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Archaeology at Durham University - UCAS

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2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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Durham University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Course summary

This dynamic course brings together the discipline of the scientific laboratory with the excitement of fieldwork. You will get an overview of the world of archaeology and a thorough grounding in the scientific techniques used to explore the past. Depending on your module choices you may receive professional accreditation from the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. With access to state-of the-art laboratory facilities, and outstanding training from some of the world’s leading archaeological scientists, you will have the opportunity to learn the cutting-edge techniques used in archaeology. These include: DNA and isotopic analysis, Geographical Information Systems, geoarchaeology, archaeobotany and the analysis of human and animal skeletal remains. By the end of your degree you will have a comprehensive set of science and social science research skills for archaeology, but also a range of transferable skills relevant to many careers, including data management and analysis, critical thinking and writing, and written and oral presentation. You will develop your knowledge through a series of Scientific Methods in Archaeology modules, and build on these with Advanced Skills and Specialised Aspects of Archaeology options. Classroom teaching is supported by small-group tutorials and lab-based practicals. These will guide you in developing your expertise in ancient landscapes and environments, past climate change, diet, migrations, mobility, health, animal-human interactions, scientific dating, materials science, and conservation techniques relevant to archaeological objects. All BSc Archaeology students can take part in archaeological fieldwork in the UK and abroad, engaging with departmental research projects and learning further archaeological and transferable skills. The degree culminates in a research project, or dissertation, which you will develop under the guidance of a member of staff, many of whom are experts in the field.

Modules

Year 1 Core modules: Archaeology in Britain gives wide-ranging introduction to how archaeologists work, how sites are found and excavated, information generated, theorised and interpreted and issues facing archaeology today. It gives basic study skills for library work, essays, tutorials, computing and brief overview of British archaeology by period from Neolithic to the present. Archaeology Practicals* introduces field and laboratory techniques for recording and analysis of primary materials, sites and monuments using group work when possible. Scientific Methods in Archaeology 1* provides grounding in a range of scientific methods and techniques used in archaeology, develops critical awareness of potential and limitations of data and analysis when applied to archaeological problems. Examples of optional modules: Discovering World Prehistory; Cities in Antiquity; Medieval to Modern: An Introduction to the Archaeology of the Medieval to Post-Medieval World; Ancient Civilisations of the East. Year 2 Core modules: Professional Training* (requires 3 weeks fieldwork the summer before Year 2) uses practical experience to give an understanding of the objectives and operation of a fieldwork project and how data and material produced is processed. Developing Archaeological Research* (requires dissertation in Archaeology at Year 3) uses practical experience to develop understanding of research design for the final year dissertation and practical skills necessary for archaeological research and develops skills in graphics, illustration and presentation techniques as well as basic theory behind research design. Scientific Methods in Archaeology 2* introduces scientific procedures and methods that are the basis of key archaeological science techniques, including data analysis, scientific dating methods, geophysical techniques, materials analysis and palaeoenvironmental analysis and insight into theory behind these, relating this to discussion of experimental methods and interpretation. Advanced Skills in Archaeology* trains you in advanced technical and applied techniques for scientific, field and public archaeology and opportunity for understanding context and purpose of these and correct application. It also gives a range of transferable skills relevant to employment and training and awareness of potential graduate careers. Examples of optional modules: Advanced Skills in Archaeology; Prehistoric Europe: From Foragers to State Formation; Becoming Roman: From Iron Age to Empire in Italy & the West; Archaeology of Medieval & Post-Medieval Britain in its European Context; The East Mediterranean World in the Bronze Age; Ancient Mediterranean Civilisations: East & West. Year 3 (Year 4 if taking a Year Abroad) Core modules: Archaeology Dissertation* significantly develops skills in independent research, analysis and presentation of evidence, how to structure persuasive argument (involves writing an extended dissertation in a chosen specialist area of archaeology). Scientific Methods in Archaeology 3* develops a critical approach to using scientific techniques in archaeology, enhances skills in assessing scientific and archaeological limitations of techniques and application and examines latest developments. You will also engage with current debates and research in contemporary archaeological science. Advanced Professional Training (requires 3 weeks fieldwork the summer before starting Year 3) gives an understanding of professional practice and ethics in the archaeology and heritage sector including practical experience in working on an excavation, in a museum, lab-based project or a similar appropriate placement. It gives an understanding of project design and opportunity to think about the way projects are managed and the ethics of archaeological practice. Examples of optional modules: Specialised Aspects in Archaeology; Interpreting Heritage; Museum Representation; Current Archaeology; Archaeology & Global Sustainable Development.

Assessment method

On this course you will be assessed through your coursework, traditional skills and presentations, as well as through hands-on practical exercises, including archaeological fieldwork. In the final year you will write a dissertation, led by independent research and supported by one-on-one supervision, and this makes up one-third of your final-year marks.

How to apply

31Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F402
Institution code:
D86
Campus name:
Durham City
Campus code:
O

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Our contextual offer for this programme is A level BBC (or equivalent). To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/ug/apply/entry/

English language requirements

Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.

English language requirements

https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
45%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
80%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £25750 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
International £25750 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

There may also be additional course costs for things like books (if you want to purchase them), field trips etc.
Archaeology at Durham University - UCAS