Bachelor of Archaeology and Heritage Management (ABAM)
The programme emphasizes the significance of archaeology and heritage management in the face of environmental threats and developmental activities like construction, oil and gas extraction, tourism, and mining.
Bachelor of Archaeology and Heritage Management (ABAM)
The programme emphasizes the significance of archaeology and heritage management in the face of environmental threats and developmental activities like construction, oil and gas extraction, tourism, and mining.
The programme is hosted by the Department of History, Archeology & Heritage
The Bachelor of Archaeology and Heritage Management (ABAM) is a three-year undergraduate program offered by the Department of History, Archeology & Heritage. It addresses the growing importance of archaeology and heritage management in the face of environmental threats and various developmental activities such as construction, oil and gas extraction, tourism, and mining. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for impact assessment, research, preservation, and management in these fields. The curriculum covers areas such as archaeology, heritage studies, anthropology, history, paleo-environment, primatology, and architecture, all viewed through the lens of the past. The program will be delivered through lectures, fieldwork, practicals, and research. It is a privately sponsored program, with students responsible for covering all associated costs, and it adheres to the rules and regulations of undergraduate programs at the university.
General Objective
The general objective of the course is to train competent professionals in archaeology and heritage management so that they acquire the skills needed for documenting, conserving, researching, and promoting diverse heritages.
Specific Objectives
- To provide both the principles and the practical skills that will in turn build Uganda’s capacity and the world at large to uncover, preserve, protect, and manage cultural heritage assets.
- To enable learners to gain the knowledge necessary for ethical heritage management, archaeological fieldwork, and working with traditional owner groups, particularly in Uganda and internationally.
- Explain the role of archaeology, cultural heritage resource management, conservation, and museology in preparation for graduate work, professional research, and formal employment.
- Examine the nature of cultural heritage management practice and theory and be able to initiate, plan, implement, and evaluate the management of cultural heritage in an archaeological context.
- Undertake archaeological fieldwork and employ a wide range of advanced technical and research skills on any archaeological or cultural heritage management research project.
- Develop the skills of competent professionals in archaeology and heritage management, including managers, planners, policymakers, and instructors, for higher institutions to address the heritage needs of the country.
- Train professionals to serve private and public organizations in archaeology, heritage management, and cultural tourism.
Direct Entry
At least two principal passes at an Advanced Level of Education (A-Level) in any of the following subjects: History, Geography, economics, Christian Religious Education, Islamic Religious Education, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Indigenous Languages (Luganda, Luo, Lusoga, Runyakitara), Kiswahili, Fine Art, Literature in English, Religious Studies, the Performing Arts, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Mathematics, Agriculture, and Home Management and at least 5 passes in any subjects at Ordinary Level (O Level) in either the Arts or Sciences in one sitting.
Diploma Entry Scheme
- Candidates through this avenue must have obtained a Diploma passed at credit/distinction or its equivalent from a recognized institution in Library and Information science, tourism, cultural heritage, music, social work, micro-finance, education secondary in the arts or sciences disciplines, architecture, guidance and counselling, development studies, and environmental Studies.
- All diploma holders will have to start in the first year, and no form of exemption will be exercised in terms of courses taken for the Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology and Heritage Management.
Mature Age
- Entry through the Mature Age scheme will require at least a pass mark of 50% from the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE) recognized mature age centres.
