First free online course on Hadrian's Wall goes live

Newcastle University is bringing learners to the 73-mile long landmark, with its first ever free course on the FutureLearn social learning platform.

The six-week course, entitled 'Hadrian's Wall: life on the Roman frontier’ will centre on the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The course offers a comprehensive introduction to the most heavily fortified frontier in the Roman Empire, its people and their lives, and raises issues concerning colonisation, cultural transformation, immigration, integration and imperialism.

Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Newcastle University pro-vice chancellor teaching and learning, said: "Our partnership with FutureLearn offers a unique opportunity to anyone, anywhere in the world to experience the historical and cultural significance of Hadrian's Wall in a stimulating learning environment.

"This course draws on the university's long-standing academic reputation and FutureLearn's social learning leadership expertise. It was developed with an extensive range of specifically designed interactive resources to offer an engaging way to learn about the history of this important place in Roman history."

The course is led by Ian Haynes, Professor of Archaeology, from Newcastle University's School of History, Classics and Archaeology.

Prof Haynes said: "I am delighted to have this opportunity to reach a large audience with the exciting story of Hadrian's Wall.

"Multiple organisations joined us in the preparation of this important project, including Newcastle City Council, English Heritage, The Clayton Trust, National Trust, Vindolanda Trust, Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums and the Senhouse Museum."

Participants can explore real forensic case studies such as The Bairn in the Barracks, The Strange Case of Skull 8556, and a mystery at a reconstructed Roman banquet.

FutureLearn brings together 27 leading universities, the British Library, the British Museum and the British Council.