Archaeological Science

University of Reading

United Kingdom, Reading

University RankQS Ranking

171

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University of Reading

United Kingdom , Reading

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

F420

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines30-Sep-2024

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 27,650 / year

Next Intake 30-Sep-2024

Archaeological Science

About

Develop expertise in the scientific and forensic aspects of archaeology with our accredited BSc Archaeological Science degree.

Exciting career opportunities

Archaeology is more than studying the past: it's a discipline that actively prepares you for the job market. You'll develop an impressive range of practical and academic skills, which are highly sought in the archaeology and heritage sectors. With its focus on the scientific aspects of archaeology, your degree is also suited to a career in forensic science.

More than 40 major infrastructure projects are planned across the UK over the next 17 years, and archaeologists are required for exploratory excavations and analysis before construction begins. A 2016 report from Historic England found that England's 3,000-person commercial archaeology workforce will need to grow by 25% over the next six years to meet demand.

Many graduates from the Department of Archaeology use their breadth and depth of expertise across the sciences and humanities to enter careers such as teaching, policing, industry and commerce.

Train as an archaeological scientist at the University of Reading

Accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.
The University of Reading is in the top 100 in the world for Archaeology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2022).
The Department for Archaeology has an outstanding track record for student satisfaction, with scores consistently between 90-100% for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2010-2022, with Archaeology achieving the highest score for overall student satisfaction in the UK in 2022.
The University of Reading is ranked 1st in the UK for research quality and research outputs in Archaeology (Times Higher Education Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest Research Excellence Framework 2021).
Overall, 96% of graduates from Archaeology are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Based on our analysis of HESA data آ© HESA 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes all Archaeology responders).

You'll learn about past societies, diets and diseases from the study of bones, and discover how landscapes and climates have changed over time.

At Reading, your studies will encompass a diverse range of topics:

the study of human bones, including osteology and palaeopathology
environmental archaeology, including botany and zoology
geoarchaeology, including the investigation of soils and sediments
forensic archaeology and crime scene analysis
Quaternary science.

This diverse approach enables you to develop a broad range of subject-specific and transferable skills that span the humanities and sciences. Optional modules allow you to shape your learning further, and focus on the topics and periods that interest you the most.

The course offers the opportunity to put this learning into practice, through excavations, surveying or GIS (geographic information systems), and to make a direct contribution to new subject knowledge.

You'll also have access to our outstanding teaching collections and laboratory and microscopy facilities, providing dedicated spaces for the analysis of:

artefacts
human and animal remains
plant remains
soils and sediments.

A supportive, collaborative learning environment

Join the University of Reading's Department of Archaeology, a community of passionate and inquisitive staff, students and alumni.

We're an international, research-intensive department whose expertise spans the humanities and social sciences. You'll learn about global issues, enhanced by the latest developments and thinking within social and scientific archaeology.

Read about Professor Mary Lewis, whose pioneering research has led to a new method for studying puberty and understanding human maturation.
Hear from our student, Manny Flores, who chose BSc Archaeological Science for its greater focus on the scientific and forensic aspects of archaeology.

You'll also have the chance to join RUined, a student-run society for students passionate about archaeology. RUined is a great way to meet people across Reading, build your network and participate in events like club nights, quizzes, and the annual summer and winter formals.

Field School

One of the highlights of our archaeology degrees is the Archaeology Field School – an opportunity to put your learning into practice and develop specialist skills.

Gain hands-on experience in all aspects of an archaeological excavation, including:

excavation
surveying
geophysics
mapping
planning
finds processing
studying ancient plant and animal remains.

Beyond the Field School, you'll be encouraged to get involved with excavations in the UK and Europe, spanning prehistoric monuments, Roman cities, and medieval castles.

Archaeology is not just about digging – it's also an academic subject that will teach you valuable theoretical and practical skills. You'll have the opportunity to use specialist equipment and GIS, to work in laboratories, and to access the University's three on-campus museums.

Find out why Marcie Weeks, a student from the Department of Archaeology, describes the Field School as a "truly amazing experience."

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Thanawiyah with an overall score of 78%/ GPA 2.8 if following the American system.

Career

Overall, 96% of graduates from Archaeology are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Based on our analysis of HESA data آ© HESA 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes all Archaeology responders).

Your BSc Archaeological Science degree will equip you with a range of skills and experiences to prepare you for the job market, both in the archaeological and heritage sectors. With your focus on the scientific and forensic aspects of archaeology, you will be well-placed to pursue a role in the field of forensic science.

Graduate destinations

Our Department has long-established links with employers in the archaeology sectors – including Oxford Archaeology, Cotswold Archaeology and Pre-Construct Archaeology – who regularly consider our graduates for vacancies.

Previous graduates have gone on to work within the archaeological sector for companies such as:

Border Archaeology
MOLA Headland Infrastructure
Canterbury Trust.

Your interest in the past could also lead to a career in the heritage sector, perhaps in a museum or archive. For example, our graduates have joined:

Colchester Museum
Portable Antiquities Scheme
Department for Culture and Media.

Our graduates have also pursued careers in other industries and sectors, working for:

Royal Air Force
UK Space Agency
Environment Agency
Thames Valley Police.

The skills you'll develop on this degree are also suited to roles in teaching, the media, and the charity and voluntary sectors. Other skills, such as data handling and attention to detail, are valued in many sectors, including publishing, financial services, forensic science, and the law.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 27,650 / year

How to Apply

You can apply online for all of our courses, including courses with an Integrated Foundation Year, via the national admissions service, UCAS. You can choose to apply for up to five courses in total, including more than one course at the same institution.

Begin your application

Our UCAS code is R12. The University does not have a campus code.

Write your personal statement

As part of your application, you'll be asked to submit a personal statement to support your application. This is your opportunity to tell us more about why you want to study the course and what interests, skills and experience you have that demonstrate your passion for the subject.

Submit your application

When you're happy with your application and have added the required information such as qualifications, personal statement and reference, you can submit your application.

A small charge is made by UCAS for applying to university. The application fee for 2022 entry was £22 to apply for a single course and £26.50 for multiple courses (and for applications submitted after 30 June).

Make sure to check the UCAS website for the most up-to-date application deadlines. If you have missed the January deadline, there is still the opportunity to apply (via UCAS), and we are happy to consider late applications until 30 June 2022 (all applications received after 30 June are entered into Clearing). Please be aware that some of our courses may be full after the January UCAS deadline, so we recommend early applications where possible.