The language and option courses will be assessed by an essay of 4,000 words. Students also present a dissertation of not more than 20,000 words on an approved topic. Students are expected to show satisfactory progress in language and research skills, and to make effective oral presentations in seminars. Formal assessment is based on four coursework assignments and the dissertation. Students are expected to show satisfactory progress in language and research skills, and to make effective oral presentations in seminars.
Formal assessment is based on four coursework assignments and the Dissertation.
Each of these schemes can provide either a rewarding self-contained course of further study in ancient history, or a preparatory year for PhD candidates which offers a proper grounding in research skills and methods, and the opportunity to explore an area of independent research. The schemes are both designed to conform to the patterns of research in the Humanities which are currently favoured by the British Academy and to follow the guidelines suggested by relevant academic bodies such as the Council of University Classical Departments. Students are guided by members of staff in the design and scope of their schemes of study, which consist partly of taught courses and partly of a dissertation of up to 20,000 words. The taught M.A. aims to take postgraduate students to a further level in their study of archaeology, so that they obtain a deeper and more critical understanding of chosen areas of knowledge and are ready to undertake further research themselves. Its specific objectives are to equip students with a range of research skills, to immerse them in the culture of research and enquiry, to provide them with detailed teaching of subject areas at levels definitively above undergraduate study, and to give them the opportunity to show potential for independent research by means of an extended dissertation.