Conflict Archaeology and Heritage

From battlefield archaeology, to the anthropology of warfare, to archaeologies of confinement, this Masters will explore in depth the many and varied ways that human conflict can be interrogated via an archaeologically focused interdisciplinary approach, encompassing time periods from the prehistoric to the modern. In addition to taught elements, the programme will encourage students to engage with the subject on a practical basis and will involve fieldtrips to a number of battlefields and other sites relevant to their studies.

WHY THIS PROGRAMME

- The programme’s focus on conflict landscapes makes field trips an integral part of the MSc. Amongst the significant battlefields you will visit are the iconic sites of Bannockburn and Culloden.

- The programme is based within the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology, which is an internationally renowned centre of excellence for the study of conflict heritage and archaeology.

- Conflict sites, both ancient and modern, which include battlefields and other sites (such as POW camps, fortifications and war graves) have come to be accepted as important elements of the world’s cultural heritage, and this programme provides an ideal grounding if you are interested in the management of these fields of conflict.

- You will benefit from a unique portfolio of ongoing research and archive material, including artefacts, historic documents, and other resources; you will also have access to a wide range of specialist archives, museums, professional archaeological units, and scientific institutions.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The programme consists of three core courses, which will provide a general framework for the study of conflict archaeology and heritage, accompanied by three more specialised optional courses. For the MSc you will produce a dissertation on a specialist topic agreed with your supervisor.

Core Courses
RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
THE ART OF WAR: CONCEPTS AND THEORIES
METHOD AND PRACTICE IN CONFLICT HERITAGE

Optional Courses
You need to choose three options in total. The Centre for Battlefield Archaeology provides two:
MODERN WARFARE: 19TH AND 20TH CENTURY WARFARE
BRITISH BATTLEFIELDS: ANALYSIS AND CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Up to two options can be selected from any of the specialist courses offered in the Archaeology, War Studies or other relevant programmes.