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Archaeology BA Honours

  • UCAS code: V400
  • Full time
  • 3 years

Uncover secrets of the human past with an Archaeology BA Honours degree, and develop the analytical and critical-thinking skills vital in a range of careers.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2024-25


Next start date:

  • September 2024

Fees (per year)

  • Home: £9250
  • International: £22200

Entry requirements and offers

  • A-Level: BBB
  • IB: 30 points

UCAS Institution name and code:

  • NEWC / N21

Course overview

Explore the world of Archaeology at Newcastle University, on the doorstep of Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site

We make full use of our unique location by providing a range of fieldwork and fieldtrip opportunities.

Our Archaeology degrees are accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeology (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK)

On our programme you'll:

  • gain a thorough understanding of archaeology, from prehistory to the recent past.
  • explore how archaeology has changed our understanding of the past
  • learn specialist analytical techniques
  • focus on specific cultures or global regions

You’ll also have the freedom to shape your own Archaeology journey. You can choose to graduate with one of the following:

  • BA in Archaeology
  • BSc in Archaeology (subject to choosing Archaeological Science modules)

There is no need to select a particular route before you start. As you progress through your degree you’ll choose from a range of modules and tailor your options to suit your interests.

Based alongside Historians and Classicists, we also have interdisciplinary modules on offer that allow you to explore the intersections between archaeology and other fields of study.

With cutting edge laboratory facilities, an on-campus museum and plenty of fieldwork opportunities (in the UK and abroad) we ensure you develop essential practical skills as well as those of a researcher, preparing you for various careers, including those in the heritage sector and beyond.

 

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

You’ll engage with a range of archaeological techniques used to understand the past, focusing on case studies from prehistory to the recent past.

This includes the unique interdisciplinary module 'Stuff: Living in a Material World.' On this module you'll think about the relationships formed between people and their things.

This is also your opportunity to explore Archaeological Science working in our Archaeology Lab to learn about techniques and processes that underpin the discipline.

Following your first year, you'll also have the opportunity to complete two weeks of funded fieldwork during the summer.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Introduction to Archaeological Science 20
Introduction to Archaeology 20
Prehistoric Britain 20
The Archaeology of Britain from the Romans to the 20th Century 20
Stuff: living in a material world 20
Optional Modules Credits
Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology 20
Global Ancient Histories 20

You’ll choose from a wide range of optional modules, enabling you to select the topics that fascinate you most, whether it’s Roman frontiers or Ancient Greek bodies.

You’ll also complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice while receiving guided supervision from an expert member of staff.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Dissertation in Archaeology 40
Optional Modules Credits
Archaeologies of the Middle Sea: An Armchair Voyage Across the Prehistoric Mediterranean 20
Regionality and the Fall of Rome 20
Early Prehistoric Europe: Origins and transformations 20
Sex, bodies and identities in Classical Greece 20
How To Survive The Apocalypse: Recreating Ancient Technology from Scratch 20
City of Athens: Power, Society and Culture 20
Celluloid History (Stage 3) 20
'Like ants or frogs around the pond': Mobility and Identity in the Greek Mediterranean 20
Roman Egypt 20
Rome: the Enemy 20
Gods in the Material World: Religion and Material Culture in Greece, Egypt and Mesopotamia 2000BC-338BC 20
Career Development for final year students 20
You only take the module listed below if as part of your studies you spend a year abroad before entering Stage 3.
 

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

You will learn from a dynamic range of methods and activities, including:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • tutorials
  • workshops
  • practical activities
  • site visits
  • fieldwork training
  • independent study

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

  • Assessments

  • Dissertation or research project

  • Essays

  • Examinations – practical or online

  • Presentations

  • Projects

  • Reports

Skills and experience

Practical skills

During your studies you’ll have opportunities to undertake hands-on archaeological work and object-handling sessions, putting the knowledge you learn in the classroom into practice.

Each summer you’ll complete a minimum of two weeks of funded fieldwork in the region, in locations across the UK, or abroad. These opportunities enable you to hone your practical skills while also making connections with associated heritage organisations.

Research skills

You’ll have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to spend the summer following your second year working alongside academic staff on your own research project.

In your final year, using the skills developed during your degree, you’ll write a dissertation on a topic of your own choosing. During this, you’ll hone your investigative skills as you undertake independent research with access to extensive print and electronic resources, as well as archives and special collections.

Opportunities

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You have the opportunity to study abroad in either Stage 2 or 3. You can study in an EU country as part of a study abroad exchange or further afield.

Find out more about study abroad.

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year, and your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. A work placement is not available if you're spending a year studying abroad. Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Facilities and environment

Facilities

Our archaeology degree courses are taught in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology at our city-centre campus. 

Facilities include:

  • a dedicated archaeology laboratory with facilities for use-wear analysis of bone, stone, metal and glass, and furnaces for research in material culture or experimental archaeology
  • a Material Culture Analytical Suite kitted out with microscpoes, 2D and 3D scanning equipment and CT facilities.
  • extensive collections in the University-led Great North Museum adjacent to campus

Support

You'll have the support of a lecturer as a personal tutor throughout your degree, and a student mentor will help you settle in.

Archaeology is a new subject for everyone: we teach you all you need to know, and support your progress through to the end of the degree.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.

Your future

Some of our graduates opt for careers in the heritage sector working for government, museums and private consultancies, such as:

  • English Heritage
  • National Trust
  • British Museum
  • National Parks
  • Headland Archaeology
  • Wardell Armstrong Archaeology Services
  • MOLA Headland Infrastructure
  • Northern Archaeological Associates
  • Pre-Construct Archaeology Limited

As an archaeology student at Newcastle University, you'll develop a wide range of transferable skills, due to the interdisciplinary and investigative nature of the subject, which are highly sought by employers.

Some students begin careers as professional archaeologists, while others enter the heritage sector. There are lots of opportunities to engage with employers prior to graduation.

Other archaeology graduates use their team-working, project management and analytical skills to work in other fields, for example as company archivists, information technologists, specialist librarians and researchers. These skills are especially valued in industries such as publishing, broadcasting and public relations. Some students become teachers, lawyers, or start their own businesses.

Make a difference

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Careers support

Our unique Heritage City website connects you with heritage projects and employers in the region.

Work placements are available as part of your degree, and there are many volunteering opportunities to enhance your CV.

Students in their second year can apply for funding to support their own research projects over the summer break.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2024 entry.

A-Level
International Baccalaureate

Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications

Contextual Offers

Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.

What is a contextual offer? Find out more and if you’re eligible for this or our PARTNERS Programme supported entry route.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Entrance courses (INTO)

International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO. 

Find out more about International Pathway Courses

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

Qualification: BA Honours

Home students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

9250

International students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

22200

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

Scholarships

Find out more about:

Open days and events

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

  • the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
  • the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
  • the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

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International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages

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