Archaeology

Cardiff University

United Kingdom, Cardiff

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Cardiff University

United Kingdom , Cardiff

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

F400

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2024

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 20,450 / year

Next Intake September-2024

Archaeology

About

Why study this course

globe

Placements - home and abroad

Experience activities including digs, museum projects and lab activities.

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Purpose-built laboratories

Use our suite of laboratories and access our digital illustration and photographic suite.

Fieldwork adventures

Build practical skills and put what you'll learn into practice; discover exciting locations and uncover a past world.

people

Community driven

Dive into a range of activities including visits from international speakers, the Archaeology Society and events.

Archaeology is the study of the remains of past societies, from the tiny objects worn on the body to monumental complexes such as Stonehenge. Blending the sciences and humanities, archaeology will equip you to better understand what it is to be human. It is the only discipline which allows you to study humanity from the earliest hominids five million years ago to the present day.

A pioneer of the discipline in the UK, we celebrate 100 years of Archaeology and Conservation in 2020. Today, our experts bring new discoveries and latest thinking into every-day teaching, specialising in the eastern Mediterranean, Egypt, Europe and the British Isles.

Our degree will introduce you to the range of evidence studied by archaeologists; from landscapes, buildings and monuments to food remains and everyday objects.

You will develop the specific skills required to study this varied evidence plus a broad knowledge of their wider context.

Particularly appealing is our focus on developing practical skills, both in the field and in the laboratory. You will experience fully funded archaeological fieldwork through our approved programme. These memorable placements take place at home in the UK and overseas, in the summers following Year One and Year Two.

Our Archaeology students progress into a range of careers, with recent graduates choosing to work within the heritage sector (e.g. for archaeological contractors, museums and heritage bodies) or in graduate-level sectors ranging from teaching to TV. Studying archaeology is an excellent way to develop a range of skills valued by employers, for example through developing teamworking and leadership skills in the field and learning how to communicate complex stories about the past to a range of audiences.

Subject area: Archaeology and conservation

academic-schoolSchool of History, Archaeology and Religion
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Telephone+44 (0)29 2087 4929
MarkerColum Drive, Cardiff, CF10 3EU

Learning and assessment

The School of History, Archaeology and Religion enables you to develop in a high-quality learning environment, supported by a student-orientated approach to the acquisition of knowledge and skills.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, practicals, field trips, and one-to-one tutorials. You will also undertake independent study and research, with guidance from tutors.

Lectures provide an overview of the key concepts and frameworks for a topic, equipping you to carry out independent research for the seminars and to develop your own ideas. Seminars provide an opportunity for you to explore the ideas outlined in the lecture in a small group environment.

Seminars usually consist of about 15 students and the seminar leader (a member of the teaching team). Seminars may take various formats, including plenary group discussion, small group work and student-led presentations. They offer a rewarding opportunity to engage critically with the key ideas and reading of a topic, and to explore areas of particular interest with an expert in the field.

Archaeological skills are promoted through a range of designed practicals and direct participation on fieldwork projects, including excavation, surveys, post-excavation programmes and curatorial projects in museums.

How will I be supported?

All modules make extensive use of Cardiff University's Virtual Learning Environment, Learning Central, where you can access course materials and links to related reading and online resources. In addition to the main University libraries, you will have access to the Sheila White Library, which contains additional copies of books on Greek and Roman history and culture.

You will be assigned a Personal Tutor, who is able to advise you on academic and pastoral matters in a confidential and informal manner. Personal Tutors meet with you regularly to discuss progress and provide advice and guidance, and are available for consultation at other times as needed. Opportunities for you to reflect on your abilities and performance are made available through a structured programme of Personal Development Planning and through scheduled meetings with Personal Tutors.

How will I be assessed?

Intellectual skills are assessed summatively through written coursework, unseen examinations, class/laboratory tests and oral presentations. Practical archaeological skills are assessed summatively through written coursework, class tests and fieldwork reports. Formative assessment is provided during seminars, coursework and during fieldwork placements.

Assessment of transferable skills is through coursework, independent study and dissertation modules, presentations and written examinations. Teamwork is assessed in fieldwork and through collaborative projects such as site visits and study tours.

