Archaeology (with Foundation Year)

• Learn from world-leading archaeologists in a stimulating and engaging environment, exploring the rich archaeological heritage of Wessex



• Use our fully-equipped laboratory and the latest industry-standard surveying equipment



• Take part in home and overseas fieldwork projects currently in Germany and the Republic of Georgia



• Accredited by The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK)



Winchester is home to experienced archaeologists who provide stimulating and engaging teaching materials. In a supportive environment, you learn key fieldwork techniques and undertake rigorous academic training. To make sure you make the most of fieldwork, we have excellent field equipment, including ground penetrating radar, magnetometers, magnetic susceptibility meters, differential GPS instruments, total stations, and an X-ray fluorescence analyser.

You will learn how to use industry-standard computer software such as ArcGIS and Geoplot. Further, our department has a geoarchaeological consultancy (ARCA), whose staff will teach you. The consultancy offers valuable laboratory work experience – an opportunity to combine your academic expertise with delivering high-quality commercial solutions.

A Foundation Year is the perfect way to build your academic skills, boost your confidence and develop your wider subject knowledge so you can bridge any gaps between school and undergraduate level, including in our academically stimulating degree courses. This course offers an extra year of study at the start (Year 0) which leads onto a full degree programme (Years 1, 2 and 3).

A Foundation Year is ideal if you are returning to education after a break; haven’t quite achieved the entry qualifications required; are wanting more support during the transition to studying at university; or are unsure about which subject you wish to pursue.

During year 0, you will study a set of modules from across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences which are designed to develop your academic and practical skills. This broader focus in your first year introduces you to studying at university level and provides you with a better understanding of Archaeology and related subjects.

You will get a taste of a variety of teaching methods including lectures, discussion-based seminars and independent study. You will also receive support to boost your academic skills to prepare you for the rest of your time at Winchester.

Year 1 provides a sound foundation in the theory and practice of archaeology and considers the history of humanity from our earliest ape ancestors to the twentieth century. The year finishes with a four-week excavation in the summer. During Years 2 and 3, you focus on the archaeology of specific periods and/or places while you undertake a dissertation, for which you are prepared by modules on theory and method, and consider the public role of archaeology.

Core Year 2 modules include Fieldwork Techniques and the Archaeology of Britain and optional modules include GIS and Geomatics; the Making of Classical and Hellenistic Greece and Death, Burials and Bioarchaeology. You will undertake four weeks of archaeological fieldwork.

In Year 3 you will consolidate all of your learning up to this point by undertaking your final-year dissertation. You can also choose optional modules which include topics such as Archaeological Project Management, Themes in European Prehistory and the Archaeology of Conflict.

As we become more attuned to how the past is able to help shape our future, archaeologists are increasingly playing key roles in policy development and decision making. Graduates go on to enter the archaeological profession and work in museums, heritage organisations, commercial archaeology and local authorities. Other graduates find careers within applied science, for example in environmental management, geomatics and remote sensing.

Clearing is your chance to secure a place at a top 25 university for graduate employment (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).

At Winchester, career support isn't just an after-thought, it's at the forefront of your education. Say hello to industry-standard teaching, state-of-the-art facilities and career-relevant courses, like Midwifery, Sports Journalism, Criminology and Film Production. Each undergraduate programme boasts specialist work experience, industry-relevant qualifications and unique travel opportunities, to give you the best possible start. With strong links to North America, you could study in the likes of Maine, Oregon, Montana and Ontario!

There's also a great range of accommodation options for first-year students. With catered, non-catered, quiet or accessible accommodation on offer, you're bound to find new friends and a place that you can call home.

Register your interest today for more information.