Course overview
This course aims to introduce you to the discipline of archaeology and to explain how archaeologists use evidence to interpret the past. You will progress from the first-year core modules to a more in-depth, scientific approach in the second and third years. It is compulsory for you to gain excavation experience in the UK or overseas.
Year one
In the first year, you will be introduced to the discipline of archaeology: understanding the past through the study of its material remains. This is achieved by studying the general principles and methods of how archaeological sites and remains are recovered and interpreted and by seeing how our knowledge of the development of Europe and the Mediterranean, from prehistory until the Middle Ages, is illuminated by archaeology.
Year two
In the second year, five more advanced modules continue your progress in understanding the principles and practice of archaeology. You will explore major themes such as technology and production and the history and theory of archaeology.
You will also develop practical archaeological research and IT skills, including the techniques of archaeological draughtsmanship. In addition, you will take modules focused on specific time periods and regions, building on the introductory modules of the first year.
Year three
Your final year gives you the chance to undertake your own research project which you will write up as a dissertation. The rest of the year is taken up with a variety of modules of your own choosing from the wide range offered by the Department. The Department offers modules covering the full range of archaeology from prehistory to the medieval period.
Entry requirements
A levels: ABB-BBB
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
TOEFL iBT 100 (no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking)
Alternative qualifications
For details please see alternative qualifications page
Modules
The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.
Typical year-one modules
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Prehistory from the Earliest Humans to the First Farmers
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Introduction and Approaches to Archaeology
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Introduction to the Archaeology of the Roman Empire
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Environmental Archaeology
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Introduction to Medieval Archaeology AD 400-1400
Typical year-two modules
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Archaeology of Technology and Production
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Prehistoric Britain
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Medieval Britain
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Britain in the Western Roman Empire
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Archaeology: IT and Research Methods
Typical year-three modules
Please see optional modules (below) or contact the Department of Archaeology for more information.
Typical optional modules
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Cultural Anthropology-an Introduction
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Underwater Archaeology
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Bioarchaeology
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The Origins and Rise of Aegean Civilisation
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Ancient Metallurgy: Archaeology and Experiment
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Prehistoric Italy
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Rome and the Mediterranean
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The Archaeology of Anglo-Saxon England
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Goths, Huns, Avars and Romans: Conflict on the Danube in Late Antiquity
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Beastly Questions
Skills and careers
You will have an understanding of theory and practice in archaeology, a broad view of human culture from the palaeolithic to the medieval period, and an in-depth understanding of some areas and periods. You will also have carried out your own archaeological research
Average starting salary
The average starting salary for 2009/2010 full-time graduates of the Department of Archeology was £16,666.67.*
*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2009/10.