BA/BSc (Hons) Archaeology

UCAS code BA: C786 | BSc: F400

High levels of demand for archaeologists in the UK and elsewhere in Europe following a sharp rise in infrastructure projects means there’s never been a better time to study Archaeology at BU, on a course accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA).

Common first year

You can take this degree as a BA or BSc depending on whether you prefer a humanities- or science-based approach. Whichever you choose, all archaeology students study the same units in the first semester and a very similar first year, so you can transfer between courses before committing to a particular route. Our courses combine academic study with practical experience. Using cutting-edge methods and technology we produce highly-skilled archaeology graduates with a theoretically-grounded expertise in landscape survey, maritime investigation, remote sensing, artefact studies, analysis of human and animal remains, reconstructing ancient environments, visualisation, excavation, recording, interpretation, and reporting.

Placement opportunities

You’ll learn through expert-led lectures, seminars, workshops, and a range of exciting and relevant fieldwork opportunities in the UK and beyond. You will also complete a five-week, or an optional 30-week, work placement with an established heritage-based organisation. You can also take part in excavations or fieldwork led by our academic staff who carry out research in many parts of the world at sites ranging in date from early prehistoric times well before 10,000 BC through to AD 1945.

Field school

Key Information

Accreditations: Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA)

Duration and delivery: 3 years full-time with optional 5-week placement, or 4 years full-time with a minimum 30-week placement

Entry requirements: 104 - 120 tariff points

Required subjects: None

If English is not your first language: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in reading or writing and 5.5 in all other components or equivalent

See website for latest details of: Entry requirements, contact hours and course costs

Key areas of study

Ancient Peoples, Places & Cultures | Histories of Archaeology | Archaeological Theory | Ancient Materials & Artefacts | Environmental Archaeology | Landscapes, Skyscapes & Seascapes | Archaeological Science | Cultural Heritage Studies | Field & Research Skills | Post-Excavation Skills | Archaeological Management | Digital Approaches to Archaeology | Independent Research Project

At the end of your first year, you’ll attend our archaeological field school. This sees you work on a large-scale excavation at a site where in past years our students have discovered internationally significant finds and structures. It’s an unrivalled opportunity to find out what it’s like to work on a real site and apply the skills acquired in class. You could also work with commercial archaeologists to gain essential transferable skills recognised by the CIfA. www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ug-sciences