Geographical information systems (GIS) are transforming the way archaeologists handle spatial data. At the same time, there continue to be important advances in our ability to analyse and interpret spatial information. This MSc offers an advanced training in this field, drawing on the unparalleled concentration of expertise within UCL. What and how will I learn? Students become proficient in the archaeological application of both commercial and Open Source software and gain firsthand experience of designing, executing and reporting a GIS-led project. They gain the ability to make sound inferences from spatial data and a critical understanding of archaeological approaches to the human use of space. Degree Structure Students undertake courses to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of four core courses (80 credits), two optional courses (40 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits). Core Modules Geographical Information Systems in Archaeology I Research Skills for Spatial Analysis Spatial Analysis in Archaeology Archaeological Approaches to the Human Use of Space Dissertationreport All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000 words. Options Geographical Information Systems in Archaeology II Model-building in Archaeology Remote Sensing in Archaeology Other options available within the UCL Institute of Archaeology. Further details available on subject website: http:www.ucl.ac.ukarchaeologymasterssummarymsc-gis.htm The programme is delivered through lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. Careful provision is made to facilitate remote access to software, tutorials, datasets and readings through a combination of dedicated websites and virtual learning environments. Assessment is through essays, practical components, project reports and portfolio, and the research dissertation. Why should I study this degree at UCL? The teaching staff bring together a range and depth of expertise that enables students to develop specialisms including advanced UNIX-based GIS, spatial and temporal statistics, digital landscape survey, space syntax analysis and agent-based computer simulation. Most practical classes are held in the Institute's Archaeological Computing and GIS laboratory. This laboratory contains nine powerful workstations running Microsoft Windows XP, but is also equipped to provide Mac OSX and Linux-based services. Students benefit from the collaborations we have established with other institutions and GIS specialists in Canada, Germany, Italy and Greece together with several commercial archaeological units in the UK. Your future career Some graduates go on to PhD studies, either continuing to pursue GIS andor spatial analysis techniques as a core research interest, or using the skills they acquired for more wide-ranging doctoral research. Others develop careers in a range of archaeological and non-archaeological organisations, including governmental organisations, commercial archaeological service providers and local authority planning departments. Recent graduate destinations include: IS & Mapping Team Manager GIS and Mapping Officer GIS Specialist National Park Archaeologist Archaeological Consultant Planning Officer Entry Requirements A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. How to apply Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines. Who can apply? The programme is particularly suitable for graduates with a first degree in archaeology or a related subject who are planning a PhD involving the analysis of spatial data, or who wish to benefit from the growing use of GIS in professional archaeology to build a career in this field. Funding UK and EU students are eligible to apply for Arts and
Geographical information systems (GIS) are transforming the way archaeologists handle spatial data. At the same time, there continue to be important advances in our ability to analyse and interpret spatial information. This MSc offers an advanced training in this field, drawing on the unparalleled concentration of expertise within UCL. What and how will I learn? Students become proficient in the archaeological application of both commercial and Open Source software and gain firsthand exper...