Battlefield & Conflict Archaeology

Programme structure

The taught programme consists of three compulsory core courses which will provide a general framework for the archaeological study of battlefields and other aspects of conflict archaeology, accompanied by three more specialised optional courses. For MLitt students this taught element in the first two semesters is followed by period of self-study leading towards the dissertation during the summer. For more information on course load, essay lengths, and recommended reading, please consult this Battlefield and Conflict Archaeology sample handbook‌.

The MLitt Dissertation is a sustained piece of scholarly work on a topic to be agreed between the convenor and the student and is undertaken between June and September

Assessment is entirely on the basis of course work (essays, seminar presentations etc.). Progression to the MLitt dissertation will require performance at MLitt level across the coursework elements, and an assessed presentation will be made at an annual postgraduate symposium on the proposed dissertation topic.

The Centre for Battlefield Archaeology is actively engaged in a number of field projects, both within the UK and overseas. Past and present projects include the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 in South Africa, the Jacobite rebellions in Scotland and an archaeological evaluation of British battlefields. Wherever possible students will be encouraged to take part in on-going projects. Visits to battlefields will also represent an important part of the course – Bannockburn and Culloden among them.