Applications for September 2025 are open and in high demand.

Apply now
Home » Courses » BSc (Hons) Archaeology

BSc (Hons) Archaeology

BSc Archaeology builds on existing archaeological knowledge but explores themes in more depth, covering environmental and experimental archaeology, world cultures, ethnographies and exploring philosophical interpretations and archaeological theories. The BSc also includes the opportunity to undertake self directed dissertation research on a topic or site of your choosing.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

BSc (Hons) Archaeology is a one year top-up course, which can be studied after completing a foundation degree. You will be given guidance on opportunities for a strong practical uptake in fieldwork including the use of digital techniques, museum work, laboratory analysis and artefact care. You will also explore features such as the diversity and key developments of world archaeology, environmental archaeology and the practical experience of pollen analysis, as well as organising a public exhibition.

The course is based in Cornwall with access to coastline, beaches and moorlands which is particularly beneficial for field trips to local sites in the South West. Students will receive a good grounding in world archaeology, scientific archaeology and environmental archaeology as well as archaeology and modern popular media. This programme also has excellent employer links and a good record for progression to employment and postgraduate research.

Apply for this course

Start date: 22/09/2025

Course code
HEARCHB25T
Level
Level 6
Location
Truro College
Duration
1 year
Qualification
Bachelor’s Degree
Apply Now

Top Course Highlights

Subject specialist lecturers

Diverse curriculum offering

Excellent sector and industry connections

Wealth of knowledge of funding, practical and career focused opportunities

Art&design00025

Broad Curriculum

An exceptionally broad curriculum that allows you to study a diverse range of content including world archaeology, current debates in archaeology, heritage conservation, experimental archaeology and event management.

FdSc Archaeology

Excellent Employer Links

Guest speakers, skills workshops and opportunities to undertake voluntary fieldwork opportunities with local organisations and groups.

Geology & Environmental Sci 107

Practical Experience

Provides guidance on opportunities for hands-on practical experience in a range of archaeological and heritage skills.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

The BSc course will build on existing archaeological knowledge but explore them in more depth. The course investigates current understanding and trends in world archaeology, as well as hominid evolution, ethnographic studies and experimental archaeology. The programme delves into the more philosophical theories associated with site, artefacts and cultural interpretations, and explores the wider implication of heritage conservation techniques and advances in environmental archaeology. The year is concluded with the dissertation module where students will present research on a site or topic of their choice with a critically analytical perspective and archaeological theory.

Programme Quality Handbook 2024-25

WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?

BSc Archaeology will prepare learners for a wide range of diverse careers in archaeology, but also the wider heritage sector and beyond in fields such as education, research or publicity. Future careers include:

  • Academic researcher
  • Archaeologist
  • Conservator
  • Heritage manager
  • Historic buildings inspector/conservation officer
  • Museum education officer
  • Museum/gallery curator
  • Museum/gallery exhibitions officer

Wider employment opportunities include:

  • Archivist
  • Cartographer
  • Higher education lecturer
  • Records manager
  • Social researcher
  • Tourism officer
  • Mine searches
  • Surveyor / Survey equipment sales
  • Laboratory work / Laboratory supplies

Assessment Arrangements

Coursework – 68%

Exam/Test – 40%

Practical – 12%

Entry Requirements

  • A relevant foundation degree, HND or equivalent Level 5 qualification.
  • Applicants will be interviewed to assess the experience/capabilities for successful entry and completion of the course.

Additional Information

UCAS Course Code: V401

Duration : One year full time, two years part time

Location: Truro Campus

The Awarding Body for this course is the University of Plymouth

Specific Modules of study include:

  • World Archaeology
  • Experimental Archaeology and Event Management
  • Current Debates in Archaeology
  • Heritage Conservation and Environmental Archaeology
  • Dissertation

Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.

What you could earn

  • Counsellors
  • Welfare Professionals
  • Natural and Social Science Professionals
  • Social and Humanities Scientists
  • Physical Scientists
  • Social Workers
  • Environmental Health Professionals
  • Conservation Professionals
Potential Salary

£26,166

Entry Level Salary

£7,435

Average Salary

£18,388

Annual openings in Cornwall

7

Potential Salary

£37,809

Entry Level Salary

£14,325

Average Salary

£26,271

Annual openings in Cornwall

6

Potential Salary

£65,088

Entry Level Salary

£24,820

Average Salary

£39,493

Annual openings in Cornwall

4

Potential Salary

£44,373

Entry Level Salary

£15,818

Average Salary

£26,924

Annual openings in Cornwall

11

Potential Salary

£59,846

Entry Level Salary

£21,334

Average Salary

£36,313

Annual openings in Cornwall

7

Potential Salary

£49,275

Entry Level Salary

£18,578

Average Salary

£34,237

Annual openings in Cornwall

16

Potential Salary

£57,509

Entry Level Salary

£21,871

Average Salary

£33,516

Annual openings in Cornwall

1

Potential Salary

£48,656

Entry Level Salary

£18,153

Average Salary

£27,817

Annual openings in Cornwall

29

Truro College

Tel: 01872 305000
Email: enquiry@truro-penwith.ac.uk

Truro College,
College Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3XX
Find on Maps

Penwith College

Tel: 01736 809000
Email: penwithenquiries@truro-penwith.ac.uk

Penwith College,
St Clare Street, Penzance,
Cornwall, TR18 2SA
Find on Maps

STEM & Health Skills Centre

Tel: 01208 224455
Email: enquiry@truro-penwith.ac.uk

STEM & Health Skills Centre,
Ottery Building, Old Callywith Road, Bodmin, PL31 2GU
Find on Maps

University Centre

Tel: 01872 305750
Email: heenquiry@truro-penwith.ac.uk

University Centre Truro & Penwith,
Fal Building, College Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3XX
Find on Maps

Future Skills Institute

Tel: 01872 308000
Email: futureskills@truro-penwith.ac.uk

Truro & Penwith College,
College Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3XX
Find on Maps

  • Reset
  • Result Type