University of Cambridge: Archaeological Science

Summary

The MPhil in Archaeological Science aims to introduce students to the main theories and research approaches in archaeological science, particularly within the fields of archaeological materials science, environmental archaeology and biomolecular archaeology. The course will:

provide a wide-ranging and challenging introduction to the theoretical issues involved in archaeological science;

offer an in-depth understanding of approaches to scientific analysis and interpretation in the context of archaeological research;

foster the ability to develop original research questions and to explore them effectively using scientific methods;

offer training relevant to a professional and/or research career in archaeological science.

Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this MPhil, students should have:

Gained a detailed understanding of current theoretical and practical perspectives in archaeological science.

Developed their critical faculties in a discussion, debate, and evaluation of alternative interpretations and perspectives on scientific data.

Developed transferable skills such as writing, presentation, data analysis and laboratory protocols

Carried out a substantial programme of independent research resulting in a dissertation on a topic that demonstrates theoretical understanding and practical competence in science-based archaeological analysis and interpretation.

Continuing Students taking the MPhil in Archaeological Science who wish to continue to the PhD in Archaeology are required to achieve a mark of at least 68 overall and no less than 68 in their dissertation. They must obtain the support of an appropriate supervisor before making an application. In some circumstances, additional academic conditions may be set to ensure appropriate skills are in place prior to admittance to the PhD programme.

Level	RQF Level 7
Entry requirements	Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK High II.i Honours Degree.
Location	Cambridge University The Old Schools Trinity Lane Cambridge CB2 1TN

Summary

Cutting-edge developments in science are increasingly applied to help answer questions at the heart of archaeology. How can we reconstruct ancient diets and climate using isotopes? What can materials analysis tell us about the ancient trade and exchange systems? How can genetics help us understand ancient and modern societies?

The MPhil in Archaeological Science is a relatively new programme, admitting students for October. Exceptional in its breadth and interdisciplinary crossovers, it will allow you to learn theories and methods within the fields of materials analysis, geoarchaeology, zooarchaeology, archaeobotany, proteomics, genomics, computational archaeology, and isotopic and molecular archaeology.

Supported by our world-class expertise and facilities, this programme will train you in the research skills necessary to design and carry out your own independent research projects incorporating the latest scientific methods.

Themes

This MPhil programme allows you to acquire experience of an unparalleled range of themes and analytical methods. Unusually for programmes of this kind, it promotes connections between environmental archaeology and material culture studies. Some cross-cutting themes that link the different analytical approaches include:

palaeodiet and palaeoclimate reconstructions ancient trade and exchange life-histories of landscapes, people and things the roles of ancient and modern archaeogenetic studies the potential for ancient proteins in archaeology and cultural heritage identity, knowledge transfer and mobility in society and material culture craft organisation and technological innovations food procurement, the origins and spread of agriculture and animal herding taphonomy and site formation These themes can be explored by variously integrating different approaches, including: the isotopic analyses of human and animal tissue; microscopic, chemical and isotopic analyses of artefacts and other material remains; protein and DNA analyses of biogenic samples; zooarchaeological and archaeobotanical investigations; the application of soil micromorphology to palaeosols and archaeological settlements; spatial and temporal analysis of settlement distribution.

Level	RQF Level 7
Entry requirements	We look for postgraduates in archaeology, science, or any other cognate discipline who are ready to learn new things in different ways, to apply their critical skills and to share their own knowledge. We actively encourage diversity and tailor our training to challenge you and build on your own strengths.
Location	Cambridge University The Old Schools Trinity Lane Cambridge CB2 1TN