Frequently asked questions – Undergraduate studies
Below is a list of questions we are frequently asked by prospective undergraduate students. We hope you will find them useful. If you have other questions please don't hesitate to email is at archaeology-enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk.
Archaeology courses
What undergraduate courses does the Department offer?
At the University of Nottingham, archaeology can be studied either alone (single honours) or in combination with other disciplines (joint honours), including art history, English, geography, ancient history, classical civilisation, and history. Find out more about our undergraduate courses.
What can I do with my degree?
A course in archaeology fosters many vital skills. Researching and presenting your work involves a high degree of creativity, and you will learn how to be careful and precise in carrying out analysis of a range of subjects. The course helps you to learn how to plan your work and to develop qualities such as self-discipline and self-motivation, which are essential to any form of graduate employment.
With a degree in Archaeology, team building and communication skills will be enhanced greatly as excavations and digs that form part of your degree requirement will require you to work effectively in the presence of others. We will also help you develop your ability to research and process a large amount of information quickly and to present the results of your research in an articulate and effective way.
After finishing their BA/BSc degree course, many of our students take their studies further. The department currently offers a range of taught masters degrees and research degrees. Find out more about postgraduate opportunities.
How much does it cost?
The amount you pay each year for your tuition will depend on whether you study full- or part-time and are classed as an international (also referred to as overseas) or UK/EU student for the purpose of fees. Check up-to-date information on tuition fees. Costs, other than tuition fees, you are likely to face during your time at university fall into two categories: costs related to study and costs related to living costs. You can use the University's personal cost estimator to get an overview of those expenses and bursaries you may be eligible for.
Applying for a course
How do I apply?
All full-time applicants need to go through the
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website. Candidates for full-time admission are considered on the basis of their UCAS form. Part-time students apply directly to the Department.
Equal consideration is given to every application reaching UCAS before their deadline. This commitment means, unfortunately, that we have to defer many decisions until the majority of the forms have arrived in the Department, so that we can apply consistent standards when making our selection. As a result, some candidates are bound to be left waiting until February before we can reach a decision. Check the UCAS key dates for undergraduate admission.
Do you interview applicants?
Offers to school leavers are normally made without an interview, but successful candidates will be invited to the UCAS visit days early in the new year.
What do you base your decision on?
The primary criterion is whether you have the ability to complete the course successfully. Your academic record and school (or other) reference play a crucial role in this, but we are not just looking for academic ability. Your motivation and commitment, your ability to organise your time and effort effectively and to work independently are all important.
When can I apply?
Your application should reach UCAS between 1 September and 15 January for entry in the following September. When writing to the University about your application always state your name and address, as given on your application form, your UCAS serial number and the code and name of the course for which you are applying.
Do you accept other qualifications as an alternative to A levels?
Yes, we accept the International Baccalaureate, the European Baccalaureate and the normal Scottish, Irish and USA qualifications. Please contact the Department if you need further details about whether other particular qualification are accepted and what level of offer is normally made.
Do you accept two AS levels as an alternative to an A level?
Not normally. However, if there is a good reason why you have not been able to take A levels, we would consider your position sympathetically. Please contact the Department.
What qualifications do I need?
You must satisfy the requirements of the course(s) for which you are applying. Although entry requirements are given in terms of A level grades, many other entry qualifications (including international) are acceptable. For more information about this please contact the Department. For typical A/AS level offers please look at our admissions information web page.
Will your decision be based on my performance in AS levels I have already taken?
We look at your AS level performance, but it is only one of a range of indicators which we consider.
Deferred entry, part-time study and other circumstances
Is it possible to change my application to a different course?
Yes, provided that any partner departments involved agree. You must ensure that you will be able to meet any specific requirements for entry to the course you wish to change to, and you must send a request to us or the
Admissions Office. It is the policy of the Department to agree to such changes whenever we can.
Is it possible to change course after I have received an offer?
Yes, provided that the Department or departments agree and you will be able to meet any specific entry requirements for the course you wish to change to. It is the policy of the Department to agree to such changes whenever possible, but subjects in very heavy demand (such as English Studies or Music) are likely to be reluctant to do so. If you wish to change your course you should contact the
Admissions Office as soon as possible.
If I have applied for entry in the next September, can I subsequently defer entry?
Yes, subject to the agreement of the department(s) concerned. The Department of Art History is normally happy to agree to such changes. You should make your request to the
Admissions Office as soon as possible.
If I have applied for deferred entry, will that count for or against me?
Neither; we try to treat each application on its merits, although it is sometimes necessary to restrict offers (or make them at a slightly higher level) if there is a risk that a disproportionate number of places for the following year will already be taken by candidates who have deferred entry.
If I have applied for deferred entry, can I subsequently bring entry forward to the next September?
This would require the agreement of the
Admissions Office. Much is likely to depend on how soon you make the request and what reasons you give.
Do you accept Access candidates?
Yes: we welcome applications from Access candidates and treat them purely on their merits.
Can I study part-time?
Do you welcome applications from mature students?
Yes, experience shows us that mature students make a great contribution to the Department.
Can I get exemptions if I already have a degree?
Yes, you can be exempted for up to a quarter of the course. The exact arrangements vary according to individual circumstances. Please contact the Department for further information and advice.
Can I transfer to Nottingham from another University?
This depends on what stage of your degree course you have reached, what you have studied, how well you have done in it, and why you want to move to Nottingham. Sometimes you have to withdraw from your current university and reapply through UCAS. Please contact the Department as early as possible and provide as much information as you can. We will then be able to advise you on the best way to proceed.