Formative feedback is provided during seminars, essay tutorials, laboratories and fieldwork placements. Feedback is also provided via written work proformas and exam mark returns.

What skills will I practise and develop?

Archaeology combines practical and research skills and encourages students to develop a range of discipline-specific skills that employer's value. Students learn to assess critically a body of knowledge, to develop hypotheses, test them against qualitative and quantitative evidence, and present conclusions both in writing and orally. They learn to work both independently and as part of a team.

Transferable Skills

Generation of coherent strategies and propositions in response to complex situations.
Structuring and writing reports of appropriate length on set questions and research topics.
Effective communication of ideas and arguments in oral and written presentations.
Organised and efficient working practices â€“ individually as well as in a team.
Utilisation of information from a variety of resources, including libraries and the internet.
Employment of Information Technology e.g. spatial technologies (including GIS), visualization, data management, archaeological prospecting, modelling, social media, digital film and audio.
Rigorous and professional practices: able to take initiatives and accept significant responsibility within organisations.
Evidence based critical thinking.

Students can enhance their communications skills by working with schools, museums, businesses and community groups as part of our innovative public engagement activities.

Disciplines

School of History

Archaeology and Religion

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate courses

You will be required to have good A-level scores or the equivalent of the International Baccalaureate Diploma to be considered for admission on to our undergraduate degree courses.

Alternatively, the successful completion of a recognised International Foundation Programme or a Community College Diploma or one or more years of undergraduate study at a recognised Jordanian University may also be considered as acceptable for entry on to our undergraduate degree courses.

Career

Careers and placements

Career prospects

Our graduates progress into a wide range of careers using the skills gained throughout their degrees. Some choose to pursue professions making direct use of their discipline expertise, whilst others enter the public or private sectors, from teaching to graduate-track management.

96% of the School's 2016/17 graduates reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduation (Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey).

Taking the Class of 2017 as our most recent example, graduates from the School have gone on to roles in archaeology, the heritage sector, teaching, the civil service, the military, banking and insurance, and the charity sector, with employers ranging from the National Museum Wales and Oxford Archaeology East, to County Council authorities and Schools.

During your degree you can take full advantage of the wide-range of opportunities provided by the Careers Service, enhanced by the School's Workplace Partnerships Officer.

Graduate careers

Field Archaeologist
Lecturer
Heritage Conservationist

Placements

We offer workplace experience to our students through our four-week, funded excavation, museum and heritage work placements at the end of the first and second year.

You are also encouraged and financially supported to attend fieldwork placements abroad.

Archaeology students are also encouraged to take advantage of the Cardiff Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (CUROP) which provides summer placements for undergraduates in the University research environment. CUROP offers a stipend to support a student on a placement of up to eight weeks duration, working with supervision on staff-defined research projects.

There are also opportunities to work with heritage industry professionals (e.g. Cadw) as part of fieldwork placements or the Heritage Communication module and to gain further experience in working with the public of all ages via a range of initiatives (e.g. the Guerilla Archaeology outreach group, the CAER heritage project and the Share with Schools scheme). Finally, there are weekly research seminars with international guest speakers, a student Archaeology Society and a range of other events (e.g. conferences, Bushcraft weekends).

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 20,450 / year

How to Apply

Before you apply Chevron right

Choose your course

Search for a course
Check the UCAS application deadlines (under 'application deadlines' on this page)
Check the specific entry requirements for your course
International students can check their qualifications by visiting the relevant country page
Some courses may involve attending an interview, sitting a test or submitting a portfolio - if required this will be stated in the entry requirements
Make sure you meet the English language requirements (non-UK only)
Read our admissions policies for more information on our application process.

Gather documents and information

Make sure you have everything you need to complete the application form (eg. education history, personal statement, referee details). This information is available from the UCAS website.

Apply Chevron right

Applications for all full-time undergraduate courses must be made through UCAS Apply. You can apply from 1 September the year before you intend to start your course.

Applicants with disabilities or specific needs

If you have a disability or a specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia) make sure you note this on your UCAS form so that we are made aware of your needs in advance of arrival.

