MA Material Culture Studies (Contact: Dr Hugh Willmott, h.willmott@sheffield.ac.uk)
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Examining faience first-hand
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An advanced programme available over one year (full-time) or two years (part-time)
Material culture lies at the heart of the discipline of archaeology. Material culture is the product of human creativity. It is one of the means through which people engaged within each other and with the social and natural worlds in which they lived – it was integral to their creation as individuals and as communities. It also survives to us in the present – and is the principle means through which we access their past and reconstruct their lifeways, beliefs and behaviour. Our MA in Material Culture Studies provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to carry out investigations of the material dimensions of human social and cultural life. We place a very strong emphasis on the `materiality´ of materials – on finding out what things were made from, on reconstructing the technological and social processes involved in their making, on understanding the implications of their materiality for the worlds in which they operated. The programme is designed to appeal to all those who want to further their understanding and appreciation of the material evidence that is so central to the archaeological endeavour. We have designed specific `pathways´ for those who wish to use the programme as a platform for advanced independent research at doctoral level (Research Track), and for those who wish to use it as training for a future career in archaeology (in museums or archaeological field units, for example) and/or to enhance their existing skills-base (Vocational Track).
The programme offers a range of closely integrated core modules which enable you to develop your experience and understanding of the method and theory of material culture studies. Our focus ranges from earliest prehistory through to the material culture of the present day. Students with interests in specific periods or regions may also specialise in the analysis of ceramics, glass or metals. You will learn to think critically and we will train you in a range of problem solving and analytical skills. There is a strong emphasis on developing your skills and knowledge `in practice´ – we encourage a `hands-on´ approach.
Sheffield is the ideal place to undertake advanced training in material culture studies. The programme draws upon the department´s research strengths in artefact studies, archaeological science and the integration of textual and material evidence. You will have access to the well-equipped materials laboratories. The programme´s teaching staff are active in the generation of new knowledge about humanity´s relationship with, and creation of, the material world – knowledge that feeds directly into their teaching. As in all our programmes, we stress the integration of `humanities´ and `science-based´ approaches to produce a deeper understanding of past humanity, of the ways in which humans produced and used material culture to create self and society. We provide you with the opportunity to work between and across different view points and approaches and to make your own mind up about their strengths and weaknesses. What we will ask of you, as a member of our lively academic community, is that you learn, think and develop your own answers to the questions raised.
Programme Structure
Four core modules (each 15 credits) provide you with a theoretical and practical introduction to Material Culture Studies -
Introduction to Material Culture Studies - offers a critical examination of past and present trends in material culture research; introduces key concepts (including technology as social practice, buildings and interiors as material culture, concepts of landscape, and object biographies); and outlines the means archaeologists use to investigate the diverse forms of material information they regularly encounter (Willmott, Doonan, Barrett).
Archaeology and Ethnography of Production and Consumption – drawing on case studies of a range of materials for basketry to pottery, this module provides a thorough appraisal of the potential of ethnographic and archaeological theory and practice to enhance our understanding of material-aspects of production and consumption (Day, Doonan, Jackson, Willmott).
Practical Approaches to Material Culture – provides a broad understanding of ceramic, glass or metal technologies and the basic steps involved in their manufacture, and includes training in laboratory-based experimentation and replication of archaeological objects (Day, Doonan, Jackson).
Assemblage Studies – delivers `hands-on´ experience in applying the practical and theoretical skills necessary to investigate, interpret and communicate the results of material culture research. This module involves the in-depth analysis of a coherent material culture assemblage (Willmott).
You then choose optional modules worth a total of 60 credits. Optional modules are normally 15 credits (though some have 30 credit variants). Availability varies from year to year but the following gives you a flavour of the kind of specialised modules we will offer1
- Archaeological Practice
- Ethnohistory and Anthropology of Modern Hunter Gatherers
- From the Age of Migrations to the Age of Discovery
- Funerary Archaeology
- Greeks, Romans and ‘Others’ in the Ancient World
- Iron Age Europe
- Material Life and Culture in the Medieval and Early Modern World
- The Archaeology of Neolithic and Bronze Age Britain
- The Archaeology of Classical Athens
- Viking-Age Europe
If you are on the Research Track you finish your programme with a 60 credit dissertation on a subject of your choice. You can use this as a platform for the further study of topics/issues in your doctoral research, or simply to advance your knowledge and understanding of a key topic in Material Culture Studies or material type.
If you are on the Vocational Track you undertake work placement (also worth 60 credits) of approximately eight weeks duration. This is designed to allow you to work alongside practitioners `in the field´, as well as to get consolidated hands-on experience in a subject/technique of particular interest to you. Placements can be in a commercial, curatorial or academic environment, but must have a specific material culture emphasis.
Programme Requirements2
We welcome applications from candidates with a good honours degree (2.1 or better) in archaeology, history or a related subject.
1See the Options at Sheffield page for further details of these modules.
2See also the Applying to Sheffield page for details of University entry and language requirements.
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