Subject category Subjects
Essential 3
Relevant 2
Desirable 1
Others 0.5
Essentials: History, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Local Languages, Literature in English, Religious Studies, and Performing Arts
Relevant: Fine Art, Foreign Languages (e.g. Arabic, French, Chinese, etc.), Biology, Agriculture, Home Management,
Desirable: General Paper, ICT
Others: Sub-Math,
| CODE | COURSE TITLES: YEAR I SEMESTER I | LH | PH | TH | CH | CU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BST 1101 | Communication Skills 1 (Core) | 30 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 2 |
| ABAM1101 | Introduction to Archaeology (Core) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| ABAM1102 | Introduction to Cultural Heritage management and Conservation (Core) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| ABAM1103 | Introduction to Anthropology (Core) | 45 | 0 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| ABAM1104 | Ethics in Human sciences (Core) | 45 | 0 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| ABAM1105 | Introduction to Museum Studies (Core) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| ABAM1106 | Old World Prehistory (Core) | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDIT UNITS | 25 | |||||
| CODE | COURSE TITLE: YEAR I SEMESTER II | LH | PH | TH | CH | CU |
| BST 1201 | Communication Skills 2 | 15 | 0 | 15 | 30 | 2 |
| ABAM1201 | Principles and Practices of Archaeology (Core) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| ABAM1202 | Intangible Cultural Heritage Management | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM1203 | New World Prehistory | 45 | 0 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| ABAM1204 | Principles and Practices of Archives | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM1205 | African Civilizations | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM1206 | Conservation of organic materials and manuscripts | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDIT UNITS | 22 | |||||
| CODE | COURSE TITLE: YEAR II SEMESTER I | LH | PH | TH | CH | CU |
| BST 2101 | Information and communications Technology 1(Core) | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM 2101 | Archaeological Theory and Methods(Core) | 45 | 0 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| ABAM 2102 | Ceramic development and technology(Core) | 30 | 30 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM 2103 | Lithic Technology(Core) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| ABAM 2104 | Themes in the History of Uganda(Core) | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM 2105 | Introduction to Biological /Physical Anthropology (Elective) | 30 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM 2106 | Principles of Paleo environmental Change (Elective) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| ABAM 2107 | Cultural Heritage Tourism Management(Elective) | 30 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM 2108 | Peoples and Cultures of Africa(Elective) | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDIT UNITS | 23 | |||||
| CODE | COURSE TITLE: YEAR II SEMESTER II | LH | PH | TH | CH | CU |
| BST 2201 | Information and Communications Technology II(Core) | 30 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM2201 | Archaeology Research Designs and Methods (Core) | 45 | 0 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| ABAM2202 | Conservation and Management of Cultural Heritage Resources(Core) | 30 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM2203 | Archaeological Faunal/Botanical Analysis (Core) | 30 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM2204 | Metallurgical Analyses in Archaeology(Core) | 30 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM2205 | Basic Statistics in Cultural Heritage Management(Elective) | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM2206 | Heritage Disaster Preparedness and Management(Elective) | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM2207 | Museum Studies(Elective) | 30 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM2208 | Human Evolution(Elective) | 45 | 0 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| ABAM 2209 | Internship Orientation(Core) | 30 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 2 |
| TOTAL CREDIT UNITS | 18/19 | |||||
| RECESS TERM | ||||||
| ABAM 2210 | Field Training in Archaeology and Heritage Management (Core) | 0 | 120 | 0 | 60 | 4 |
| TOTAL CREDIT UNITS | 4 | |||||
| CODE | COURSE TITLE: YEAR III SEMESTER I | LH | PH | TH | CH | CU |
| BST 3101 | Human Empowerment (Core) | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM3101 | Heritage Project Planning and Management(Core) | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM3102 | Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment (Core) | 30 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM3103 | Safeguarding and documentation of Intangible cultural heritage(Core) | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM3104 | Advanced Cultural Heritage Management(Elective) | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM3105 | Human Osteology and Osteometry (Elective) | 30 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM3106 | Architectural Studies(Core) | 30 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM3107 | Cartography and Surveying(Elective) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| ABAM 3108 | Documentation and conservation of Built Heritage(Elective) | 30 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDIT UNITS | 21/22 | |||||
| CODE | COURSE TITLE: YEAR III SEMESTER II | LH | PH | TH | CH | CU |
| BST 3202 | Practical Entrepreneurship (Core) | 30 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM 3201 | Advanced Archaeological Theory(Core) | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM 3202 | History and Development of Archaeology in Uganda(Core) | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM 3203 | Introduction to Primatology (Elective) | 30 | 15 | 15 | 60 | 4 |
| ABAM 3204 | Museology and Curatorship(Core) | 30 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 3 |
| ABAM 3205 | Archaeology of Rock Art(Elective) | 30 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 4 |
| ABAM 3206 | Advanced theories and approaches in Archaeology since 1950 (Elective) | 30 | 0 | 30 | 45 | 4 |
| ABAM 3207 | Independent Project in Archaeology (Dissertation)(Core Elective) | 0 | 120 | 0 | 120 | 4 |
| ABAM 3208 | Business Strategies and Cultural Heritage Entrepreneurship(Core Elective) | 0 | 120 | 0 | 120 | 4 |
| ABAM3209 | Dissertation(Core Elective) | 0 | 120 | 0 | 120 | 4 |
| TOTAL CREDIT UNITS | 20 |
In year two, semester one, we have five cores and a student must choose two electives.
