MSc Material Culture and Experimental Archaeology Programme Specification 2023-24

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1	ACADEMIC QUALITY TEAM
2	Programme Specifications 2023-24
3	Revised February 2023
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6	Programme Title			MSc Material Culture and Experimental Archaeology
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8	This document applies to students who commenced the programme(s) in:			2023		Award type			MSc
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10	What level is this qualification?			7		Length of programme			1 year
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12	Mode of study (Full / Part Time)			Full time
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14	Will the programme use standard University semester dates?			YES		For York Online programmes, will standard dates for such programmes be used?			YES
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16	Awarding institution			University of York		Board of Studies for the programme			Archaeology
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18	Lead department			Archaeology		Other contributing departments
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20	Language of study and assessment			English		Language(s) of assessment			English
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22	Is this a campus-based or online programme?			Campus-based
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24	Partner organisations
25	If there are any partner organisations involved in the delivery of the programme, please outline the nature of their involvement. You may wish to refer to the Policy on Collaborative Provision
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28	Reference points
29	Please state relevant reference points consulted in the design of this programme (for example, relevant documentation setting out PSRB requirements; the University's Frameworks for Programme Design (UG or PGT); QAA Subject Benchmark Statements; QAA Qualifications and Credit Frameworks).
30	The University's Frameworks for Programme Design
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32	Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
33	Will this programme involve any exemptions from the University Policy and Procedures on Credit Transfer and the Recognition of Prior Learning? If so, please specify and give a rationale
34	No
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36	Exceptions to Regulations
37	Please detail any exceptions to University Award Regulations and Frameworks that need to be approved (or are already approved) for this programme. This should include any that have been approved for related programmes and should be extended to this programme.
38	N/a
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40	Internal Transfers
41	Please use the boxes below to specify if transfers into / out of the programme from / to other programmes within the University are possible by indicating yes or no and listing any restrictions. These boxes can also be used to highlight any common transfer routes which it would be useful for students to know.
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43		Transfers in:	n/a			Transfers out:	n/a
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46	Statement of Purpose
47	Please briefly outline the overall aims of the programme. This should clarify to a prospective student why they should choose this programme, what it will provide to them and what benefits they will gain from completing it.
48	This MSc provides advanced theoretical and methodological training for new or experienced scholars interested in material culture and the experimental techniques that can be used to explore the manufacture and function of objects in the past. It will provide a broad range of training in all aspects of interpretation and experimentation, giving an essential background for future research, work in museums, heritage and/or curation. This programme runs in parallel with an MA route, but is distinguished by the dissertation, which has a scientific focus. It involves a unique combination of outdoor experimental work at the YEAR Centre with lab and seminar based training, bringing together research strengths within the Department of Archaeology at York. You will receive a detailed grounding in analytical techniques of experimental and ethnoarchaeology, both of which shape approaches to the material world. A strong emphasis on practical training will provide the skills to undertake independent work with materials, and you can choose between an MA or MSc route, either developing period-specific or bioarchaeological specialisms. You will be working with staff recognised as field leaders in the functional analysis of artefacts, experimental archaeology, ethnoarchaeology and material culture theory. You will work on real research questions as part of ongoing projects, and will contribute to the creation of resources for public dissemination and educational programmes, both for the University of York and our partners in the heritage sector. The programme will provide you with the analytical skills to conduct research with diverse types of material culture and to deconstruct and use existing studies. You will gain hands-on practical experience in the recording, manufacture and functional analysis of artefacts, including microwear and residue analyses. This combination, with the flexibility to follow MA or MSc routes, makes the programme ideal preparation for a future in archaeological research, or a career working with objects in museums or heritage organisations. You will have the opportunity to select optional modules across many research centres at York, including BioArCh, HYMS, Digital Heritage and Conservation, and across period specialisations. The programme also has strong links with museums and heritage institutions in York and surrounding regions. You will have the opportunity to participate in fieldtrips designed to inspire your research on objects. A strong emphasis on practical training will provide the skills to undertake independent work with materials. This programme runs in parallel with an MSc route but is distinguished by the dissertation/research project which has a more arts-orientated focus. The programme is offered full-time, or part-time to suit those in employment, and can be tailored for early- and mid-career professionals or to offer entry-level learning for those at the beginning of their careers.
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59	If there are additional awards associated with the programme upon which students can register, please specify the Statement of Purpose for that programme. This will be most relevant for PGT programmes with exit awards that are also available as entry points. Use additional rows to include more than one additional award. Do not include years in industry / abroad (for which there are separate boxes).
60	Exit Award Title			Is the exit award also available as an entry point?	Outcomes: what will the student be able to do on exit with this award?			Specify the module diet that the student will need to complete to obtain this exit award
61	PG Diploma in Material Culture and Experimental Archaeology			Exit only	Students will have progressed through 4 taught modules as well as fulfilled an abbreviated version of the ISM module, to earn this diploma, meaning that their engagement with all PLOs has been fully assessed.			Successful completion of 100 credits of taught modules, plus a 20-credit ISM extended essay in the summer term. No more than 60 credits of failed modules (marks less than 50) and no more than 40 credits of outright fail (marks less than 40). Modules with outright fails must be passed at reassessment for students to be awarded the diploma.
