Archaeological Illustration - 2010 entry

MA / PGDip

Graduates are eligible for licentiate (graduate) membership of the Association of Archaeological Illustrators and Surveyors.

The Archaeological Illustration course at Swindon provides graduates who are able to enter the profession as specialist practitioners and/or researchers. At present, only Swindon College’s School of Art, in partnership with Oxford Brookes University, offers teaching in this area of visual practice at master’s level,

and in Swindon we are ideally placed with the National Monuments Record and English Heritage both located in the town and co-operating with the curriculum. The course was developed in close collaboration with the professional body, the Association of Archaeological Illustrators and Surveyors (AAI&S), and provides a master’s level qualification respected by the industry. It develops visual, creative and technical skills in the context of strong academic research.

Much archaeological practice requires a fair degree of ‘research’ in the form of detection and speculation about the possible ‘meanings’ and interpretation of the evidence discovered, and the forms in which it can be represented. The practice of archaeological investigation at both excavation and post-excavation stages tends to be carried out by research teams, and there is an identifiable need for specialists who can combine the artist’s abilities of visual realisation of evidence with the analysis and forensic investigation required of the archaeologist. This master’s course aims to supply such specialists.

The course, therefore, is aimed at those candidates who already hold archaeological qualifications (or equivalent experience) and show sufficient aptitude with drawing and design to be able to extend their practice in such a direction. Additionally, artists and designers who wish to engage in the experimental and theoretical discourses of archaeological research and/or visualisation may be eligible.

Course content

The course concentrates on the acquisition to a high level of the practical skills of illustration preparation within the context of the investigative and research ethos of the archaeological process, and the communication of archaeological discovery to others. We also expect students to test the ‘boundaries’ of current practice and to examine and reappraise the methods, systems, cultures and appropriateness of the illustration process.

The programme of learning is centred on individual studio practice, and is informed by a mixture of formal taught components (including lectures, presentations and seminars), individual tutorials (offering reflection and formative consideration of practice), and visits to appropriate professional agencies (a part of the course content).

The first 30 weeks (full-time) or 60 weeks (part-time) involves the following modules, constituting part one of the full master’s award OR completion of the PGDip.

Module 1: Visual Studies (core) is designed to enable the student to extend their understanding and/or further develop an expertise in the application of a visual language. The student should be able to communicate through images with an exploration of appropriate graphic tools and media and to be able to analyse the effectiveness of the results.

Module 2: Research Studies (core) prepares and extends the student’s capacity to undertake intensive analysis and critical review of topics associated with archaeological visualisation. It introduces the concepts of primary and secondary sourced research and contextualised reading, the interpretation of historical, contemporary and theoretical material and relevant methodologies to evaluate such references, establishing a balance between empirical, theoretical and practice-based elements. It aids the students in the processing of academic argument and the initiation and management of research tasks.

Module 3: Recording Studies (option A)* extends the student’s expertise in the contexts of archaeological methods and requirements and their associations with the design process. Visual recording methods (either as drawings, mapping, sectioning, surveying or photographic) are developed, with the concentration on ‘finds’ recording (wherein accurate and measured drawn records of artefacts are produced).

Module 4: Reconstruction Studies (option A)*: the visual interpretation of human activity based on archaeological and historical evidence forms the content of the work within this module. Projects are negotiated between staff and students which concentrate on reconstructing the past in various ways (hand-crafted, computer drafted and/or 3D) and for various end-users – for example, educational, scientific, journalistic, institutional, or those in museum display and interpretation.

Module 5: Digital Applications (option B)*: digital photography and computer-aided imaging and drafting techniques constitute a major tool and medium within archaeological research, evaluation and display. The uses of the computer and suitable software packages as an aid to archaeological illustration are investigated within this module, from digital mapping to the 3D virtual animated ‘fly-through’.

Module 6: Information Design (option B)*: in this module, students will look at the relationships between archaeological illustration and the contexts in which they are utilised, published or broadcast.

*Students must undertake one option (A) and one option (B) module in addition to the core modules

The second part requires a further 15 weeks of practice for the full MA, and one of the two options must be undertaken:

Module 7: Dissertation (option): this part-two option requires the student to undertake a research-based study, which represents an investigation in depth of one or more of the course themes. It is a requirement that the topic is focused on a critical examination, through research and extended written work, of a subject, theme or issue which is of significance to the representation or interpretation of human activity in the past.

Module 9: Material Practice (option): this part-two option requires the student to undertake a research-based study (alongside an outside agency), which represents an investigation in depth of one or more of the course themes. The research outcome can be in the form of extended visual practice – in other words, archaeological recording and/or reconstruction in suitable media, or novel extensions of digital imaging of archaeological/historical data. It is a requirement that such practical work adds to extant knowledge – that the ethos of ‘research’ stipulates original discoveries or presentations.

