Who is this course for?
No previous experience in the subject is necessary and the course is open to anyone with an interest in the subject area.
What will I be studying?
The Certificate is divided into three termly units taught via remote delivery. Students are expected to attend all of the scheduled teaching sessions.
Unit 1: The Classical World
This unit examines the development of two ancient Mediterranean cultures, the Greek and the Roman. We will focus on their interaction and the influence they had on each other's development and the emergence of Western civilization. Themes covered include art and society; landscape; urbanism; and city-states; trade; religion; daily life and burial customs. The unit additionally provides a hands- on approach to ancient Greek and Roman material culture, through a series of handling seminars as well as the opportunity for students to co-curate a display of their choice at the Fitzwilliam Museum, based on the knowledge they have acquired during the day-schools.
Unit 2: Civilisation: the archaeology of complex society
This unit investigates the development of social complexity from pyramids and factories to princes and peasants. It will consider research on the development of the state, of urbanisation and of the world's progressive integration as illustrated by discoveries in ancient Iraq and Mexico and in Britain.
Unit 3: Introduction to Egyptology
This unit provides a term-long case study in Egyptology, linking archaeological, documentary, environmental and anthropological evidence. It combines a survey of the long history of Egyptian civilisation with sessions on aspects of Egyptian society, including language and literacy, religion, economy, art and architecture and the funerary sphere.
What can I go on to do?
The Institute offers two 60 credit complementary one year Certificate courses in Archaeology which are taught and awarded at first year undergraduate level (FHEQ 4). The Certificates are currently taught in alternating years and can be studied independently of each other, and in any order.
Undergraduate Certificate in Archaeology of Ancient Britain
This Certificate course which is planned for 2024-25 will give you a solid introduction to the practice, methods, theories and key sources used by archaeologists.
Students who have successfully completed the Undergraduate Certificate in Archaeology of the Ancient World (60 credits at FHEQ level 4) and the Undergraduate Certificate in Archaeology of Ancient Britain (60 credits at FHEQ level 4) can apply to be awarded the Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education in Archaeology (120 credits at FHEQ level 4).
Undergraduate Diplomas in Archaeology
The Institute also offers part-time Diploma level courses in Archaeology (FHEQ level 5). For further information about the various courses we offer please visit the Archaeology subject page of our website.
Credit awarded by the Institute can also be transferred into the degree programmes of other higher education providers. However, the amount of credit which can be transferred into degree programmes varies from institution to institution and is always at the discretion of the receiving institution.
Do I choose Certificate or Diploma level?
The Certificate and Diploma courses have been designed to provide a progression path for your studies. The Certificate level courses are ideal for those who are new to Archaeology and/or University level study. If you are still unsure which academic level to study please contact the Academic Director for Archaeology, Dr Gilly Carr (gcc20@cam.ac.uk).