62	PG Certificate in Material Culture and Experimental Archaeology			Exit only	Students will have progressed through 4 taught modules to earn this certificate, meaning that their engagement with all PLOs has been fully assessed.			Successful completion of 4 x 20 credit modules. No more than 30 credits of failed modules (marks less than 50) and no more than 20 credits of outright fail (marks less than 40). Modules with outright fails must be passed at reassessment for students to be awarded the certificate.
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64	Programme Learning Outcomes
65	What are the programme learning outcomes (PLOs) for the programme? (Normally a minimum of 6, maximum of 8). Taken together, these outcomes should capture the distinctive features of the programme and represent the outcomes that students progressively develop in the programme and achieve at graduation. PLOs should be worded to follow the stem 'Graduates will be able to...'
66	1	DEPTH AND BREADTH OF KNOWLEDGE: Demonstrate a deep systematic understanding of disciplinary knowledge of the field of experimental archaeology and material culture studies, and awareness of its breadth and its relevant academic, professional and socio-economic contexts.
67	2	CRITICAL THINKING AND EVALUATION: Engage critically with current debates and advanced scholarship in local and international research and practice within the field of experimental archaeology and material culture studies in order to evaluate the field of practice.
68	3	THEORETICALLY/ METHODOLOGICALLY INFORMED DECISION MAKING: Inform decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations by assessing and applying advanced, professional-level theories and methodologies relating to the field of experimental archaeology and material culture studies to diverse problems or complex forms of data.
69	4	SYNTHESIS AND COMMUNICATION: Confidently synthesise research findings and key scholarly debates, and communicate (through a variety of forms and media) to peers, public and professional audiences in such a way that demonstrates an ability to consider and adapt to their respective needs.
70	5	INDEPENDENCE: Demonstrate originality in rigorous and imaginative independent inquiry, using advanced research skills, and a clear contribution to the work of a team and an awareness of the diverse strengths of others.
71	6	APPLICATION OF THEORY, ETHICS AND REFLEXIVE PRACTICE: Confidently apply current theoretical, ethical, and methodological debates in material culture and experimental archaeology to relevant case studies, as a mechanism for reflecting upon their own practice.
72	7	ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR MATERIAL CULTURE AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES: Confidently demonstrate and autonomously apply skills gained to an individual object-based study, from the design of the research to its critically aware final presentation.
73	8	APPLIED INTERDISCIPLINARY THINKING AND ANALYTICAL SKILLS: Understand the role of relevant disciplinary and interdisciplinary specialisms in the practical analysis and theoretical interpretation of material culture and its role in past cultures.
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75	Diverse entry routes
76	Detail how you would support students from diverse entry routes to transition into the programme. For example, disciplinary knowledge and conventions of the discipline, language skills, academic and writing skills, lab skills, academic integrity.
77	Students from all backgrounds are welcomed, enabling their successful transition by the provision of a wide range of support. A Dissertation skills module runs throughout the year and prepares students for all aspects of Masters level research and practice. This includes understanding broader research and professional expectations (e.g., academic integrity, time management, citation, ethics and research design), preparing them for their capstone dissertation, and honing specific skill sets (e.g. imaging, making maps), including PGT level digital literacy. Our PG student handbook provides a one-stop directory to the department and the PG experience overall, introduced during the induction week. Our virtual learning environment (VLE), email communications and student-staff forums further connect students and staff. Academic writing skills are supported through students receiving constructive feedback on formative plans for their summative essays. The formative assessment process for all our modules allows early identification of any issues with learning and academic skills. Additional academic English writing support is available via the University’s Writing Centre. All students are assigned a personal supervisor who can identify additional needs of students during one-to-one personal supervision meetings and can refer them to other resources in the university such as the Academic Skills Community. The department also has dedicated provision for disability and welfare needs, ensuring students with disabilities are appropriately supported. Special arrangements for assessment are put in place as required, tailored to individual student needs.
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86	Inclusion
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88	Please confirm by ticking the box on the right that the design, content and delivery of the programme will support students from all backgrounds to succeed. This refers to the University's duties under the Equality Act 2010. You may wish to refer to the optional Inclusive Learning self-assessment tools to support reflection on this issue.
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90	Employability
91	Please give a brief overview - no more than 5 sentences - of how the programmes helps develop students' employability. Your Faculty Employability Manager can help reflection on this issue. This statement will be used by Marketing as the basis for external content with respect to employability.
92	This programme is designed for students wishing to pursue either an academic, or potentially commercially led research led career relating to the practice of experimental archaeology or study of material culture. Its style of teaching, learning, and assessment delivers the skills needed for research and experimentation in the field of study, and communicating the results of research. Those who may decide not to follow this career path will have gained key transferable skills: being able to work independently and yet discuss ideas with others, handling and synthesising information, and making presentations. Skills related to employability are also integrated into the Dissertation module for all taught PG students, including a specific Careers-focused session. The dissertation further exposes students to real-world settings, for example those settings within which they collect data. Emphasis on employability is evident in dissertation development activities, where consideration of long-term goals is prompted by session leaders. Personal supervision meetings at the start and end of term also see supervisors asking students directly about career development and post-degree aims. Special events, including talks on job opportunities, are arranged across the year by commercially-based members of staff.
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100	[For Undergraduate and Integrated Masters Programmes Only]