Archaeological Specialist Apprenticeship

Program Overview

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The Archaeological Specialist Apprenticeship is a 2-year, part-time program that provides apprentices with advanced archaeological skills and real work experience. The program covers the entire archaeological process, from planning projects to post-excavation, and prepares apprentices for careers in field archaeology, project management, research, and consultancy. Apprentices receive a valuable MA qualification and gain real work experience, making them more employable.

Program Outline

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Archaeological Specialist Apprenticeship

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Degree Overview:

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Objective:

• Provide apprentices with extensive and advanced archaeological skills.
• Allow apprentices to earn and gain real work experience.

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Description:

• The Archaeological Specialist Apprenticeship covers the entire archaeological process, from planning projects to post-excavation.
• Apprentices will learn advanced archaeological fieldwork, analysis, and dissemination techniques.
• They will develop the knowledge and skills to lead and undertake diverse archaeological research.
• The program focuses on practical instruction in specialist archaeological skills.

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Benefits:

• Apprentices receive a valuable MA qualification.
• The program is fully funded through the apprenticeship levy or 95% funded for small businesses.
• Apprentices gain real work experience, making them more employable.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Apprentices will learn about the lifecycle of an archaeological project, including planning, surveying, preliminary investigations, excavation, post-excavation, analysis, report writing, and archiving.
• They will develop advanced skills in various areas, including archaeological fieldwork, analysis, and dissemination.
• The program will also cover project management, archaeological surveying, post-excavation, and community engagement.

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Structure:

• The program is a 2-year, part-time blended learning program.
• It starts in May or September.
• Apprentices will attend online and in-person sessions.

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Course Schedule:

• The program covers six modules:
• Archaeological Field School
• Being an Archaeologist
• Archaeological Project Management
• Archaeological Surveying
• Post-Excavation
• Community Engagement

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Module Descriptions:

• Archaeological Field School:
Provides hands-on experience in archaeological excavation and fieldwork techniques.
• Being an Archaeologist:
Explores the professional role of an archaeologist, including ethics, public engagement, and research.
• Archaeological Project Management:
Equips apprentices with the knowledge and skills to plan and oversee archaeological projects.
• Archaeological Surveying:
Teaches apprentices how to use various non-intrusive surveying techniques for archaeological research.
• Post-Excavation:
Provides a critical understanding of artifact processing, analysis, and archiving.
• Community Engagement:
Equips apprentices with the skills to effectively engage with the public and share archaeological knowledge.

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Assessment:

• The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including coursework, practical assessments, and written assignments.
• Assessments are designed to test the apprentices’ knowledge, skills, and understanding across different areas of archaeology.
• Each module has its own assessment scheme, with weighting distributed between coursework and practical components.

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Teaching:

• The program utilizes expert staff and faculty with extensive experience in archaeology.
• Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, practical exercises, and field trips.
• The program emphasizes a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
• Apprentices receive continuous feedback and guidance throughout the program.

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Careers:

• This program prepares apprentices for a variety of careers in the archaeological sector, including field archaeology, project management, research, and consultancy.
• The program also equips apprentices for leadership roles in the field.
• Graduates will be well-prepared to meet industry expectations and contribute to the advancement of archaeological practice.

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Other:

• Apprenticeships are typically offered by employers seeking to develop their existing staff or train new employees.
• Applicants must be employed and meet the minimum entry requirements, which may include qualifications in archaeology or related fields.
• Bishop Grosseteste University partners with employers to deliver the program.