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Practical Landscape Archaeology - ARC00119M

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  • Department: Archaeology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

This module will give an overview of how landscape survey and geophysical data can be captured, processed, and understood. It will introduce basic methodology in non-destructive survey techniques, explore methods of measurement and analysis, and how to communicate those results through drawing and publication. The module focuses particularly on analysis and interpretation of data, and deals with data collected from a variety of means, including hand drawn surveys, Lidar, and two of the most commonly used geophysical techniques (gradiometry and resistance).

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module aims:

  • To introduce students to the key principles and approaches that underpin modern landscape research in archaeology.
  • To give students a hands-on introduction to non-intrusive survey techniques and provide them with the skills required to capture, analyse, and present archaeological survey data.
  • Inspire students to think critically about approaches to understanding the development of the cultural and physical landscape.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module the students should be able to:

  • Define the principles, approaches and methods that characterise modern landscape archaeology.
  • Explain the value and application of a range of archaeological techniques as they relate to landscape research.
  • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of archaeological field survey, electronic data capture and graphical survey techniques.
  • Compare and evaluate different data sets and perform basic spatial analysis to develop an understanding of landscape change over time.
  • Formulate an in-depth, logical, and structured argument, supported by relevant evidence and case studies.

Module content

This module provides an overview of approaches and methods employed in the recording, management, and interpretation of archaeological landscapes. Taught using a combination of lectures/ seminars, field visits and practical workshops/ field sessions, the module will use case studies to explore key concepts and give you practical experience of researching multi-period landscapes.

Focusing on non-destructive techniques, the module will introduce you to the range of methods and approaches most commonly used by archaeologists for recording and analysing landscapes. We will explore the use of documentary, cartographic, and remote-sensing data – including aerial photography, Lidar and geophysical survey. Through practical field sessions, the module will give you hands-on experience of surveying and recording above ground archaeological remains at a range of scales, using both electronic and traditional survey equipment. We will then cover data presentation and basic spatial analysis before considering the capture and application of landscape characterisation. Finally, as a dynamic and continually evolving field of study, we will discuss future approaches to practical landscape archaeology, including the role of UAV/drone modelling and machine learning.

This module is intended for those who wish to expand their academic, practical, and professional skills in archaeological survey and landscape archaeology. By the end of the module students should be able to apply methods and approaches from the course to their own case studies.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Formative: oral feedback from module leaders

Summative: written feedback within the University's turnaround policy

Indicative reading

Gaffney, C. and J. Gater (2003) Revealing the Buried Past: Geophysics for Archaeologists. Tempus.

Historic England (2017) Understanding the Archaeology of Landscapes. A Guide to Good Recording Practice.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.