Through studying a degree in archaeology, you’ll learn all about the processes involved in unearthing key historical information and how it can teach us about the past, as well as how it links to society as we know it today. So, if you want to engage with the past in a practical and physical way, rather than through literary sources, this might be the degree choice for you.
What do you need to get on an archaeology degree?
Average entry requirements for archaeology are:
- UCAS points: 136
- A-Levels: AAB
- Scottish Highers: AAABB
- BTEC Nationals: DDD
- International Baccalaureate: 36
Please note, these represent the average requirements and will vary depending on each university.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent) to help study archaeology include history, geography, a foreign language, mathematics, physics and religious studies.
What archaeology degrees can you study?
Degrees in archaeology include:
- BA Archaeology
- BSc Archaeology
- BSc Bioarchaeology
There are also many joint honours opportunities for archaeology students, allowing you to study another subject alongside.
“I got an education that changed my life. I was learning skills that opened my eyes to a new way of looking at the world and I also met people from all walks of life. It revolutionised the way I saw everything.” – Julian, BA ancient history and archaeology graduate from University of Manchester
What topics does an archaeology degree cover?
Common modules for archaeology include:
- Greek and Roman history
- Cities and citizens
- The emergence of civilization
- Early empires
- Linguistics
- Ancient objects
“I felt like I was studying the core of human society – we studied the origins of farming and the rise of civilisation. Learning how humans developed from hunter-gatherers to large city-states was astonishing, especially the Near Eastern archaeology which was my favourite because the nature of the archaeological information was so rich. Greek history and philosophy was mind-expanding too.” – Julian, BA ancient history and archaeology graduate from University of Manchester
What do you learn studying an archaeology degree?
Studying an archaeology degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:
- In-depth knowledge of archaeological practices
- Insight into past societies and cultures
- Understanding sociology and anthropology
- Analysing artefacts and excavation sites
More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:
- Analytical skills
- Reasoning skills
- Practical skills
- Ability to work within, or as a leader, of a team
- Research skills
- Attention to detail
- Written communication skills
“I was introduced to a world of ideas that had been sort of secret in a way – you were taught to think about the way you thought, to introduce critical faculties to everything. That's a pretty precious gift.” — Julian, BA ancient history and archaeology graduate from University of Manchester
What professional accreditations can you get with an archaeology degree?
The accreditation of archaeology degrees in the UK is offered jointly by:
- Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIFA)
- University Archaeology UK group (UAUK)
What can you do with an archaeology degree?
As an archaeology graduate, you should be able to find a variety of jobs including:
Where to study archaeology?
How long is an archaeology degree?
A degree in archaeology tends to be the standard three years in length. However, some unis will offer four-year courses that include a sandwich year.
How will you be assessed?
Archaeology courses usually involve assessment through:
- Essay-based exams
- Coursework
- Dissertation in final two years of study
- Fieldwork portfolios
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Your options for further study include:
- MA Archaeology
- MSc Archaeology
- PhD Archaeology
- MPhil Archaeology
What alternatives are there to an archaeology degree?
Not sure if an archaeology degree is right for you? Check out these related subjects: