Teaching

The University of Edinburgh has a long history of teaching Archaeology and Classics. You will learn from a range of world renowned experts covering a breadth of research areas.

Our MSc Ancient Worlds aims to develop your understanding of:

• Current methods, practices and theoretical perspectives in Archaeology and Classics.
• Specific periods and regions
• Current research and academic debates
• Research tools and strategies, with relevant transferable skills for students contemplating doctoral research or professional employment
• Practical skills, applied methods and techniques 

Our approach

Both the core and option courses are taught through using a variety of methods, which could include a combination of pre-recorded lectures (screencasts), live seminars, discussion forums, group work and reflective diary posts. Each course is coordinated by a dedicated lecturer, and due to the multi-disciplinary nature of the degree, some courses will be taught by more than one member of staff. Some may have the additional benefit of contributions from an occasional visiting, or guest, lecturer. You will be part of an interactive online community where you can communicate collectively with your fellow students, as well as on a one-to-one basis with your tutors.

Part-time students might expect to study between 12-15 hours a week on each option or core course, depending on your courses, this may be spent reading, writing and attending seminars, as well as watching screencasts, and conducting your research. This may vary week-by-week depending on the assessment.

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Induction

A comprehensive online induction for new students introduces our virtual learning environment and teaching methods prior to the start of your first semester. Through the induction you will lay the foundations for a good working relationship with your new lecturers and fellow students,  gain confidence with e-learning technology and establish a clear sense of what to expect from the programme and what is expected of you.

Before the induction we will post a Welcome Pack to you. In it you will find essential advice about the University and the organisation of the programme. 

Forum Seminars

Learn, our virtual learning environment, is where the forum seminars are held. During forum weeks discussions will engage with key readings or selected documents and are based around certain set tasks in the first half of the week, which will lead into a student-led discussion as the week progresses. 

Live Seminars

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Blackboard Collaborate is the e-learning platform that we use to connect academic members of staff and students from all over the world in our live seminars. It enables you to contribute to the session using a microphone (and optionally a webcam) as well as a text chat. Live seminars provide a chance to interact face to face with other students and the course organiser. Many aspects of the traditional classroom are recreated virtually, for example the course organiser, or guest lecturer, uses a virtual whiteboard and includes a feature where the tutor can see which students are virtually raising their hands, ready to ask a question.

Attendance at live seminars is not mandatory. To provide more flexibility all sessions are recorded and can be watched at the most convenient time for you.

Course organiser contact

If your courses involves participation in a Disscussion Forum, your course organiser will engage in the various threads introduced throughout the course. Your course organiser will provide guidance and feedback . The course organiser will also lead live seminars in Blackboard Collaborate, as described above.

Additional contact with course organiser may be available via multiple channels: you can arrange to meet in the virtual classroom in Collaborate, speak via MS Teams, exchange emails or schedule a phone call.

Student Support

The School of History, Classics and Archaeology Student Support and Experience Team is your first point of contact within the School for advice and support. They can provide advice and support on a range of matters, including curricula, registrations, degree transfers, special circumstances and ill health, coursework extension requests, study abroad and many administrative procedures.

Students should access our local student support service by email to hca-sso@ed.ac.uk in the first instance. Our Student Support and Experience Team work online and from G.08 in the William Robertson Wing. The office is open 9-4pm, Monday to Friday. Appointments are held online or in person, depending on the situation. Online appointments will be arranged via Microsoft Teams.

Out of hours support (out of office hours during the week or any time at the weekend) is available through the University Security 24/7 contact number: 0131 650 2257.

Example of pre-recorded lecture