Current NAS eLearning Courses:

Discover Maritime and Underwater Archaeology

The Introduction to Maritime Archaeology course introduces you to the discipline of maritime archaeology taking you from the basic question ‘What is Archaeology’ through to the range of sites we might study, dating techniques and recording methods to get you started recording sites.

This course doesn’t require any prior knowledge, so it doesn’t matter if you are completely new to the subject. If you have already completed your Recorder Day, then the information covered will complement the practical skills you have learnt.

This course is the beginning of your journey into the exciting world of maritime archaeology, whether you are interested in going underwater or understanding more about our relationship with the coast. Undertaking training in maritime archaeology will not only give you a better appreciation of the heritage that surrounds us but will also give you the knowledge and tools to begin recording fascinating historic sites and adding that information to the archaeological record so that future generations can continue to learn about our past.  

You can be reassured that all of our courses are matched against the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Archaeological Practice which means that the knowledge and practical skills that you are learning are those actually used and needed by professional archaeologists.

This course is made up of 5 principle lessons that will introduce you to the subject of maritime archaeology.  As well as an insight into the basic principles by none other than Time Team’s Phil Harding, the course also introduces you to the range of sites which can be covered – and it will become clear that it is not just about shipwrecks and it is certainly not all underwater.

This theory course and accompanying Recorder Day is the first component of the NAS Foundation qualification, which you can work towards as a NAS member by attending courses in the NAS Education Programme.

 

NAS Intertidal & Terrestrial Archaeology

The eLearning Intertidal & Terrestrial Archaeology course allows you to use and build upon your newfound knowledge gained from the eLearning Introduction to Maritime Archaeology course. We will walk you through an intertidal or dry archaeological project from the planning phase through to carrying out a field survey and publishing the results. This course will introduce the processes involved in taking a project from conception through documentary research and planning to publication and archiving.

This course is made up of 4 principle lessons that look at many of the different stages of an archaeological project or investigation.  

The first lesson presents a case study of a successful project that the NAS has run in England to highlight the variety of factors that have to be taken into consideration when carrying out an archaeological investigation.  Subsequent lessons in the course then look at each of these issues in more detail.  For example; project planning, safety and logistics, how to search for a site and how to position your site in the world. This course also deals with the preservation decisions that need to be made when thinking about recovering any archaeological finds, especially from wet environments like lakes and the sea.  Finally, the course covers the importance of publishing your work in a wide range of formats (whether in a book, a magazine or on the internet) and making sure all your important work is kept together.

Building on the recording and monitoring skills that were covered in the Introduction to Maritime Archaeology course, this course will look at how we would conduct a two dimensional survey in this environment and how that data can be used to enhance our knowledge of the historic environment.

The Intertidal and Terrestrial Archaeology course is also matched against the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Archaeological Practice which means that the knowledge and practical skills that you are learning are those actually used and needed by professional archaeologists.

This theory course and accompanying Surveyor Day is the second and final component of the NAS Foundation qualification. Once you have achieved the NAS Foundation qualification, you can work towards you NAS Certificate by attending courses in the NAS Education Programme.

 

NAS Underwater Archaeology

The NAS Underwater Archaeology course allows you to use and build upon your newfound knowledge gained from the eLearning Introduction to Maritime Archaeology course. We will walk you through an underwater archaeological project from the planning phase through to carrying out a field survey and publishing the results. This course will introduce the processes involved in taking a project from conception through documentary research and planning to publication and archiving. You can use the knowledge from this course to take part in fieldwork on site with the Surveyor Day.

This course is made up of 4 principle lessons that look at many of the different stages of an archaeological project or investigation.  

The first lesson presents a case study of a successful project that the NAS has run in Scotland to highlight the variety of factors that have to be taken into consideration when carrying out an archaeological investigation.  Subsequent lessons in the course then look at each of these issues in more detail.  For example; project planning, safety and logistics, how to search for a site and how to position your site in the world. This course also deals with the preservation decisions that need to be made when thinking about recovering any archaeological finds, especially from wet environments like lakes and the sea.  Finally, the course covers the importance of publishing your work in a wide range of formats (whether in a book, a magazine or on the internet) and making sure all your important work is kept together.

Building on the recording and monitoring skills that were covered in the Introduction to Maritime Archaeology course, this course will look at how we would conduct a two dimensional survey in this environment and how that data can be used to enhance our knowledge of the historic environment.

The Underwater Archaeology course is also matched against the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Archaeological Practice which means that the knowledge and practical skills that you are learning are those actually used and needed by professional archaeologists.

This theory course and accompanying Surveyor Day(s) is the second and final component of the NAS Foundation qualification. Once you have achieved the NAS Foundation qualification, you can work towards you NAS Certificate by attending courses in the NAS Education Programme.

Want to sign up?

To get started you will need to create a NAS Moodle eLearning account. Click here to create one, don't worry it only takes a moment. If you already have an account please click here to select the course on which you wish to enrol.

Last modified: Thursday, 6 October 2022, 10:20 AM