Undergraduate Diploma in Archaeology: Conflict Archaeology and Heritage

Who is this course for?

• People who have already have a Certificate in Archaeology or have prior study in the field of archaeology or heritage;
• People who are considering a career move;
• Practitioners in these fields who wish to upskill.

What will I be studying?

The Diploma is divided into three termly units taught via remote delivery. Students are expected to attend all of the scheduled teaching sessions.

Unit 1: Conflict Archaeology

This unit offers students the opportunity to specialise within the new field of the archaeology of 20th century conflict, which examines a range of archaeological case studies ranging from POW camps to WWI trenches.

Unit 2: Dark Heritage

This unit allows students to develop and combine knowledge gained during the past unit to think about how heritage practitioners and archaeologists tackle that most difficult of resources: our dark heritage associated with death and disaster. This course will also consider the management of the heritage of the Holocaust, a resource currently under threat throughout Europe.

Unit 3: Museums and Heritage

This unit introduces students to the world of the heritage professional, focusing on the presentation of the past to the public. A range of heritage issues and case studies are provided, such as preservation and public access, the commodification of heritage, the politics and ethics of the presentation of the past, the destruction and reconstruction of heritage, and the ownership of the past.

What can I go on to do?

The Institute offers three 60 credit complementary one year Diploma courses in Archaeology which are taught and awarded at second year undergraduate level (FHEQ 5). The Diplomas can be studied independently of each other, and in any order.

Undergraduate Diploma in Archaeology: Death and the Ancient World (previously called Diploma in Archaeology I)

This Diploma course will give you an advanced and in-depth knowledge of a key prehistoric and historic period in the archaeology of the ancient world. This is coupled with an insight into the study of bones and ancient diseases, so vital in the interpretation of prehistoric and historic periods.

Undergraduate Diploma in Archaeology: Methods and Practice (previously called Diploma in Archaeology III)

This Diploma course offers a practical, hands-on qualification, enabling you to develop specialist skills as an archaeologist, preparing you to practise in the field. It combines this with analysis and understanding of artefacts, and the study of the scientific methods used by the archaeological community.

Please see part-time qualifications in Archaeology for more information about the various courses.

Students who have successfully completed two 60 credit FHEQ level 5 undergraduate Diplomas in Archaeology can apply to be awarded the Undergraduate Diploma of Higher Education in Archaeology (120 credits at FHEQ level 5).

Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in Research Theory and Practice

Students who have successfully completed an Undergraduate Diploma in Archaeology course might be interested in progressing their studies further and apply to join the Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in Research Theory and Practice (60 credits at FHEQ level 6) which will offer an Archaeology strand. Students on this course will have the opportunity to work closely and collaboratively with qualified researchers in their field and will be introduced to a research community where they will begin to forge an identity as a researcher in their own right.

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 Diploma level course is suitable for those who have successfully completed the Certificate course or who have comparable knowledge and experience at FHEQ level 4 or equivalent.

If you are still unsure which academic level to study please contact the Academic Director for Archaeology, Dr Gilly Carr (gcc20@cam.ac.uk).

Entry requirements

The Diploma level course is designed for students who have either completed the Undergraduate Certificate in Archaeology or have equivalent experience or qualifications. If you have neither of the above, we would recommend you apply for our Certificate in Archaeology

However, if you feel strongly that the Diploma level is the right course for you, you may still apply with detailed information regarding your previous training/qualifications and experience and the Academic/Course Director will consider your application, acceptance onto the course will be entirely at their discretion. 

English language requirement: If English is not your first language, you need to be able to prove you meet the University of Cambridge English language requirements on application. Please refer to our English language requirements pages for further information. 

Technical requirements 

For the 2021-2022 Academic Year this course is being taught remotely. This means there will be no face-to-face teaching and you will not need to be present in person in Cambridge, although there is an expectation that you will attend synchronous remote teaching sessions. The course content will be delivered, and the learning outcomes met, through the use of video-based teaching platforms and a dedicated course Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). 

You will therefore need to have access to: 

• the internet via a computer, laptop, tablet or other smart device.  
• speakers or headphones in order to hear any pre-recorded material 
• a webcam and microphone for any interactive sessions which may be available 

Once you are logged into the VLE you can familiarise yourself with the learning environment. There is also guidance about how to access course materials and activities.  

The tuition fee for the course is £2,250.   

You can pay in two ways: 

• in full on enrolment by credit or debit card
• in three equal instalments (credit/debit card only): the first on enrolment, the second on 1 January and the third and final instalment on 1 April. The exact dates will be confirmed in the student’s individual booking details.

Please note, your place on the course is not secured until payment is received by the Institute of Continuing Education accompanied by any necessary documentation, i.e. proof of English language proficiency.

ICE Cancellations and Refunds policy 

Information on sources of funding, bursaries and Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) 

This course will require a minimum number of students in order to run. Applicants for this course will be notified one week after the application deadline if the course is not going to be running at which point students will be offered to transfer their application to another course or receive a refund of the fees they have paid so far (please see our ICE Cancellations and Refunds policy). 

Applying

Please apply via the link at the top of this page. You application will be assessed and you will be notified of the outcome by email. If you are offered a place, you will receive instructions as to how to register and pay. Please note that places are limited and on a first-come first-served basis.

Closing date for applications

Applications for this course can be received until midday (12 noon) on Monday 6 September 2021. If you are offered a place on the course, we will ask you to complete your booking within a limited time and to pay the fees or if paying fees by instalments, the first instalment of fees to secure your place.

If you would like an informal discussion on academic matters before making your application, please contact the Academic Director: Dr Gilly Carr - gcc20@cam.ac.uk