Teaching, learning and assessment

For practice-based modules, teaching and learning strategies are mainly based around individual tutorial and discussion, and group seminars. The latter are held regularly to expand discourse and to discuss commonalities, differences, issues, problems, and ideas from the wider peer group. Contributions from visiting lecturers (especially from English Heritage), extend the perspective on practice through tutorials, seminars and workshops, and develop a culture of knowledge sharing. This is a vital part of the MA course. Learning for studio-based activity is centred upon assignment-led project work and research agendas, through discussion at tutorial. Assessment is made upon the presentation of portfolio examples of visual imagery.

For research-based and written modules, teaching and learning strategies are designed to reflect and support the concerns and agendas resultant from practical study and archaeological research and practice. Strategies for teaching and learning include formal lectures, seminars, presentations and discussion. They are supported throughout by individual tutorials and are informed by a programme of visits to museums and archaeological units and departments. Assessment is made through oral presentations and written essay / dissertation papers. A cultural studies trip (usually abroad) offers students the opportunity to undertake research beyond the UK.

The Research Studies module aims to investigate methods of enquiry, focusing in particular on the relationship between practice and theory. It will introduce a range of issues pertinent to all students such as research processes, research management, ethics, intellectual property, referencing, the interrogation of data and alternative strategies. This teaching and learning is delivered through a mixture of formal lectures, discussion and workshop activities.

Knowledge and understanding, disciplinary skills, and professional/practical skills are developed throughout the course, and each module is designed to reflect these concerns by adopting appropriate teaching and learning methods. Outcomes are assessed in a number of ways to reflect the broad nature of these strategies. Assessment is made either by critique, presentation or exhibition (for studio practice), or oral and written examination (Research Studies or Dissertation). A full range of transferable skills are embedded within each of these modules.

Student study time is composed of a mixture of tutor contact and independent practice or personal study. The ratio varies depending on the module requirements, but is on average a 25/75 % split out of a total of c.1800 hours.

Scholarships and funding

For general sources of financial support, see:

• funding for students from the UK and EU
• funding for students from outside the EU

Working with an outside partner

Students electing to take the Material Practice option in part two must arrange to work with an ‘outside’ partner engaged in Archaeological practice or research. For example, recent agencies co-operating with students include:

• Oxford Archaeological Unit
• English Heritage
• Corinium Museum
• Museum of London
• Natural History Museum (Tring site)
• Oxford University, Dept. of Archaeology
• Oslo University
• Lisbon University
• Wessex Archaeological Unit
• Vodaphone (GPS Systems)
• The Tomb of the Eagles, Orkney
• Divisao da Museus a Palacios, Lisbon
• ‘Time Tarts’ – historical costume collection & resource
• Ermine Street Guard – Roman re-enactors and costume researchers.

Employment prospects

Graduates from the Archaeological Illustration pathway have been successful in achieving a range of relevant occupations, including:

• freelance practice as self-employed archaeological and/or historical illustrators
• employed status as scientific officers (civil service), archaeological illustrators (archaeo. units), graphic artists, designers, model-makers, art editors, et al
• consultancy within archaeological academic research
• postgraduate teacher training
• academic research in: illustration; archaeology et al.
  

MA graduates have a wider range of employment or progression opportunities within the excavation or post-excavation, experimental and theoretical sectors of archaeological practice and research, curatorial and museum display, academic research and/or publishing and Archaeological Unit management.

Quality

“A good set of results with some very interesting and highly professional portfolios. Students continue to show a real engagement with the subject area and many will certainly go on to make a significant contribution to the profession. The course team should be proud of the results not just from this year, but from the last three years and more.”

“As stated last year, I would like to repeat that one of the unique selling points of this MA programme is the individual attention that students get from staff as well as the benefit that each student derives from having his or her own space in a studio environment.”

“During the past three years I have been very encouraged by the results shown by students on this MA programme. The progress that students make while undertaking the course is very evident and impressive. It has been very heartening to see the high standard of outside assistance brought in from time to time to give students some diversity of views and to hear from leading practitioners from such organisations as English Heritage, CADW, etc.”

- Professor Mark Brisbane, External Examiner, 2005-2008

Credit transfer

Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All postgraduate single modules are equivalent to 10 ECTS credits, double modules to 20 ECTS credits, and treble modules to 30 ECTS credits. A full master's course will carry 90 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.

Admission

Successful applicants will normally have a good honours degree (or equivalent) in archaeology (or relevant related discipline), or an art or design subject. Applicants with alternative qualifications and those without formal academic qualifications might also be considered, providing they can provide evidence of relevant experience and level of work appropriate to the academic demands of the programme. Candidates will be selected after presentation of a portfolio at interview, and admissions tutors will decide on selection on the basis of the candidate’s ability to benefit from the course.

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. Please refer to Oxford Brookes’ admissions requirements for International students.

Where you'll study

This course is offered in partnership with Oxford Brookes University by the following college:

• Swindon College

How to apply

You should apply directly to the School of Art, Swindon College, on a Postgraduate Application form, available from Student Services.

International applications

You will need to supply a portfolio of artwork at interview, or make arrangements for the supply of sample work electronically.

Conditions of acceptance

When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.