Program Overview

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Archaeology, BSc

Introduction

Archaeology is the only discipline that studies the human past in its entirety; from the origins of our species to the events of yesterday. Archaeology at Aberdeen has a special northern focus that is unique in the UK. Through lectures, field and laboratory work you will engage with the archaeology of Scotland, Scandinavia, northern Europe, the North Atlantic and northern latitudes of Asia and North America. You will be taught by internationally acclaimed researchers.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: BSc
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: F420
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

The BSc route focuses on the science side of archaeology. Courses will cover subjects such as the origins of modern humans, ancient environments, bioarchaeology, Scottish archaeology and excavation and research skills.

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Archaeology in Action (AY1003)
  • Caves to Kingdoms: an Introduction to Prehistoric Archaeology (AY1503)
• Optional Courses: Plus 90 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Prehistoric Britain: from Boxgrove to Bede (AY2009)
  • Test Tubes and Trowels: an Introduction to Archaeological Science (AY2006)
  • Past Lives (AY2508)
  • The Archaeology of The North: Lifeways & Cultural Change (AY2505)
• Optional Courses: Plus 60 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Advanced Archaeological Science (AY3021)
  • Professional Archaeology i: Field Methods (AY3010)
  • Archaeological Research Project Part 1 (AY3512)
  • Professional Archaeology II: Post - Excavation Analysis and Employment (AY3514)
  • Archaeological Fieldwork Portfolio (AY3011)
• Optional Courses: Plus 30 credit points from Level 3 Archaeology options. Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Archaeological Research Project Part 2 (AY4002)
  • Bioarchaeology: Biological Approaches in Archaeology (AY4014)
  • Current Issues in Archaeology (AY4510)
• Optional Courses: Plus 30 credits from Honours Archaeology (at least 15 of which must be from Level 4). Plus 15 credit points from courses of choice.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Field Trips
• Field Work
• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lab Work
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
• Written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Archaeology?

• Archaeology at Aberdeen has a northern focus unique in the UK, covering the heritage of Scotland, Scandinavia, northern Europe, the North Atlantic and the northern latitudes of Asia and North America.
• Aberdeen is at the heart of a region that is among the richest in the UK in terms of sites of outstanding archaeological interest and is in close proximity to the World Heritage sites in Orkney.
• Opportunities to participate in outstanding national and international department-led field research projects, from Aberdeenshire to Alaska, and receive practical training in survey, excavation and documentation methods
• Field-based teaching and study visits to local archaeological sites, monuments and museums.
• Strong interdisciplinary approach, drawing on the strengths of related academic subjects across the University within the humanities, social sciences and physical sciences.

Facilities

• Petrographic and stereomicroscopes
• Palynology laboratory
• Hydrology laboratory
• Dirty and clean sedimentary laboratories
• Soil chemistry laboratory
• Bioarchaeology laboratory and faunal reference collection
• Archaeological Chemistry laboratory
• Trace Element Speciation Laboratory

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers:
  • Standard: AABB
  • Minimum: BBB
  • Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS:
  • Standard: BBB
  • Minimum: BBC
  • Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

• Tuition Fees:
  • England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
  • EU / International students: £24,800
  • Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme
  • Home Students: £1,820

Careers

The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the practical and research skills required to work as professional archaeologists. The broad-based nature of the discipline enables graduates to compete strongly in the market place. The analytical and communications skills acquired by Archaeology graduates make them sought-after in a wide variety of fields including commerce, research and a range of professions.

Career Opportunities

• Field Archaeologist
• Heritage Volunteer
• Marketing and Events Coordinator
• Project Archaeologist
• Writer

Our Experts

• Dr Gordon Noble
• Professor Kate Britton

Facilities

• Petrographic and stereomicroscopes
• Palynology laboratory
• Hydrology laboratory
• Dirty and clean sedimentary laboratories
• Soil chemistry laboratory
• Bioarchaeology laboratory and faunal reference collection
• Archaeological Chemistry laboratory
• Trace Element Speciation Laboratory