Archaeology Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

If you are excited by the idea of using modern scientific techniques to explore how people lived in the past, our science-based Archaeology degree is for you. Learn the latest methods and approaches and how they’re applied, then carry out your own original biological, physical and earth science research to solve problems of the human past.

* Applied scientific approach to archaeology, with fieldwork opportunities throughout the year and research using original lab or field data

* Research projects abroad, such as in Barbados and Georgia

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

* Fully equipped laboratories and the latest range of industry-standard surveying equipment, including a ground penetrating radar and geoscan gradiometers

* Explore the rich archaeological heritage of Wessex

The course covers a broad range of methods and techniques. In our well-equipped laboratories you can learn how to analyse the chemical composition of human and animal bones and discover what they reveal about past diets. In the field you can choose to work on sites in both Britain and overseas, and in the library, you can study archaeological periods ranging from the Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age), through Classical Greece to the medieval and post-medieval periods.

During your fieldwork you will use equipment including a ground penetrating radar, magnetometers, magnetic susceptibility meters, differential GPS instruments and total stations. You will learn how to use industry-standard computer software such as ArcGIS, Geoplot and AutoCAD. Our department has a geoarchaeological consultancy (ARCA), whose staff will also teach you. The consultancy offers valuable laboratory work experience and an opportunity to see how archaeological science is used in professional archaeology.

In Year 1 you explore the theory and practice of archaeology, while covering the story of humanity. You explore the methods, theories and approaches that underpin archaeological science, as well as considering the importance of fieldwork and material culture.

In Year 2, you will undertake four weeks of fieldwork in the Archaeological Fieldwork and Post-fieldwork Techniques module where you will learn essential field skills and explore methods of archive collation and analysis. You will also study Climate and Landscape Change, Theory and Research in Archaeology and have the choice of an optional module. 

During Year 3, you will complete an Extended Independent Study in Archaeology on a topic or theme of your interest. You will also study Archaeology and Heritage: Process and Interpretation, considering the role of archaeology and heritage in the public conversation. You will also have a range of optional modules to choose between. 

Many graduates pursue careers in professional archaeology, for example with an archaeological unit. Others work in the applied sciences, including in various types of laboratories, in environmental management and geomatics. And with desirable key skills in areas such as time and project management, problem solving, teamwork, cultural awareness and the ability to express ideas clearly to a wide range of audiences, you are well placed to explore a non-vocational career.