Program Overview

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Introduction to the Archaeology Program

The Archaeology BA, DipHE, CertHE program is offered by distance learning, allowing students to study archaeology from anywhere in the world. The program is designed to be flexible, enabling students to study full-time or part-time, and to fit their studies around work and family commitments.

Program Overview

The program is taught by the School of Archaeology and Ancient History and is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and the University Archaeology UK group (UAUK). The program is ranked 4th in the UK for subjects aligned to Archaeology for 'overall positivity' in the NSS 2025, and 5th in the UK for research quality in Archaeology (Complete University Guide 2026).

Course Description

The program introduces students to key themes in the study of archaeology, enabling them to further their knowledge of the wide chronological and geographical range of the discipline. Students will develop their ability to draw upon appropriate archaeological theories, methods, techniques, and concepts to develop their understanding of the past.

Entry Requirements

The program is open access, meaning that anyone can join the course as long as they meet the English language requirements. Students need to be passionate and self-motivated, have access to a computer with a good internet connection, and have basic IT skills. Students also need to be able to spend between 12-15 hours a week studying part-time, or 24-30 hours a week for full-time.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
• International students may need to provide evidence of their English language ability

Fees and Funding

The program fees are as follows:

• UK Students:
  • BA: ｣21,390
  • Diploma: ｣14,350
  • Certificate: ｣7,275
  • Taster module: ｣1,250
• International Students:
  • BA: ｣21,390
  • Diploma: ｣14,350
  • Certificate: ｣7,275
  • Taster module: ｣1,250

Careers and Employability

The program is designed to enable students to develop their skills and knowledge, whether to enhance their career prospects, proceed to further study, or for general interest. The program provides excellent learning support, delivered by expert archaeology academics and professionals.

Course Structure

The program consists of three levels, with each level taking two years for part-time students to complete, or one year for full-time students. Each level consists of four modules, lasting 14 weeks each, with breaks in between.

Level 1

• Core modules:
  • Aims and Methods in Archaeology
  • Archaeology BCE
  • Introduction to Classical Archaeology
  • Archaeology CE

Level 2

• Core modules:
  • Archaeological Theory
  • Interpreting Archaeological Evidence
  • A choice of either Fieldschool (UoL) or Fieldschool (Self-organised)
• Optional modules:
  • Archaeology of Human Evolution
  • Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age Britain and Ireland
  • Archaeology of the Roman World
  • Medieval Mediterranean

Level 3

• Core modules:
  • A choice of either Research Bootcamp (on campus) or Research Bootcamp (online)
• Optional modules:
  • Urbanisms
  • Archaeology of Religion and Belief
  • Archaeology and Heritage
  • Britain and the Roman World
• Dissertation

How Distance Learning Works

The program is designed to work for a global audience of students who often lead busy lives. The courses are delivered by expert academic staff, and students work remotely at their own pace. Students have access to the Virtual Learning Environment, where all the materials for each module are accessible, as well as a student forum with overarching information about the courses.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by a variety of types of coursework, including written coursework, posters, site studies, and exercises. There are no examinations, and no requirements for students to attend the University campus for assessments.

Field School and Research Bootcamp

The compulsory Level 2 Field School module gives students the opportunity to get practical, hands-on experience in a number of aspects of survey and excavation. At Level 3, students take a Research Bootcamp module to prepare them for their dissertation. Students can either attend the Research Bootcamp on campus or take it remotely.