The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK) have announced that University of Bristol - BA Archaeology & Anthropology has been formally accredited as providing skills relevant to a career in the historic environment. Bristol and the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, join the universities already offering accredited programmes, making fifteen in total. The accreditation was developed to provide a career route for the historic environment as well as fostering strong relations between industry and academia.
CIfA accreditation panel was particularly impressed that:
1. The embedding of Health and Safety in the staff body of the Department was impressive. The Department was home to the University Union Health and Safety representative. In conversation with staff it was apparent how important Health, Safety, Accessibility and Wellbeing are.
2. The Department's use of the British Archaeological Jobs and Resources skills passport to both direct and track student training provided students with a clear roadmap to archaeological competency.
3. The use of the whole cohort training excavation provided a clear skillset to all students at once.
4. The department had developed an archaeology club that allowed students to pursue additional research, which included an innovative Material Culture of Covid project.
5. The optional third year professional placement module was excellent.
6. The students were highly complementary about the degree in general and the academic and personal support offered to them during the COVID pandemic.
Chris Gerrard, Chair of University Archaeology UK (UAUK) said: “Accreditation is an exciting initiative for students taking archaeology courses at universities and for the profession more widely. It recognises the value of real knowledge of working practices across the sector by students across the UK.”
CIfA Chief Executive Peter Hinton said “We are delighted to be able to recognise degree from the universities of Bristol, Cambridge and Canterbury Christ Church as CIfA/UAUK-accredited programmes. Accreditation of degree programmes by CIfA and UAUK provides an invaluable way for students to identify those courses which should provide them with the skills that the profession and employers value and can help universities recruit good numbers in these difficult times”.
Student membership of CIfA is offered to all students enrolled to the accredited programme. Student members will have access to our e-learning modules and specialist professional networks through our Special Interest groups as well as receiving The Archaeologist magazine and Jobs Information Service bulletins. They will automatically be members of the CIfA New Generation special interest group, aimed at early career archaeologists, as well as the Professional Pathways mailing list.
All staff in the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology are delighted to achieve CIfA accreditation for our BA Archaeology and Anthropology. Accreditation confirms quality of the professional training and skills we provide our students that enables them to successfully obtain competitive discipline-related jobs directly upon graduation.