Undergraduate Degree Programmes
Admission information for these courses is available on our Admission Pages
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Single Honours Degree in Archaeology
This programme is designed to provide a balanced introduction to archaeology from both practical and theoretical perspectives. Over three years, students learn the basic skills involved in fieldwork and artefact analysis as well as the archaeology of specific places and periods. During the first year, students are introduced to a variety of archaeological methods, including practical experience of artefact identification and handling. A broad survey of prehistory from human origins to the rise of complex societies is an integral part of the first year core teaching. During the second year, students study the archaeologies of a number of peoples and cultures, while continuing to refine their practical skills and theoretical foundations. During the final year, students study scientific techniques in archaeology, and heritage issues, as well as subject-specific units that are directly related to staff research, enabling students to work with cutting-edge data, theories and interpretations. Students also pursue their own research for their dissertation.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Single Honours Degree in Archaeology and Anthropology
This degree emphasises the three components of Archaeology, Biological Anthropology and Social Anthropology, and its unique characteristic is its integration of theoretical and practical work between all three components. The social anthropology component focuses on the study of human beings in society, drawing on ethnographic studies of societies and cultures from around the world. The biological anthropology component of the degree includes the study of human evolution, primates and medical anthropology. The archaeology component combines practical field skills with theoretical and regional knowledge and gives a time depth in which to place the diversity of human societies. All students undertake practical fieldwork at home or overseas, as well as produce a dissertation in their final year.
Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Masters of Science (MSci) Honours Degree in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences
These degrees capitalise upon an integrated view of humanities-based and scientifically-based archaeology, and build upon a sound quantitative and bio-physico-chemical understanding of the scientific principles underlying archaeological and geological processes. During the first year, students are introduced to bioarchaeology, environmental geoscience and geoarchaeology, as well as archaeological methods and field skills, and archaeology from human origins to the rise of complex societies. In the second year, students develop their scientific analytical skills and conservation science, as well as their theoretical knowledge of archaeology and understanding of the archaeology of specific peoples and cultures. In year three, students continue to expand their scientific skills and archaeological knowledge. Students also participate in a dedicated archaeological field school during this year. The fourth year of the programme, available only to those on the MSci programme, entails additional fieldwork, a major research project, and Masters-level scientific and archaeological units.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Joint Honours Degree in Ancient History and Archaeology
This programme builds upon the natural synergy between ancient history and the archaeology of the Greco-Roman world. During the first two years, students study the history and archaeology of a the Mediterranean between the Bronze Age and Late Antiquity. Students also develop their skills in the analysis and interpretation of different kinds of historical and archaeological evidence, their knowledge of theoretical approaches to ancient history and archaeology, and fieldwork. During the final year, students engage in more detailed and intensive study of thematic topics, directly related to staff research interests, enabling students to work with the most up-to-date evidence and interpretations of the topics. Students also produce an independently-researched dissertation.