An advanced programme, available over one year (full-time)

Archaeology at Sheffield is built on the understanding that human beings construct themselves, and the societies within which they live, through their activities in the world. They create their material world, the world that is left to us as archaeologists, through technological practice. The application of scientific techniques to the study of archaeological materials is therefore pivotal to our understanding of material culture and the people who made it. The MSc in Archaeological Materials provides you with training in the principles and application of such analytical techniques. In addition, ethnographic studies and experimental work are used to provide you with detailed insights into the relationship between human action, technological process and material culture. Practical work includes experimental reconstruction and analysis of high temperature industrial debris and artefacts made of metals, glass and ceramics.

The programme is designed to appeal to all those who want to deepen their understanding of the relationship between technological processes, material culture and past humanity. In particular, we aim to provide research training to enable students to design and undertake research projects at doctoral level (or equivalent), and, for those who enter the wider archaeological community an understanding of the place of scientific method within archaeology.

Sheffield is the ideal place to pursue this programme. As the birthplace of the industrial revolution, it owes more than most to the technological processes that transformed raw materials into material culture. Our teaching staff (including Caroline Jackson on glass, Peter Day and Patrick Quinn on ceramics, Roger Doonan on metallurgy, and Hugh Willmott on material culture studies) are recognised authorities in both materials analysis and in the study of material culture. As in all our programmes, here too we stress the integration of ‘science-based’ and ‘humanities’ approaches to produce a deeper understanding of past humanity. Throughout the programme, the emphasis is on the fact that scientific analysis must be carried out within a strong archaeological context and theoretical framework. To that end, we stress the integration of theoretical and practical aspects of archaeological studies, the formulation of topical research questions, and the

development of skill and competence in study design, choice and use of analytical procedures. We provide you with the opportunity to work between and across different viewpoints and approaches and to make your own mind up about their strengths and weaknesses. What we will ask of you, as a member of our lively academic community, is that you learn, think and develop your own answers to the questions raised.

Ceramic thin section

MSc in Archaeological Materials

Programme Structure

Six core modules (each 15 credits) provide you with key skills in, and knowledge of, the study of archaeological materials -

The Analysis of Inorganic Materials - this module provides practical experience of, as well as a theoretical introduction to, a range of analytical techniques and methods used in the investigation of inorganic archaeological materials (Jackson).

Introduction to Material Culture Studies - offers a critical examination of past and present trends in material culture research; introduces key concepts (including technology as social practice, buildings and interiors as material culture, concepts of landscape, and object biographies); and outlines the means archaeologists use to investigate the diverse forms of material information they regularly encounter (Willmott, Doonan, Day, Barrett).

Archaeology and Ethnography of Production and Consumption – drawing on case studies of a range of materials for basketry to pottery, this module provides a thorough appraisal of the potential of ethnographic and archaeological theory and practice to enhance our understanding of material-aspects of production and consumption (Day, Doonan, Jackson, Willmott).

Reconstructing Ancient Technologies: Ceramics – offers the opportunity to explore the effects of choice and manipulation of raw materials, forming techniques, decoration and experimental firing techniques on archaeological ceramics (Day, Jackson).

Reconstructing Ancient Technologies: Archaeology of Metals – provides you with the theoretical frameworks and practical skills necessary to undertake the study of archaeological metals (and related materials). This module unites theoretical concerns, scientific methods and experiential practice in the study of ancient and historical metallurgical traditions. (Doonan).

Reconstructing Ancient Technologies: Ancient Vitreous Materials – using experimental techniques, scientific analysis and historical studies, this module provides you with the practical skills and the theoretical background necessary to undertake the study of archaeological vitreous materials, with a particular emphasis on glass and Egyptian faience (Jackson).

You then choose options worth a total of 30 credits. Optional modules are normally 15 credits (though some have 30 credit variants). Availability varies from year to year but the following gives you a flavour of the kind of specialised modules we will offer1 -

Mineralogy and Petrography of Inorganic Archaeological Materials - provides detailed training in ceramic thin section analysis, a necessary prerequisite for Masters dissertations in ceramics.

Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Society

Current Issues in Aegean Prehistory

Directed Reading in Archaeology

Europe 8000-800 BC

1 See the Options at Sheffield page for further details of these modules.

From the Age of Migrations to the Age of Discoveries

Funerary Archaeology

Iron Age Europe

Palaeolithic Art

Roman Italy and its Hinterland

The Archaeology and History of the British Isles AD400-1000

The Archaeology of Neolithic and Bronze Age Britain

The Archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean, 14th-7th centuries BC

Viking-Age Europe

Finally, you complete a 60-credit dissertation on a subject of your choice. This can serve as the platform for the further study of particular topics/issues in your doctoral research, or you can use it simply to advance your knowledge and understanding of archaeological materials.

Programme requirements2

We welcome applications from students with a good honours degree (2.1 or better) in a humanities, science or engineering subject. Some practical engagement with archaeology or a science, would be an advantage but is not essential.

2 See also the Applying to Sheffield page for details of University entry and language requirements.