Weather Update

We are aware of the weather conditions across Cornwall currently and are monitoring the situation closely. The college is open as usual but staff and students are asked to travel only if safe to do so. We are expecting delays due to travel disruption. Absence reporting can be found here. Thank you for your patience.

Home » Courses » FdSc Archaeology

FdSc Archaeology

The course contains extensive fieldwork and artefact care, providing the opportunity for you to undertake surveys and discover the practical essentials of archaeological work. This is the only Foundation Degree in Archaeology in the country and teaches the latest digital technologies used in archaeology.

why choose this course?

Practical skills such as surveying, excavation, museum work, computing and conserving monuments are also core components. Cornwall presents a great setting to study in. There are field trips to local sites in the South West and there is an optional overseas residential trip. The course is based in Cornwall with access to coastline, beaches and moorlands.

Apply for this course

Start date: 23/09/2024

Course code
HEARCHF24T
Level
Level 5
Location
Truro College
Duration
2 years
Qualification
Foundation Degree
Apply Now

Top Course Highlights

Small Classes

Excellent Tutor Support

Practical skills

Field Trips

Disused  tin mine on cornish coast

Cornish Archaeology

There are field trips to local sites in the South West and there is an optional overseas residential trip. The course is based in Cornwall with access to coastline, beaches and moorlands.

Geology & Environmental Sci 104

Flexibility

There is a focus on your developing the requisite interests and skills for the career that you want with flexibility in the choice of work experiences and project work.

Geology & Environmental Sci 107

Complete a Final Major Project

You will have the opportunity to complete a personalised project which enables you to research your own chosen area of History.  This develops key research and analytical skills.  The project acts as a superb preparation for future dissertation work or report writing.

What will I learn?

Students will receive a good grounding in all periods of British archaeology, both prehistoric and historic. There is also a unit in the second year which examines the distinctive archaeological record in Cornwall including the Celtic West, the importance of Tintagel, and significance of Cornwall’s industrial sites, which have received World Heritage status. For those interested in artefacts, there are museum work experience and practical sessions in artefact analysis.

Programme Quality Handbook 2022-23

Modules could include:

  • Archaeology and Environment from Prehistory to Roman Times
  • Excavation, Post-Excavation and Museums
  • History of Archaeological Debate
  • Post-Roman To Recent Times: Culture, Science and Statistics.
  • Principles of Field Survey
  • Entrepreneurship and Applied Practice
  • The Archaeology and Geology of Cornwall
  • Museum Conservation and Display
  • Quaternary and Archaeological Science
  • Field Techniques and Interpretation

All students will need to take part in fieldwork and produce a project report.

Read More

Where will it take me?

Employability
It has excellent employer links and hands-on practical experience in a range of archaeological and heritage skills. It deals with both prehistoric and historic archaeology. You will undertake work experience which is linked to the professional project module in the second year. You will be able to go on field trips, organised by the College to archaeological sites and landscapes and the chance to meet employers in the industry.

The future
Graduates could apply to progress onto BSc (Hons) Archaeology delivered at Truro and Penwith College or to further archaeological studies at degree level at other universities. Alternatively, graduates could progress to employment in archaeological units, museums and heritage centres. Please note there is a deadline for progression applications and places may be subject to availability.

Read More

Assessment Arangements

You will undertake research into a topic of your own choosing under the guidance of staff. In the first year, you will produce a project design; you will then research and produce a project report in the second year. This helps you apply the skills learnt in other modules and have a tangible record of your capabilities to show to future employers.

Entry Requirements

GCSE Level: Normally English and Maths at Grade C or above.

Together with one of the following:

A minimum of 48 tariff points at A Level or equivalent Level 3 qualification.
Access to Higher Education: Considered on an individual basis.
National and Advanced Diplomas in a relevant subject are accepted as a progression to a Foundation Degree and HND.

Applications from mature students without these qualifications will be considered on an individual basis but must prove they are capable of Higher Education study. Level 3 qualifications achieved in the workplace will be taken into consideration.

All applicants will be invited to an interview. If an applicant cannot attend the interview, efforts will be made to conduct a telephone or electronic interview.

Additional information

Awarding body
University of Plymouth

Duration
Two years full time, part time route available

UCAS code

V400

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

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

£20,166

Entry Level Salary

£10,914

Average Salary

£39,412

Annual openings in Cornwall

5

Potential Salary

£27,504

Entry Level Salary

£16,168

Average Salary

£61,637

Annual openings in Cornwall

32

Potential Salary

£21,991

Entry Level Salary

£9,361

Average Salary

£30,257

Annual openings in Cornwall

7

Potential Salary

£28,201

Entry Level Salary

£14,586

Average Salary

£56,577

Annual openings in Cornwall

5

Potential Salary

£37,091

Entry Level Salary

£25,330

Average Salary

£64,948

Annual openings in Cornwall

3

Potential Salary

£23,189

Entry Level Salary

£14,384

Average Salary

£40,885

Annual openings in Cornwall

2

Potential Salary

£34,600

Entry Level Salary

£21,462

Average Salary

£61,003

Annual openings in Cornwall

7

Potential Salary

£32,637

Entry Level Salary

£18,358

Average Salary

£42,260

Annual openings in Cornwall

19

Our colleges

Truro College
College Road
Truro
Cornwall
TR1 3XX

  • Reset
  • Result Type