Year III Semester II: ABAM 3207, 3208 and 3209 are a category of cores from which a student must pick one and then add one other elective plus all the cores
- Appreciate the principles and practices that will in turn build Uganda’s capacity and that of the world at large to uncover, preserve, protect and manage cultural heritage assets
- Gain the knowledge necessary for ethical heritage management, archaeological fieldwork and working with traditional owner groups, particularly in Uganda and internationally
- To acquire a broad background of knowledge in the fields of archaeology, cultural heritage resource management, conservation, and museology in preparation for graduate work, professional research, and formal employment.
- Appreciate the nature of cultural heritage management practice and theory and be able to initiate, plan, implement, and evaluate the management of cultural heritage in an archaeological context.
- Undertake archaeological fieldwork and employ a wide range of advanced technical and research skills on any archaeological or cultural heritage management research project.
- Apply the skills of competent professionals in archaeology and heritage management—managers, planners policymakers, and instructors—for higher institutions to address the heritage needs of the country
- Appreciate the professionals who serve private and public organizations in archaeology, heritage management, and cultural tourism.
The Bachelor of Archaeology and Heritage Management (ABAM) program is a three-year undergraduate initiative offered by the Department of History, Archeology, & Heritage to address the global demand for skilled professionals in archaeology and heritage management. The program combines multidisciplinary courses, practical exercises, and research projects to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for ethical heritage management, archaeological fieldwork, and collaboration with traditional owner groups. Join us on a transformative academic journey to become a competent professional in preserving and understanding cultural heritage. The program offers the following career opportunities:
Archaeologist:
- Responsibilities: Conduct excavations, analyze artifacts, and interpret historical sites. Contribute to our understanding of past cultures and civilizations.
- Settings: Work for archaeological consulting firms, government agencies, museums, or academic institutions.
Heritage Manager:
- Responsibilities: Oversee the management and preservation of cultural heritage sites and artifacts. Develop strategies for long-term conservation.
- Settings: Employed by government agencies, heritage organizations, museums, or cultural institutions.
Cultural Resource Manager:
- Responsibilities: Assess the impact of development projects on archaeological and cultural sites. Ensure compliance with regulations regarding cultural resource preservation.
- Settings: Work for consulting firms, government agencies, or organizations involved in development projects.
Museum Curator or Educator:
- Responsibilities: Curate museum exhibits, manage collections, and educate the public about cultural heritage through various programs.
- Settings: Employed by museums, cultural institutions, or educational organizations.
Tourism and Cultural Heritage Consultant:
- Responsibilities: Work on projects that promote cultural tourism while ensuring the sustainable preservation of cultural heritage.
- Settings: Consulting firms, tourism agencies, or private organizations involved in heritage tourism.
Environmental Impact Assessor:
- Responsibilities: Assess the environmental and cultural impact of construction, mining, and other development activities. Provide recommendations for mitigating negative effects.
- Settings: Consulting firms, environmental agencies, or government organizations.
Researcher or Academic:
- Responsibilities: Conduct original research in archaeology, heritage management, or related fields. Teach at universities and contribute to academic knowledge.
- Settings: Universities, research institutions, or academic organizations.
Architectural Conservationist:
- Responsibilities: Specialize in the conservation of historical buildings and structures. Ensure that renovations or restorations preserve architectural heritage.
- Settings: Preservation organizations, architectural firms, or government agencies.
Cultural Heritage Policy Analyst:
- Responsibilities: Analyze and contribute to the development of policies related to cultural heritage at local, national, or international levels.
- Settings: Government agencies, non-governmental organizations, or research institutions.
Community Engagement Specialist:
- Responsibilities: Engage with local communities to involve them in heritage management decisions. Facilitate collaboration between communities and heritage organizations.
- Settings: Community organizations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.
GIS Specialist in Archaeology:
- Responsibilities: Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map and analyze archaeological sites. Assist in the spatial analysis of cultural heritage data.
- Settings: Archaeological consulting firms, research institutions, or government agencies.
Archaeological Consultant for Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
- Responsibilities: Assist businesses and government agencies in complying with regulations related to cultural heritage in project planning and execution.
- Settings: Consulting firms, legal firms, or government regulatory bodies.
Access the approved fees structure from the main website.
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