The Archaeology degree programme offers exciting opportunities to learn both in the classroom and in the field. You will learn from experts who are at the cutting edge of field research and will take part in hands-on learning through practical archaeological investigations. You will also gain experience in laboratory techniques, which are a key part of understanding and working with the material remains of the past. The skills you develop here will be useful both during the course and in your future career.
Archaeology is all about exploring the human past through the artefacts people have left behind. Some of the material remains we study include stone tools, pottery, and bones. By examining these we can find out how people lived and how their societies were organised. We learn about the ways humanity interacted with the environments around them and how their ideas about the world can be seen in the things they made.
Understanding the past also means looking at the bigger picture, including historic buildings, monuments, and landscapes. We explore how humans have used the land and how environmental change affected their lives. To understand how people lived, we also need to learn about their beliefs and how they viewed themselves and others in both life and death. All this information helps us see how human development has shaped the world we live in today.
To study archaeology effectively, it is important to think about theoretical and ethical questions. These include issues like heritage, representation, and the impact of technology on our understanding of the past. We also examine how digital applications can help us learn more about ancient societies. By exploring these areas, we can better understand the evolution of the human body, mind, and ideas over time.
In this programme, you will have the chance to develop a wide range of skills across different areas of study. You will learn archaeological methods that help you examine and interpret the human past. This includes using modern technology and techniques to study ancient DNA and artefacts. You will also take part in field research, which will give you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings.
By the end of the course, you will have a deeper understanding of archaeology and the human past. You will be well-equipped with the skills needed to explore how people lived and how their lives have influenced the world we know today. This programme prepares you for a future in archaeology and related fields, opening doors to further study and a range of exciting careers.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our Archaeology programme offers a comprehensive and engaging learning experience, designed to deepen your understanding of the human past through the study of material remains. Our philosophy emphasises a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application, with a focus on developing critical thinking and analytical skills through hands-on learning and fieldwork. We aim to foster an understanding of how archaeological methods contribute to our knowledge of past and present societies.
Year 1 introduces the fundamentals of Archaeology and the Humanities, where you’ll explore the basics of the discipline. You’ll learn about different cultures and the development of societies from Egypt to the Near East. Optional modules provide a strong foundation in understanding the formation of human societies and their interactions with their environments.
Compulsory
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Optional
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Year 2 focuses on expanding your knowledge and applying it to more complex topics. Through flexible modules you’ll gain insight into how artefacts and archaeological methods shape our understanding of past human behaviours and societal structures. This year offers rich opportunities to examine how past societies confronted and adapted to challenges, deepening your analytical skills.
Optional
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Year 3 involves a significant research component through the Independent Project, allowing you to investigate an area of personal interest in depth. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore specialised topics. Fieldwork and excavation modules offer practical experience, enhancing your ability to conduct independent research and analysis. This final year synthesises your learning, preparing you for further study or a career in archaeology and related fields.
Compulsory
(40 credits)
Optional
(20 credits)
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Course Page Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
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Further information
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96-112 UCAS Tariff Points - e.g. A-levels: CCC-BBC, BTEC: MMM-DMM, IB: 30-32 or Professional experience
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh OpportunitiesThere are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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The programme is assessed in a variety of ways. It will include several of the following type of assessment: essays of 1,000 to 4,000 words in length, document analysis, book/ journal reviews, short reports and reflective journals, time tests, field journals, posters, group and individual presentations.
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The Faculty has estimated on the assumption that students buy new copies of the books. Students may also choose to spend money on printing drafts of work.
Students may spend up to £300 per year on books and additional related materials.
Students are expected to submit 2 hard copies of their final project, the estimated cost for binding these is £20.
Optional Field trip:
The faculty works to ensure that there is a range of fieldwork and field trip options available both locally and internationally. Thus students can opt to take either more expensive or less expensive placements. The Faculty subsidises these but the cost each year is dependent on airfare, location, and currency exchange rates. Below are the upper end of expected costs based on where students have currently done placements.
Fieldwork (depending on where the student decides to do fieldwork): c. £500 - £1,500
Individual trips: c. £5 - £50 -
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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Career and employment opportunities include:
- Government and commercial management
- Heritage sector
- ITC
- Local community and council work
- Museum, exhibition and archive work
- Professional field archaeology
- Research and Postgraduate opportunities
- Teaching, education officer
- Voluntary work