Program Overview
The Archaeology & Palaeoecology program at Queen's University Belfast combines humanities and scientific research, offering two research clusters: PLANET (environmental aspects) and PAST (humanities aspects). Students conduct independent research guided by expert faculty, developing skills in research methods, data analysis, and critical thinking. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, education, the public sector, and cultural heritage organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Archaeology & Palaeoecology program at Queen's University Belfast allows you to join a dynamic research group focused on environmental archaeology and bio-archaeology. This program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, combining humanities and scientific research.
Objectives:
- Equip students with the skills and knowledge to conduct independent research in the field of archaeology and palaeoecology.
- Provide students with a strong foundation in research methods, data analysis, and critical thinking.
- Foster students' ability to apply their research to real-world problems and contribute to the advancement of the field.
Program Description:
The program offers two research clusters: PLANET (focused on environmental aspects) and PAST (focused on humanities aspects). Both clusters involve projects concerning human-environment interactions, long-term changes in ecosystems and climate, and the use of scientific methods in archaeological research.
Outline:
Program Content:
- PLANET: This research cluster focuses on past environmental and climate change, employing various records from around the world.
- PAST: This research cluster investigates the material manifestations of culture through time and space, focusing on topics such as the development of agriculture, domestic and ritual space, populations and palaeodiet, and religion, society, and material culture in the ancient Mediterranean.
Structure:
- MPhil (2 years full-time or 4 years part-time)
- Research-based program focusing on independent research
- Supported by postgraduate skills training and other internal/external training courses
- Annual progress review and final thesis defense
Course Schedule:
- No specific course schedule provided.
- Independent research guided by a supervisor.
Individual Modules:
- No information on individual modules provided.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Regular feedback on draft work from supervisors
- Annual Progress Review: written and oral presentation of research to a panel of academics
- Final assessment: thesis submission and oral defense (Viva Voce)
Assessment Criteria:
- Clarity and originality of research
- Quality of research methodology
- Depth of analysis and interpretation
- Effective communication of research findings
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Individual supervision by expert academic staff
- Access to postgraduate skills training and other internal/external training courses
- Opportunity to participate in research seminars and workshops
Faculty:
- Dr Colm Donnelly (Medieval and post-medieval archaeology, geophysics and remote sensing, community archaeology)
- Dr Dirk Brandherm (Later prehistoric archaeology of Europe and the Mediterranean, artefact studies, archaeometry of inorganic materials)
- Dr Maarten Blaauw (Palaeoecology, chronology-building, numerical approaches)
- Dr Patrick Gleeson (Medieval archaeology, funerary and ritual practice, landscape archaeology, geophysics and remote sensing)
- Dr Ryan Rabett (Southeast Asian prehistory, palaeolithic archaeology, early human adaptation and dispersal, zooarchaeology)
- Dr William Megarry (Geospatial techniques in archaeology, heritage management, landscape archaeology, archaeology of island cultures)
- Prof Gill Plunkett (Cryptotephra palynology, mid- to late Holocene environmental change, prehistoric Ireland, past human-environment dynamics)
- Professor Eileen Murphy (Bioarchaeology, burial practices, childhood in the past, archaeology of the Irish diaspora, community archaeology)
Careers:
Career Paths:
- Academia and research roles in Higher Education
- Educational practice
- Public sector
- Non-governmental organizations
- Research and analysis positions in cultural heritage organizations
Opportunities:
- Conducting research in academic institutions or government agencies
- Working on excavation projects
- Analyzing archaeological data
- Contributing to the development of public policy
- Educating students about archaeology and heritage
Other:
- Research facilities include the AMS 14C dating facility, paleoecological laboratories, drawing office, and laboratories for post-excavation, human bone analysis, palynology, animal bone analysis, and dendrochronology.
- The program attracts students from Ireland, Great Britain, the USA, France, Italy, Cyprus, and the Netherlands.
- Students have access to the McClay Library, which holds one of the most comprehensive collections of resources on Irish, British, European, and World Archaeology in Ireland and the UK.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Northern Ireland (NI) 1 TBC Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 TBC England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 TBC EU Other 3 £25,600 International £25,600 1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations. 2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations. 3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees. All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise. More information on postgraduate tuition fees. Archaeology & Palaeoecology costs There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme. Additional course costs All Students Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information. Bench fees Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.
