An Introduction to Archaeology

You will explore the key principles, skills and methods of archaeology.

You will consider great archaeological thinkers and theories and their contexts and cover methods and practices such as dating techniques, digital survey and mapping. These fundamentals will be examined through studies of key archaeological periods, from Paleolithic, through Bronze and Iron Ages, the Roman and Medieval periods and the Industrial Age.

You will discuss archaeological sites, evidence and practices from around the world, and think about what archaeology means in the more recent past.

This course will feature field trips to locations in or around Edinburgh (your teacher will confirm the itinerary in class).

Any recommended reading will be advised by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a computer or other device with internet connection.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course you should be able to:

• Identify the methods and theories involved in archaeological exploration and interpretation
• Discuss and compare key periods in archaeology
• Critically examine the evidence from archaeological sites, and the methods used in identifying these

No prior knowledge is required, making this course accessible to all interested in archaeology.

Please note, this course includes a field trip (walking tour of Edinburgh). Learners should be comfortable walking for 1-2 hours.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.  

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.  

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

The course is suitable for those with no prior experience of university study.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Booking is available until 23:59 the day before the course is due to start, unless the course is full or cancelled.