BA (Hons) Heritage and Archaeology

What you will study

All module information is for 2023 entry and is subject to change.

First-year

• Introduction to Archaeological Methods
• British Archaeology and Heritage
• Biological Anthropology: From Human Evolution to Forensic Anthropology
• Field Recording Skills
• Themes in World Archaeology and Heritage
• Scientific Frameworks

Second year

Core

• Archaeological Practice
• Heritage and Culture
• Heritage Management with GIS

Option

• Understanding Artefacts
• Prehistoric Societies
• Celts, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings
• Bioarchaeology: Humans, Plants and Animals

Final year

Core

• Dissertation
• Archaeology and Heritage in Contemporary Society
• Innovative Approaches to Heritage

Option

• Advanced Archaeological Practice
• Bones, Bodies and Burials
• Landscapes, Climate and Society

Learning and assessment

The School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences has developed its programmes around the principles of inclusivity and diversity, offering student choice and direction in learning, and the development of autonomous skills.

Our programmes integrate assessment for learning, in which learning sessions, assessment activities, intended outcomes and employability relevance are closely correlated and supported by formative feedback, aimed at student development. Teaching on programmes across the School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences incorporates innovative practices and technologies. We undergo regular formal reviews both by the University of Bradford and our professional accrediting bodies to assure high standards in our teaching quality and maintain relevancy in our subject material and professional context.

Our teaching occurs on a foundation of trust and expectation; we expect and trust that students participate and engage with all learning and teaching activities, whether they occur on campus or online, and students can expect and trust that staff will create engaging and productive learning and teaching environments. The learning and teaching strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes, progression through the levels of study, the nature of the subject and the student intake, and the need for students to take greater responsibility for their learning as they progress through the programme.

A wide range of assessment methods are used, including essays, portfolios, worksheets, critiques, laboratory reports, group work, posters (in the placement year), oral presentations, research designs, reflective journals and examinations.

Career prospects

There is national and international demand for highly-trained heritage professionals. For instance, in the UK heritage professionals are in demand due to HS2 and the recent ‘new deal’ on infrastructure projects announced by the Government to boost the economy post-COVID-19. Internationally, heritage and cultural resource management are growing sectors, particularly in the US and the developing world – notably concerning GCRF development, particularly around climate change and paleo landscapes.

The University of Bradford is a trusted brand in archaeology and heritage with our graduates in senior positions in the heritage sector, including:

• Science Advisors with Historic England
• Conservation and Scientific Research at The British Museum
• Digital Documentation Manager with Historic Environment Scotland’s Conservation Directorate
• Head of Archaeology at the National Trust and a senior heritage advisor with Natural England
• Roles within Archaeology and Civil Engineering consultancies, as well as with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes, there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.