Archaeology - I think this goes here...

I'm thinking of transferring to archaeology and would like to hear some of your experiences of the subject. Ups/downs of your courses? Hardest/easiest parts? Most/least enjoyable parts? How much research do you get to do as a student? How is fieldwork?

Reply 1

Klix88

Original post

by masc

It's a course where the content can be very different, depending on the uni. My first advice is to check the module content before committing. Personally I prefer a more practical approach. My Masters uni was heavily theoretical and even at undergrad level, you'd be spending a lot of time reading Marxist theory and studying social anthropology. Not really my thing, but it might be yours - it pays to know what you're getting into.

Several bits of coursework were based on material gathered during field trips. Again, check your module content. They were merciless about running them in even the foulest weather, as they were pre-requisites for work with deadlines. I spent many happy hours up hillforts in horizontal rain during February and October. If this is the same for your target course(s), invest in some stout walking boots, layers of proper outdoorsy fleece tops and decent waterproofs. I've seen so many people trampling through wet grass in espadrilles or designer trainers which were never quite the same again!

In common with most degree courses these days, group work was my particular bugbear. However, I doubt that's specific to archaeology degrees.

Some archy degrees include excavation projects. These will be vital if you want to go into commercial archaeology, as they look for some sort of practical experience on your CV and a training excavation is better than nothing. However... There can be hidden costs. Check whether the uni runs the excavation or whether x weeks of fieldwork is stated as compulsory but you have to find it for yourself. You're unlikely to find a dig which will allow you to join for free if it has to give formal training and feedback to your uni. If your uni provides the excavation, make sure you know about any associated costs. Some unis run excavations abroad which look great until you find out that they only cover, for example, your accommodation and meals - you have get yourself there and back.

One of the best parts, was the amount of voluntary archaeology I could do around the uni in my free time. Academic archaeology often has odd projects languishing in limbo due to lack of funding, lack of staff time etc. I found that once I asked around, I could easily fill days during term time - and weeks during holidays - with really interesting research work. Getting hands-on by, for example, washing finds, is a great way to learn how to handle archaeological material.

Archaeology is an area which encompasses a wide array of disciplines, so even at undergrad level, it's nice to find a department which has the same interests as you. If you're drawn to Mediterranean Roman archaeology, it could be awkward to find yourself in a department which focusses on the British prehistoric period when you reach your dissertation. However, that might be thinking a bit too far into the future at the mo!

The main cautionary note I would sound, is that archaeology is no less an academic subject than any other at uni. Whether your course takes a practical or theoretical approach, there's still the same level of coursework to deliver to the same level. It's 90% slog and 10% inspiration at many points (rather like archaeology as a job!). I loved my undergrad degree and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Reply 2

amypotts

Original post

by masc

Hi Masc

My name is Amy and I am a third year Archaeology student at Bournemouth University (BU).

Like Klix88 said, studying archaeology at university can be very different depending on where you go. I will give you a run down of what it is like at Bournemouth, but bear in mind this is just one universities take on an incredibly diverse subject. Research what modules are offered before changing :biggrin:

Anyway on to Archaeology at BU.

I have always wanted to study archaeology, and BU fit me really well. I haven't really focused in on a specific area of archaeology, I enjoy all of it, and BU covers a very wide range.

Doing a subject that I love is a massive up (seriously because some days it is really tough).

Field work: Bournemouth does five weeks field work (compulsory) for first and second years. Now in the first year you go on the universities "big dig," which as of last year was free (this might change so be sure to check). It is a great experience and really bonds everyone together.

Course mates: after the big dig most people are really close friends (there is nothing that bonds friendship more than being stuck in a ditch feature under a very hot sun and wondering why no one has found anything yet- I digress). You will make some very good friends.

Opportunities: lots of lectures at BU have there own projects, and if you mention your interest there is the chance to go all over the world and work on some amazing projects.

The Bone Lab: Ok, I am not a bone specialist so I haven't worked in there, but I do remember that we have the biggest collection of bones in the country (at least we did in 2013 when I started). And in your second and third year you have the chance to get hands on experience.

If you have any questions feel free to ask!

Amy

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