Battlefield & Conflict Archaeology
Why this degree?
Battlefield and Conflict Archaeology is a unique programme that reflects the central role which Archaeology at Glasgow University has played through the internationally renowned Centre for Battlefield Archaeology in the development of archaeological approaches to battlefields and other aspects of conflict archaeology. Over recent years battlefields, both ancient and modern, have come to be accepted as important elements of the world’s cultural heritage and this programme will provide an ideal grounding for those interested in the archaeological potential of these fields of conflict. From battlefield archaeology, to the anthropology of warfare, to archaeologies of confinement, the programme will explore in depth the many and varied ways that human conflict can be interrogated via an archaeologically focused interdisplinanry approach, encompassing time periods from the prehistoric to the modern.
As a PGT student, you will benefit directly from the Centre’s portfolio of past research, which includes investigations of various conflict sites such as the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 in South Africa, the Jacobite rebellions in Scotland, excavations of First World War trenches, the WWII Stalag Luft III POW camp, and an ongoing archaeological evaluation of British battlefields. Students will also benefit from the experience of leading experts based outside of the Centre and the University, who will on various occasions give guest lectures as part of the course. Additionally, we are actively engaged in a number of field projects, both within the UK and overseas. You will be encouraged to take part in our ongoing projects. The length of the programme and the options for degrees are as follows:
• MLitt: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
• PgDip: 9 months full-time; 18 months part-time
The course is based within the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology; the first and only research centre in the world devoted exclusively to researching archaeologies of conflict, but will draw on a wide range of experts and benefit from a close association with the Scottish Centre for War Studies at the University of Glasgow. In addition to taught elements, the course 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. Furthermore, the Centre is currently directly involved, or partnering in several on-going field projects which students will have the ability to take part in, including investigations for a BBC TV documentary series on the Battle of Bannockburn, an investigation of the Medieval abbey village of Cambuskenneth in Stirling, and is assisting with the Flodden 500 project. All of these projects will give students the opportunity for hands-on experience and training in the application of archaeological methodologies for investigating conflict sites, providing them with a foundation of practical work experience in varying approaches and methodologies that they can continue to build on throughout their careers .
The Centre is also heavily involved with experimental archaeology, and maintains a small arsenal of early modern black powder firearms, such as Brown Bess muskets and Baker rifles, as well as a working eighteenth century reproduction 1.5 pounder cannon.
These are used in various types of ballistic testing to model various effects of early modern warfare, such as deformation upon impact of lead projectiles, the effects and spread of case shot on wooden targets, and double shotted muskets. PGT students will have the ability to interact with and experience these aspects of the material culture of early modern conflict in a safe and controlled environment.
"I came to Glasgow specifically for the Mlitt in Battlefield and Conflict Archaeology. The excellence of the course, and the PG community made it an easy choice to stay on to do a Phd, and the support and excellence of the staff made the Mlitt an uncomparable experience." Ryan K. McNutt, PhD candidate.
Finally, the Centre also edits and produces the Journal of Conflict Archaeology via Maney Publishing. This world renowned publication is the only academic journal devoted to current research in the field of Conflict Archaeology, and provides students undertaking the course access to the latest and most cutting edge research into the archaeologies of conflict, allowing them access via the course convenors to a unique network of academic associations and researchers from a wide variety of disciplines, backgrounds, and research foci.
If you have an interest in battlefield archaeology, or any other aspect of the archaeology of human conflict, the Centre is the one and only place for you to pursue a master’s focused exclusively on these subjects.