MA in Archaeology for Screen Media
Introduction
Since 2001, the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology and the Department of Drama: Theatre, Film, Television have run this new, innovative and exciting joint MA programme - Archaeology for Screen Media. The course can be taken full time over one year, or part-time over two years. Applications for Autumn 2010 entry are currently invited.
In recent years, there has been an explosion of public interest in archaeology and its representation on the television and other areas of the media. The Department of Archaeology and Anthropology at Bristol has played a central role in this, with our staff and students involved in the development of new television series and heritage in new media. In particular, we have developed close relationships with Channel 4, Time Team, Videotext Communications, BBC History and many independent production companies.
The MA aims to combine a theoretical grounding in current issues in archaeological representation, including the social archaeology of performance and practice, with detailed knowledge of the range and potential of archaeological material and a practical introduction to film making and other screen media. The MA has been developed with Videotext Communications as industrial partners, to enable students to gain practical experience in the development and production of archaeological television programmes. Students work out of both the two University Departments. Students have the opportunity to work on the professional production of at least one film shoot during the period of the course, and a range of work placements and professional collaborations are available during the dissertation phase of the course.
Bristol is in a unique position to offer training in this interdisciplinary field. The Department of Archaeology and Anthropology is home to one of the largest British graduate schools in archaeology, also offering Master's in Landscape Archaeology, Mediterranean Archaeology, Historical Archaeology of the Modern World, Maritime Archaeology and History, and Social Anthropology. Many of the Department's staff have research interests in contemporary archaeology, heritage and archaeological representation. Meanwhile, the Department of Drama has a very strong tradition of Film and Television studies, and a proven ability to provide students with the professional skills to work successfully in the film and television industries, as well as considerable expertise in the field of practice-based research.
To see student quotes click on http://www.bris.ac.uk/archanth/postgrad/quotesandphotos (this page is in the process of being updated).
To see examples of careers that students have entered after completing one or our MA courses please do to http://www.bris.ac.uk/archanth/postgrad/alumni (also in the process of being updated).
Course Programme
Students receive practical training in how to prepare archaeological methods, discoveries and interpretations for representation in television, film and related new media. The course enables students to acquire archaeological research skills, and to examine the contemporary representation of archaeology and heritage, not only through television but also through heritage centres and museums, print publications, film, radio and new media. Students acquire a practical knowledge of television and new media production, including research methods, scriptwriting skills, location production on archaeological and related sites, audio-visual editing. Archaeological programmes will also be placed in a global commissioning context. A specific aim of the course is to provide direct experience in working in a professional archaeological programme-making environment through a placement, run as an integral part of the course.
The programme provides an understanding of the diversity of archaeological evidence, discoveries and interpretations, as well as providing training in how to undertake independent research using primary sources (both documentary and archaeological). We will expect students to acquire a good knowledge of the professional structures of the archaeological and heritage sectors.
Students will also be expected to develop skills and practical knowledge centred on the production of archaeological programmes, including research, scripting, planning, production and post production for television and new media. They will also acquire a working knowledge of institutional contexts, audiences, issues of representation, and relations between television output, new and print media.
We have always started the year with a 4-day residential field trip on Exmoor - visiting archaeological and historic sites. Exmoor is a beautiful and dramatic upland and coastal landscape and MA Archaeology for Screen Media students will undertake a project based on the field trip over the 4 days. It is also a great opportunity to get to know students and tutors, both from this course and the other MA courses, in a relaxed setting. Transport and accommodation (YHA) plus meals are covered by the department.
Assessment
There are no formal examinations for this MA, but presentations, written work and practice-based assessments for each unit provide a progressive evaluation of student's abilities in both archaeological research methods and in media skills. The emphasis throughout the programme's teaching and learning is on individual project work, which may involve written output, but may also include audio-visual submissions or a combination of both. The placement is assessed through tutorial supervisions, pro-forma mentor's report and a student evaluation. Dedicated first class facilities and technical supervision for the production of audio-visual materials are available for those working on the programme.
Applications
Further details and application forms may be obtained from:
The Graduate School of Arts and Humanities
Faculty of Arts
University of Bristol
7 Woodland Road
Bristol
BS8 1TB
Tel +44 (0)117 928 8897
Fax +44 (0)117 331 7469
artf-gradschool@bristol.ac.uk