Archaeology and Anthropology BA

The Archaeology and Anthropology BA explores the development of human societies and human diversity around the world, analysing patterns of global social, cultural, economic and political change from Prehistory to the Early Modern Period. You will learn how archaeological evidence and ethnographic accounts help us to decipher the history of the places that we have inhabited and transformed over time to gain an understanding of how humans lived in the past and present.

Course Overview

You will examine a broad range of topics including cultural difference, the relationship between people and "things", climate change, colonialism, economics, technology, gender, disease and the intersections of physical, social, and biological landscapes. You will benefit from object-based teaching and learning, making use of UCL Ethnography Collections and the Institute of Archaeology Collections.

Program Structure

• The degree includes compulsory modules from both anthropology and archaeology, ensuring you maintain balanced training in both disciplines throughout the programme.
• Compulsory modules provide a foundation in social and biological anthropology, material and visual culture, and the key theories and methods of archaeology (including artefact studies and field methods).
• The second and third years provide a more advanced understanding of archaeology and anthropology and allow you to develop your own specialised interests through your optional module choices.
• Optional modules (subject to change) include Geoarchaeology, Zooarchaeology, The Anthropology of Fashion, Documentary Film Making, Decolonising Anthropology, and Advanced Field Techniques.

Fieldwork

• The degree includes 50 days of partially-funded fieldwork, which includes excavation, museum work, research, and digital fieldwork projects that can take you all over the globe.
• Fieldwork costs (travel and food) can be covered by the department provided that students attend recommended UK-based projects.

Assessment

• Coursework, typically 1,000-2,500 word essays, is used to assess most modules.
• Some modules also involve an examination element.

Employability

• Our graduates go on to work in a variety of fields from archaeology (fieldwork, research, and academia) and anthropology, heritage, museums, teaching, scientific and technical activities, hospitality, tourism, IT, advertising, and marketing.
• You learn to communicate effectively verbally, visually, and in writing to diverse audiences and develop a sensitivity to different cultures.
• You also develop excellent transferable skills providing the experience necessary to work both within the archaeology, heritage, and museum sector and in numerous sectors outside of the discipline.

Fees and Funding

• UK students: £9,790 (2026/27)
• International students: £39,200 (2026/27)
• Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships, and bursaries.

Entry Requirements

• A levels: AAB
• IB Diploma: 36 points
• Other qualifications: Access to HE Diploma, BTEC National Diploma, Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects, Scottish Advanced Highers
• GCSEs: English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4
• Contextual offer: BBB, 32 points

Application and Selection

• Application for admission should be made through UCAS.
• The personal statement and predicted grades are used for assessment, and sometimes extra information is requested.
• Once an offer has been made, applicants are invited to attend a Post Offer Open Day.

UCL is a top-ranked university with life-changing research and a_x000D_ progressive approach to academia, making it different from the rest. At UCL,_x000D_ postgraduate students learn by doing—shaping the world around them with a_x000D_ hands-on approach.

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