Program Overview

Archaeology, MSci (Hons)

Overview

The MSci Archaeology course is designed to be the ideal start to a professional archaeology career. It is accredited by both the Chartered Institute for Archaeology and University Archaeology UK, with hands-on fieldwork at its core.

Why Study with Us

• 2nd in the UK for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide, 2025)
• 1st in the UK for teaching on the course (National Student Survey, 2023)
• 1st in the UK for overall positivity (National Student Survey, 2023)
• 3rd in the UK for student experience (Times Good University Guide, 2024)

What You'll Do

• Spend 14 weeks in the field, working on real research excavations across the UK, making significant finds while developing both specialist and transferable skills and knowledge.
• Undertake a major independent research project on a topic of your choice in the 4th year, further developing your skills and employability.
• We have state-of-the-art facilities, including an on-campus training excavation site, archaeological science lab, soil flotation unit, dedicated human bone labs, 3D scanners, and cutting-edge excavation equipment.

Modules

Year 1

• The Archaeology of Britain
• History of Archaeological Thought
• Bones, Bodies and Burial
• Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
• Field Archaeology 1

Year 2

• Field Archaeology 2
• Themes in British Archaeology 1
• Archaeological Materials
• Optional modules:
  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Hunter-gatherers: Past and Present
  • Geomatics
  • Archaeology and Anthropology of Animals
  • The Archaeology of Death and the Dead Body
  • World Archaeology and Art
  • Introduction to Professional Practice

Year 3

• Dissertation
• Field Archaeology 3
• Themes in British Archaeology 2
• Optional modules:
  • Hunter-Gatherers: Past and Present
  • Introduction to Professional Practice
  • Geomatics
  • Archaeology and Anthropology of Animals
  • The Archaeology of Death and the Dead Body
  • World Archaeology and Art
  • Applied Forensic Anthropology: Taphonomy and Human Remains Recovery

Year 4

• MSc Research Project
• Approaches to Archaeology
• Research Methods (Archaeology)
• Field and Lab 4

Entry Requirements

• UCAS: 104-112 points at A2
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
• BTEC Diploma: DD-DD*
• Pass Access Course: 104-112 UCAS Points
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 104-112 points from Higher Level Subjects
• T Level: M
• IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5
• GCSEs: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent

Fees and Funding

• UK: £9,535 per year (full-time), £1,587 per 20 credits (part-time)
• International: £17,325 per year (full-time)

Scholarships and Bursaries

• Care Leaver Bursary
• Estranged student support
• Dependants Bursary
• Financial support package

Learning and Assessment

• The course is primarily coursework-based and assessments are designed to help you develop your skills.
• During excavation, you'll receive weekly feedback on how to improve your practical archaeology skills.
• Essay and real-world report writing will help develop your written communication skills.
• Presentations, radio broadcasts, and video blogs will improve your verbal communication.
• Continued assessment in lab books will ensure analytical skills develop.
• Independent study and the dissertation will help develop your critical analysis and independence.