Maritime Archaeology MSc
For more information, visit MSc Maritime Archaeology in our course search pages.
Archaeology has been taught within the institutions that became Bournemouth University since 1967, initially as a well respected practical course that laid the foundations for suite of under and post graduate programs that the School now offers. This initial practical base has not however been lost as all of the School programs still have a high practical and science component.
Maritime Archaeology has been an active research theme within the School since the autumn of 2001. Since the formation of what is now the Maritime Archaeology Research Group in 2003, staff within the Group have brought an international reputation with them. The Group is currently engaged in research on many of England’s Designated Historic Wreck sites.
Designated sites Bournemouth students have worked on in the past include: Salcombe ‘B’ (a middle Bronze site that provides evidence of early contacts with the Mediterranean), Salcombe Cannon Site (the wreck of a 17th century vessel and one of the most spectacular wrecks found in UK waters), and the Erme Ingot Site (a site with tentative connections with Diodorus 1st century BC reference to south west Britain tin trade). Most work is currently undertaken on the 17th Century Swash Channel Wreck (the extensive remains of a very large high status ship whose exact character is yet to be determined).
The MSc Maritime Archaeology focuses on the principles and practice of maritime archaeology of all periods up to the 20th century within the broader international context and includes a unique unit in the Preservation In situ of underwater Cultural Heritage. The programme consists of 5 units plus a Personal Research project. The aim of the programme is to develop the skills and initial experience required to undertake maritime archaeology in the field and/or prepare students for further study. Key skills taught during the programme, such as project management and analytical skills are widely transferable to a range of disciplines.
Learning and Teaching
Students experience a wide variety of learning and teaching methods including maritime archaeology practicals, lectures, workshops, seminars, field trips and individual tutorials. Hands-on experience of analytical techniques and tools is an essential part of our teaching programme and Information Technology skills and a vocational approach underpin the course. Methods of assessment are also varied and address theoretical issues, practical problems and tasks likely to be encountered in the professional environment.
Coursework will include analysis of shipwreck assemblages, production of professionally-structured reports, essays, oral presentations (in individual or group contexts), practical identification tests and the preparation of specialist assessments and reports based on the student’s own analysis of materials. From this blend of teaching and assessment styles, students gain the confidence and skills to flourish in their chosen profession.
The School has a strong research-active academic community with collaborative links to other academic and professional institutions overseas and in the UK. It is part of European Union funded schemes such as Socrates- Erasmus, Tempus and Leonardo adding to the cultural diversity of the School and providing opportunities for overseas study.
Resources
The course is fully supported by extensive technical and scientific facilities available within the School of Applied Sciences. These include dedicated research and analytical laboratories, with a wide range of instrumentation including X-ray facilities, Scanning Electron Microscope, workshops and layout rooms, a GIS and spatial information suite, map library and a postgraduate student computer laboratory.
In addition the School is fully equipped for undertaking archaeological diving operations in accordance with the UK’s Health and Safety Executives Diving at Work Regulations 1997 and has an extensive equipment base dedicated to the support of archaeological operations in the inter-tidal and marine zone.
Applications
The Course is offered as either one year full-time; 2 years part-time and is suited to graduates from disciplines as diverse as archaeology, history, heritage and the marine sciences. Mature students with an appropriate professional background may also apply. For applications whose first language is not English 6.5 IELTS (Academic) or equivalent is required.
Please note:
The University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given, including the addition, withdrawal, re-location or restructuring of courses.
