space using Geophysical Data at the Iron Age Site of Entremont, South France
- Geophysical survey of possible Roman forts along the Roman 'A65', North Yorkshire
Entry Requirements
- A first degree in Archaeology or another suitable subject (for example Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Geophysics or History
- Students will normally have a minimum of one GCSE in mathematics and one in a physical science
- Other relevant qualifications will be considered
- For North American students a GPA of at least 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 is required, or an equivalent
Level of English Required
IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent.
[Full information on our General English Language Requirements]
Student Quotes
Bradford has a nationwide reputation for producing the best archaeological geophysicists in the country. I believe this to be through the extremely practical taught course, which teaches the scientific detail behind the methods used as well as the practical elements of survey in the field. The course is taught enthusiastically by lecturers who are leaders in the field of geophysics. Overall the whole year was informative and extremely enjoyable.
-Rob Fry 2009/2010
After a long time working in field archaeology, I started the Masters with the aim of developing my skills in geophysical prospection without any kind of previous experience in the area.
It was hard at the beginning, but thanks to the support of the lecturers, technicians and all the friendly staff of the AGES department the course was a completely pleasure. I also had the advantage to share the experience with a really nice bunch of Masters colleagues! I've achieved far more than I expected at the beginning; I'm not only a qualified archaeological geophysicist able to carry out my own surveys, I also have the opportunity to develop my career in research as I was awarded a NERC scholarship to carry out a PhD in archaeological geophysics at the University of Glasgow.
-Carmen Cuenca-Garcia 2007/08
The course offers the chance to learn and develop the skills required to become a practicing geophysicist but more importantly you learn the science behind it to get a complete understanding of the role of shallow geophysics.
The lecturing staff are among the top in their field and have a good support network within the university to aid teaching and personal development. The knowledge I have gained during the masters course has enabled me to progress on to a PhD studying geophysics and I am grateful for the opportunities available to me from completing the masters program.
- Andy Parkyn, 2007/08
I thoroughly enjoyed the masters course at Bradford, benefitting from both the excellent teaching and equipment on offer and from the availability of NERC funding for my studies. I have gained a thorough understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of geophysical techniques for archaeological prospection from the course, which has enabled me to find gainful employment with a well known archaeological unit carrying out geophysical surveys at a professional level.
A highly recommended course with a deservedly known reputation for excellence.
-Nathan Thomas, 2007/08
Career Opportunities
Via a flexible programme of study that reflects staff expertise and current research / commercial themes, students will develop independent learning skills and high-level subject knowledge that will enable them to pursue further research or careers in archaeological prospection.
We expect our graduates to develop critical and analytical problem solving skills and personal transferable skills to prepare students for careers in non-cognate fields.
Many gradautes have progressed into prospection companies or have started their own businesses based around techniques and skills acquired at Bradford. For the most recent cohort to graduate (nine students) three are currently undertaking PhD research (Bradford, Birmingham and Ghent), five are working in commercial geophysics and one is training to be a teacher.
Contact Details
School of Life Sciences Postgraduate Admissions Administrator (Master's courses)
- Email: sls-postgradcourse-admissions@bradford.ac.uk
- Tel: 00 44 1274 234706
- Fax: 00 44 1274 236155
- Web: www.bradford.ac.uk/life-sciences
Download Prospectus
Life Sciences School Prospectus 2012 (PDF 5MB)
Please note that these PDFs are correct as at time of print (November 2011). For the most up to date course information please use the web page.
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West Yorkshire,
BD7 1DP,
UK
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