Programme: BAHons Archaeology

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Code Faculty Department
01240183 Faculty of Humanities Department: Anthropology, Archaeology and Development Studies
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 120 NQF level:  08

Programme information

The honours degree entails one year of full-time study and comprises of coursework, field and laboratory work, and examinations. A research report of 10 000 words, based on either field or collections-based research, must be completed by the end of the academic year.

Students are required to attend relevant departmental seminars as well as local conferences to present aspects of their research project. A poster presentation of their research report is strongly recommended.

Students must conduct at least eight (8) weeks of fieldwork by the end of the honours programme and demonstrate mastery over basic field techniques.

Admission requirements

  1. Relevant bachelor’s degree
  2. A weighted average of at least 65% in Archaeology (or equivalent) at final-year level 

*If targets are not met, applicants with less than 65% and those who have obtained a bachelor’s degree at another institution may have to sit for an admissions examination to the satisfaction of the programme manager and in consultation with the Archaeology programme coordinator and the approval of the Dean.

Additional requirements

  • Applicants with less than 65% and those who have obtained a bachelor’s degree at another institution may have to sit for an admissions examination to the satisfaction of the programme manager and in consultation with the Archaeology programme coordinator.

Minimum credits: 120

Note:

  • The honours degree entails one year of full-time study and comprises of coursework, field and laboratory work, and examinations. A research report of 10 000 words, based on either field or collections-based research, must be completed by the end of the academic year.
  • Students are required to attend relevant departmental seminars as well as local conferences to present aspects of their research project. A poster presentation of their research report is strongly recommended.
  • Students must conduct at least eight (8) weeks of fieldwork by the end of the honours programme and demonstrate mastery over basic field techniques.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Advanced archaeological theory
    In-depth, participative seminar-style examination of the function of archaeological theory and its development globally and in Africa. Covers cutting-edge theoretical developments such as landscape, gender and agency. Students will also be taught core-research skills to enhance critical thinking and evaluation.

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  • Module content:

    Advanced archaeological method and interpretation
    In-depth, participative seminar style examination of field and laboratory techniques. Examines the history, scope and potential biases and strong points of a range of archaeological techniques and methods. Students will be taught the fundamentals of research design, implementation and analysis, with a focus on specialist methods/techniques available within the Department (e.g. material science research). Emphasis will be placed on practical, hands-on teaching.

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  • Module content:

    This module will cover a range of contemporary issues in archaeology, ranging from the emergence of social complexity and state systems in southern Africa, to the understanding of material culture in the archaeological record. The module content is intended to be dynamic, reflecting contemporary trends and emerging issues, whilst being anchored in the core research themes and specialities of the Department.

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  • Module content:

    Throughout the year, students will work on their research report, developing a research proposal and question, conducting relevant data collection, and writing up the results into a 10,000 word research report. Students will meet regularly with their supervisor, who will be identified at the beginning of the year.

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General Academic Regulations and Student Rules
The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations. The G Regulations are updated annually and may be amended after the publication of this information.

Regulations, degree requirements and information
The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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