Archaeology (BSc)

Why study this course

Placements - home and abroad

Experience activities including digs, museum projects and lab activities.

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.

Community driven

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

CiFA-accredited

Our BA and BSc Archaeology degree is accredited by The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK).

As a BSc Archaeology student, you’ll develop critical, analytical and transferable skills that prepare you for professional, scientific, academic and research careers - whether in the exciting and rapidly advancing area of archaeological science or in a wide range of other fields and sectors. We have particular strengths in relation to bioarchaeology (the study of human and animal remains, ancient DNA and isotope analysis), materials science (ceramics, metals and glass), digital archaeology and field techniques.

Our programme will offer you a robust understanding of analytical techniques, delivers practical experience in their application and data processing, and the ability to design and communicate research that employs scientific analyses to address archaeological questions. We’ll enable you to follow your passions and nurture your curiosity, exploring topics that matter to you. Through a combination of science and thematic or period-based modules, you’ll be able to situate your scientific training within the archaeological contexts of your choice. You’ll develop a broad understanding of the archaeology of Britain and the Mediterranean World, coupled with the opportunity to specialise in your areas of interest.

A core component of our programme is eight weeks of professional placement, typically on an archaeological excavation, though placements are wide-ranging (e.g. laboratories, museums etc). These memorable placements take place in the summers following Year One and Year Two, in the UK and overseas, developing your skills in an authentic context. As well as practical skills, honed in the field and our excellent, purpose-built and newly refurbished lab facilities, you’ll develop key research skills through the second-year independent project. Supported by one of our expert staff, you’ll plan and undertake an archaeological research project on a topic of your choosing.

Graduating with a broad understanding of the application of scientific data and methods, as well as first-hand experience of their practical application, your skills – including teamworking, leadership and communication – will be valued by employers.

Accreditations

• Chartered Institute for Archaeologists

Careers and placements

Career prospects

Graduate careers

• Field Archaeologist
• Lecturer
• Heritage Conservationist

Placements

You’ll benefit from two 20-credit professional placement modules. These involve four-week practical placements (usually on an archaeological excavation during the summer vacations)  on an archaeological fieldwork, museum, archival, post-excavation or laboratory project in Britain or abroad. We generally offer experience in a wide range of projects covering various archaeological periods and specialisms. Placements are tailored to develop both archaeological and transferable skills (e.g. teamwork, communication, leadership).

Further opportunities for diverse, bespoke placements are offered in optional school-wide employability modules in years 2 and 3. Staff also have close links with a range of local heritage and other organisations, which offer placement opportunities both in and outside semesters.

Through our links with the Student Futures, you can source placements and on-campus internships from 35 hours part-time placements to fit in around your studies to paid summer placements. In addition, Go Wales provides additional support to help you gain work experience.