Part-time study

Some courses are available part-time. If you are interested in a part-time course you'll need to apply directly to the University, not UCAS. To find out more please visit our part-time study page.

Track your application

You can track your application with UCAS Track.

UCAS Extra

If you would like to apply to another university but have already used your five choices, you might be eligible for UCAS Extra. This service allows you to apply for courses with vacancies between the end of February and the end of June. Find out more about UCAS Extra.

Application deadlines Chevron right

UK students

There are two UCAS application deadlines:

15 October for Medicine (UCAS Codes: A100 and A104) and Dentistry (UCAS Codes: A200 and A204)
29 January for all other courses (for 2021 applications only - usual deadline is the last Wednesday of January.)

Applications after 29 January: you may apply until 30 June but your application will be marked 'late' and admissions tutors will consider it at their discretion.

Have a look at our key dates page to ensure you don't miss anything.

International and EU students

Applications from overseas students (non EU) will be accepted through UCAS up until 30 June. However, it is recommended that you apply by the 29 January (for 2021 entry) as courses may close after this date if they become full.

Medicine (UCAS Codes: A100 and A104) and Dentistry (UCAS Codes: A200 and A204) have a separate deadline of 15 October.

If you are applying after 30 June, please contact the International Office directly to discuss your application.

Taking a year out

Most academic schools will consider deferred applications but you must indicate this on your UCAS form along with your reasons for deferring. Check with the relevant academic school before you apply.

Receiving your offers Chevron right

UCAS will contact you by email or letter once you have at least one offer. If you are offered a place, your offer will be either unconditional or conditional:

Unconditional offers

This means that you have met all the academic requirements and we are happy to accept you.

Conditional offers

This means that we will offer you a place if you meet certain conditions which are usually based on your exams or an English language test. Once you have met the conditions and accepted your place through UCAS, your offer will become unconditional.

Invitations

Depending on the course, we may invite you to an interview, an information day or ask you to provide a portfolio of work. If this is the case, this will be clearly indicated in UCAS Track.

When will I hear?

The sooner you submit your application through UCAS (after it opens on 1 September) the earlier you should start to receive offers. However, bear in mind that universities and colleges have until early May to make their decision.

Replying to your offers Chevron right

You must now consider the offers you've received and inform UCAS of your choice through the Track system. The deadline by which you must reply will be displayed in Track.

You have three options:

Firm acceptance

This is your first/preferred choice. You can only have one firm acceptance.

Insurance acceptance (optional)

If your firm acceptance is a conditional offer, you can accept another offer (conditional or unconditional) as an insurance choice in case you fail to meet the terms of your firm acceptance. You can only have one insurance acceptance.

Decline

You must decline all other offers. If you do not wish to accept any offers made, you can decline them all. Depending on your circumstances, you may then be eligible to use UCAS Extra or clearing.

For detailed information on how and when to reply to offers, please visit the UCAS website.

What to do if you have no offers

If you receive no offers or choose to decline all offers, you might be able to apply through UCAS Extra for another course. You will only be able to apply to courses that still have vacancies. Extra is open from the end of February to early July. In Extra, you apply for one course at a time using UCAS Track.

To be eligible for UCAS Extra you need to have:

already made five choices
received decisions from all these choices, and
either had no offers or declined all the offers you have received.

Remember: If you decline your offers and add an Extra choice, you will not be able to accept any of your original choices later.

Please see the UCAS website for further information

How we get your results Chevron right

Many exam results are sent to us from UCAS directly, so you don't need to send us copies. You can check UCAS to see which exam results they receive.

If your results are not provided to the University by UCAS you will need to upload a copy of your official certificate or transcript via the online application service.

If you are not able to upload a copy of your results, you can email or post them to us. Please don't send us original documents in the post.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we do not recommend sending documents in the post as there will be a delay in processing. If you have any questions then please email [email protected].

Nominating someone to act on your behalf Chevron right

The University is bound by the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 in terms of safeguarding personal information. The University will not discuss your application with anyone unless you have given written permission for the University to do so.

You can authorise someone to respond to our requests for information, submit correspondence and make decisions, for example accommodation preferences, on your behalf. This can be particularly useful if gap year travel is planned. Details should be sent in writing to admissions.