Material Culture & Artefact Studies MSc/PgDip
Archaeology Dissertation ARCH5007P
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Humanities
- Credits: 60
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Summer
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
Students will design, undertake, and present a piece of original and independent archaeological research. This will enable them to develop the principles of good research practice, incorporating problem identification, data collection and analysis, and the critical use of sources within the field of archaeology.
Timetable
Independent study and regular supervision (typically fortnightly meetings)
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ Dissertation Proposal (1000 words)
■ Dissertation (14,000 words)
If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:
■ There is no alternative to the dissertation proposal, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)
■ There is no alternative to the dissertation, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.
Course Aims
This course aims to:
■ Enable students to develop the principles of good research practice, incorporating problem identification, data collection and analysis, and the critical use of sources within the field of archaeology
■ Support students in designing, undertaking, and presenting a piece of original and independent archaeological research
■ Stimulate the development of critical thinking and the acquisition of subject-specific and transferable skills to generate a report output of professional quality in a specific context
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ Establish substantial, detailed and informed first-hand knowledge of their chosen subject area
■ Define, plan, and execute a sustained, focussed and coherent research project
■ Present cogently and coherently the results of their research in a scholarly fashion, with illustrations and other documentation as appropriate
■ Assess critically both the subject area covered and the character of their own contribution to it