The University of Sheffield
Department of Archaeology

MSc in Geoarchaeology

Programme Director

Professor Paul Halstead (Semester 1)

Professor John Bennet (Semester 2)

Other core teaching staff;

Dr Bob Johnston, Dr Gianna Ayala

Programme Overview

An understanding of context is critical to a modern archaeology. The layers and deposits within which archaeological objects are situated provide their most immediate context. Our MSc in Geoarchaeology, which explores and builds on the connections between archaeology and the earth sciences, provides you with the knowledge and skills to understand the formation processes that lead to the creation of archaeological layers, sites and landscapes. Geoarchaeology is fundamental to both professional and academic archaeology – and this programme is designed both to appeal to those who want to pursue doctoral research in the subject, and to meet the need for skilled specialists within commercial archaeology and in environmental management in governmental and non-governmental organisations as well as in private practice.

The programme offers a range of closely integrated core modules, which enable you to develop your experience and understanding of the method and theory of geoarchaeology. You will learn to think critically and we will train you in a range of problem solving and analytical skills. You will acquire advanced IT skills (including GIS and Remote Sensing) as well as general research (group-based seminar work, practical work and independent research) and presentational skills that can be applied in a broad range of employment contexts. We place a strong emphasis on developing your skills and knowledge `in the field´, during fieldtrips and within ongoing research projects.

Sheffield is the ideal place to undertake advanced training in Geoarchaeology. The programme draws upon the strengths of both departments, especially the Landscape Archaeology and Palaeobotany and Land Use research groups in Archaeology, and the Sediment Systems and the Centre for Drylands Research groups in Geography. You will have access to the well-equipped Geoarchaeology and Landscape Archaeology laboratories in the Archaeology department, and the Sediment-Solute Systems (S3) and SCIDR Luminescence Dating laboratories in Geography. The programme´s teaching are active in the generation of new knowledge about humanity´s relationship with, and creation of, the physical, natural world – knowledge that feeds directly into their teaching. As in all our programmes, we stress the integration of `science-based´ and `humanities´ approaches to produce a deeper understanding of past humanity, and throughout provide you with the opportunity to work between and across different view points 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.

Programme Structure

Seven core modules provide you with key knowledge and understanding of Geoarchaeology;

Geoarchaeology (Archaeology) [15 credits] Provides you with an introduction to geoarchaeological research, familiarises you with theoretical and logistical approaches, and introduces you to analytical techniques used to solve archaeological problems. In addition we explore key themes - such as the nature of site formation, buried and modified landscapes, and the integration of geoarchaeology in archaeological research.

From Desk to Field: Methods in Landscape Archaeology (Archaeology) [15 credits] Provides in-depth field and lab-based training in a range of analytical techniques (GIS, aerial photography, archival research, and field survey). This module is taught through formal day-long practical classes and independent research.

Archaeopalynology (Archaeology) [15 credits] Serves as an introduction to the principles underpinning palynology, as well as providing practical and laboratory experience in the process of recovering, identifying and analysing pollen and spores. Accompanying seminars cover topics such as the representativeness of the pollen record, the assembling of pollen data, environment modelling, and the integration of pollen and other data sources.

Contemporary Perspectives in Environments and Landscape (Archaeology) [15 credits] Introduces the ways in which researchers have thought about landscape in archaeology and the social sciences. It is also concerned with how these perspectives have developed historically. You will begin by exploring the development of landscape archaeology through a comparison of a selection of influential books and articles. Then discuss a variety of themes which together reflect the broad range of contemporary issues in landscape studies. The module is assessed by a book review and an essay.

Researching Archaeological Landscapes and Environments (Archaeology) [15 credits] Introduces the principles, methods and data structures employed in field techniques used to investigate archaeological landscapes. The module is taught through formal day-long practical classes covering the major methods used within landscape archaeology and it provide hands-on training in the application of these methods and professional practice. The classes will enable students to develop their skills in the application of the methods and in the interpretation archaeological sites and monuments. The assignments will develop their skills in critically evaluating field project reports and in planning field research projects.

GIS and Remote Sensing in Archaeological Landscapes (Archaeology) [15 credits] Introduces the principles, methods and data structures employed in the analysis and reconstruction of archaeological landscapes using spatial technologies. The laboratory classes provide hands-on training in the application of ArcGIS in archaeological research and professional practice, including a field-based introduction to mobile GIS. The classes and final project will enable students to develop their skills in interpretation and problem-solving using GIS, and their critical understanding of how spatial technologies are used in archaeological research.

You then choose units to the value of 30 credit from the following options;

Finally, you complete a 60-credit dissertation in which you independently design and carry out a theoretically informed research project on a subject of your choice within the field of Geoarchaeology.

Entry Requirements

A good degree (Minimum UK 2:1, US GPA 3.0) in a relevant arts, humanities or science subject. 

For applicants whose first language is not English, IELTS is the preferred test of language. You need an IELTS score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 in all the component tests. If you are unable to sit IELTS, you should take TOEFL. You need iBT 100, with a minimum component score of 23.