MA in Maritime Archaeology and History
One of several Masters programmes offered by Bristol, the MA in Maritime Archaeology and History is a leading and established maritime archaeology programme. Applications for Autumn 2010 entry are currently invited.
The Masters programme in maritime archaeology involves a taught course and a dissertation. The MA aims to combine a sound historical and theoretical introduction to maritime archaeology with practical experience. 
The course includes optional practical training in underwater archaeology, as well as an introduction to artefact studies, historical boats and ships, and field trips. . The Maritime MA emphasises interdisciplinary approaches and current debates in academic and professional maritime archaeology. Voluntary work for various maritime conservation projects around Bristol is also encouraged and supported.
The University is situated not far from the Floating Harbour at Bristol, one of England's most historic ports, which rose to international prominence during the medieval period, and was a key location in the development of the Atlantic world of the 17th and 18th centuries. Beyond Bristol, the harbours, wrecks, preserved ships and maritime museums of south west England provide a rich focus for teaching and field experience, from the prehistoric and Romano-British periods up to the 20th century. Current research in the Department includes fieldwork in the Caribbean, Bermuda, France and Asia as well as in Europe and the UK. The University is also home to a thriving Student Dive Club.
As well as a very strong tradition in Maritime Archaeology, the Department has strong current links with related organisations around the world (including the Centre for Maritime Archaeology (Roskilde, Denmark), the St Lucia National Trust, Bermuda National Trust, St Christopher Heritage Society (St Kitts, eastern Caribbean), and the British Institute in Eastern Africa).
MA Maritime Archaeology students may also have the opportunity to take part in field schools (additional cost to course fee). If you would like to read more about recent field schools, full details can be found on http://www.bris.ac.uk/news/2006/1032.html and http://www.bris.ac.uk/news/2006/995.html.
The Course
The degree course is provided by the department's Centre for Historical and Maritime Archaeology, based in the main campus area, close to the Faculty of Arts Graduate Centre and the University Library.
The Master's degree programme aims to provide a broad-based introduction to the investigation, interpretation and management of the maritime heritage, and aims to provide the basis for a professional career in maritime archaeology and heritage or a sound basis for further research.
The course runs annually, from late September; formal teaching ends in May, and the dissertations of full-time students are due at the end of the following September. The curriculum comprises five taught units and a dissertation of up to 15, 000 words (60 credits). The course may be taken over one year (full time) or two years (part time).
(You may also be interested to get an idea of some students' research interests from a selection of recent dissertation topics, as follows:
Social Archaeology of the North West Passage; Limerick's Maritime Wealth; Reconstructing the Maritime Landscape of 18th Century Road Harbour, Tortola; Commerical Shipwreck Salvage in the Straights of Malacca; SS Carnatic - 19th Century Steam Ship; Traditional Boat Building in Cornwall.)
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 of our MA courses please go to http://www.bris.ac.uk/archanth/postgrad/alumni (also in the process of being updated).
Course Programme
We have always started the year with a 4-day residential fieldtrip on Exmoor - for Maritime students, visiting the coastal areas of this beautiful and dramatic upland and coastal landscape. It is a great opportunity to get to know students and tutors on the MA in Maritime Archaeology and History, as well as the other MA programmes, in a relaxed setting. Transport and accommodation (YHA) plus meals are covered by the department.
Core Units
- Maritime Archaeology
- Shipping in the Early Modern World
- Maritime Cultures
- Conservation of Maritime and Military Heritage
- Dissertation (Maritime Archaeology & History)
- Materialities
Staff Members
Dr Mark Horton. Professor of Archaeology. Research interests include the historical and maritime archaeology of the Caribbean, Africa and Indian Ocean.
Ms Kimberly Monk. Teaching Fellow in Maritime Archaeology. Research interests include post medieval shipwrecks, shipyard archaeology, British Royal Navy, and the history of maritime technology.
Dr Roger Morriss. Special Lecturer in Archaeology. Research interests include the history of harbours and dockyards, naval warfare, global exploration and documentary sources for maritime history.
Dr A.J. (Toby) Parker. Special Lecturer in Archaeology. Research interests include ancient shipwrecks of the Mediterranean.
Others who regularly contribute to teaching include Drs Colin and Paula Martin, Mr Colin Palmer, Mr Martin Read, Mr Peter Marsden, Ms Connie Kelleher and Ms Rachael Rogers.
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
For an informal discussion about this MA, please contact the Programme Director: Professor Mark Horton (Department of Archaeology and Anthropology) Mark.Horton@bris.ac.uk tel: +44 (0)117 954 6080.