Archaeology BSc Honours
- UCAS code: V401
- Full time
- 3 years
Employ specialist methods to uncover the secrets of the human past by combining science with the humanities on our Archaeology BSc Honours degree.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year:
Next start date:
- September 2024
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £22200
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
Our Archaeology BSc Honours degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeology (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK).
This course emphasises the use of archaeological sciences in both field and laboratory work. You'll become adept at using scientific techniques and develop a range of skills. You'll be ready for a career in the heritage sector, and beyond.
You'll explore the North East, a region steeped in history. You'll also have opportunities to go abroad on field trips.
You’ll begin your degree with an introduction to the discipline of archaeology. You will explore how archaeology has changed our understanding of the past, before learning more specialist analytical techniques and focusing on specific cultures or global regions.
As you progress through your degree, you’ll choose from a diverse range of modules and tailor your options to fit your interests.
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.
We will introduce you to many archaeological techniques and approaches to understanding the past, from prehistory to the 21st century. This includes the module Introduction to Archaeological Science, which teaches you the basics of radiocarbon dating, osteology, and ancient DNA analyses among other techniques.
In the summer following your first year, you'll join our field school at Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall. This is a two-week funded excavation experience.
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 |
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology | 20 |
Surveying and Mapping | 20 |
Earth Observation | 10 |
Fundamentals of Surveying I | 10 |
Slavery | 20 |
Global Middle Ages | 20 |
Stuff: living in a material world | 20 |
Global Ancient Histories | 20 |
Earth System Science | 10 |
Dynamic Earth | 20 |
Genetics and Evolution | 20 |
Diversity of Life: Form and Function | 20 |
You will expand the geographical range of your studies to Europe and beyond and learn specialist analytical skills in modules like Environmental Archaeology.
You'll complete a further two weeks of funded fieldwork choosing from one of our many projects in the UK or abroad.
Modules
You will select modules that interest you the most from a greater range of options on topics like the archaeology of animal bones, geoarchaeology and ancient technologies.
You will complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice while receiving guided supervision by an expert member of staff, recent dissertation topics have included: human environmental impacts and the experimental reproduction of ancient tools.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Dissertation in Archaeological Science | 40 |
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2022-23.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
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
These activities take place in the classroom, the library, the field, the museum and the laboratory.
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
Throughout 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. After year one you'll undertake this at Hadrian's Wall, and at the end of year two you’ll choose from projects in the UK and 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.
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 petrology microscopes and stereo-microscopes for artefact analysis, and permanent collections including human remains, animal bones, Roman pottery and our Victorian household collection.
There's also the Cluster for Interdisciplinary Artefact Studies, delivering professional training in handling artefacts and 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.
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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 | |
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International Baccalaureate | |
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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.
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: BSc 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
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How to apply
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- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
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