FdA History, Heritage and Archaeology

Awarding Institution: University of Plymouth

Teaching Institution: Strode College

Accrediting Body: University of Plymouth

Final Award: FdA

Intermediate Awards: Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE), Short Course Award, Certificate in Professional Development

Programme Title: History, Heritage and Archaeology

The Heritage Industries are significant employers in the south-west region and an expanding part of the leisure and tourism sector. The employment opportunities are expanding and include:

• Museum work
• Custodianship and curatorship
• Interpretation
• Field work

This FdA can also be studied on a part-time basis and modular basis. For example students can complete the course in three or four years instead of two. Students gaining 120 Level 1 credits will be awarded a Cert HE qualification. It is also possible to take single modules without necessarily aiming to complete either the Cert HE or the FdA qualifications. A short course award may be available for 40 credits and a Certificate in Professional Development for 60 credits of learning.

This exciting degree, which commenced in September 2008, spans human history, from around 500,000 years ago to modern times. Although most modules focus on British subjects, opportunities are provided to explore the heritage of other parts of the world. A major emphasis is placed upon the fascinating archaeology and history of the Wessex region. Learning is acquired through a range of approaches including practical work, research exercises, the analysis of artefacts and documents, and formal lectures. The teachers are experts in their fields with extensive experience of teaching, archaeological fieldwork, research and academic writing. Numerous fascinating heritage sites and monuments are within easy reach and some, such as Glastonbury Tor, are within easy walking distance.

Modules

Heritage and the heritage industry
This module explores the theory of 'heritage', past and present. Modern practices are explored and the module includes a detailed examination of a contemporary heritage centre.

Prehistoric Wessex
From the earliest hominids to the early medieval period, this module places Wessex in the wider context of the prehistory of Western Europe. Opportunities to visit key local sites will be incorporated in the programme.

Experimental and Experiential archaeology / living history
This module introduces modes of experimental study in archaeology and explores the difference between Experimental Archaeology and Experiential Archaeology by using experiment to explore issues in Archaeology, whilst comparing and contrasting how far it is possible to understand actual events/technologies of the past from a modern viewpoint.

Alfred the Great and King John: contemporary sources and historical reputations
This module is concerned with the critical analysis of the reigns and reputations of Alfred the Great and King John. This is explored through the close scrutiny of contemporary sources and subsequent histories. The different ways in which these figures have been interpreted by their advocates and critics, and the reasons for these differences, forms the main focus of the module .

Historical interpretations & controversies: witch-hunting in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries
This module explores the evidence for witch-hunting in the early modern period and how and why historians have interpreted this evidence in different ways.

Rebellion and reformation: English history from c.1450 to1603
This is a study of the social and political upheavals of early modern England. Short lectures combine with seminars to promote in the exploration of change and continuity across time. Students' analytical skills are developed through the study of a wide range of sources.

Twentieth Century lives: oral history project
This module explores the development of this particular approach to recent history, its significance, and methodology. The module includes an individual or group based practical assignment.

Archaeological survey and excavation
This module reveals how and why archaeologists discover sites and gather archaeological information and material. Practical elements such as field walking and excavation are included when opportunities arise

The analysis, interpretation and conservation of archaeological evidence
This module provides an introduction to artefact analysis, conservation techniques, curation of archaeological material culture and archaeological report writing.

Agricultural and industrial lives: the West of England in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries
This module explores the impact of new technologies upon society and reveals how the experience of the Wessex region reflected that of the country at large in this epoch of change. Students will be expected to visit rural life and industrial museums and other relevant sites in the region.

The theory and method of history
This module introduces modes of explanation in history and the nature of historical evidence. These themes are explored through several British and non-British case studies spanning over a thousand years of history.

Personal Investigation
The Personal Investigation is a project based around each student's areas of particular interest. In many cases it will build on the experience of the work placement module or the work-place for those already employed within the sector.

Progression Opportunities

The approved Honours degree progression route for this course is admission onto the third year of the BA (Hons) History course at Plymouth University.  There may be an opportunity to join the third year of the BA (Hons) Archaeology course at Truro College.

Apply through UCAS or, for more information, please contact: