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.

Duration 1 year
Qualification Bachelor’s Degree
Start Date Monday 21st September 2026
Course Code HEARCHB26T
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A picture of a cornish engine house on a coast path on a sunny day.

Top Course highlights

  • Subject specialist lecturers
  • Diverse curriculum offering
  • Excellent sector and industry connections
  • Wealth of knowledge of funding, practical and career focused opportunities
Five students stand in a group on a coastal cliff. You can see the sea and a large grey sky behind them.

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.

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Excellent Employer Links

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

Practical Experience

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

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.

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

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

Coursework – 68%

Exam/Test – 40%

Practical – 12%

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Start Dates

Course code: HEARCHB26T
Duration 1 year
Qualification Bachelor’s Degree
Apply now