Program Overview

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Archaeology BA Honours

The Archaeology BA Honours degree at Newcastle University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of archaeology, from prehistory to the recent past. The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeology (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK), ensuring that students develop knowledge and skills that are highly valued by employers.

Course Overview

The Archaeology BA Honours degree is a three-year program that covers a wide range of topics, including archaeological techniques, case studies from prehistory to the recent past, and specialist laboratory and computer analytical techniques. Students will have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork and field trips, both in the UK and abroad, and will develop essential practical skills as well as those of a researcher.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked 10th in the UK for Archaeology (The Complete University Guide 2026) and 13th in the UK for Anthropology and Archaeology (The Guardian University Guide 2026). The university is also a Global Top 140 University (QS World University Rankings 2026) and has a strong reputation for research excellence.

Modules and Learning

The program is divided into three stages, each lasting one academic year. Students will complete modules totaling 120 credits by the end of each stage. The modules are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of archaeology, and students will have the opportunity to choose from a range of optional modules to tailor their degree to their interests.

• Stage 1: Introduction to Archaeological Science, Introduction to Archaeology, Prehistoric Britain, The Archaeology of Britain from the Romans to the 20th Century, Stuff: living in a material world
• Stage 2: Archaeological Theory and Interpretation, Fieldwork and Post-Excavation: Archaeology in the UK, optional modules such as From Lascaux to Knossos: Prehistoric Europe, Archaeologies of the Roman Empire: The Roman World from Augustus to Justinian
• Stage 3: Dissertation in Archaeological Science or Dissertation in Archaeology: Research as Professional Practice, optional modules such as Survival and turmoil in Byzantium and beyond: Byzantine archaeology, art and text, Neolithic & Early Bronze Age Britain in its European Context

Opportunities

The program provides students with a range of opportunities, including:

• Work placement: Students can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organization in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure their dream placement.
• Study abroad: Students can choose to study abroad in between Stage 2 and 3, either in an EU country as part of a study abroad exchange or further afield.
• Fieldwork: Students will complete a minimum of four weeks of funded fieldwork in the region, in locations across the UK, or abroad.

Facilities and Environment

The program is taught in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology at our city-centre campus. Students will have access to excellent study resources, including:

• The Philip Robinson University Library, which houses over 800,000 books and provides access to ca. 1.8m e-books
• Special Collections & Archives – a rich collection of archival material, historical medical texts and rare books
• The Great North Museum: Hancock, our on-campus museum which holds an extensive collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artefacts
• The Wolfson Archaeology Laboratory - with facilities for use-wear analysis of bone, stone, metal and glass, and furnaces for research in material culture or experimental archaeology.

Your Future

The program is designed to provide students with a wide range of transferable skills, including team-working, project management, and analytical skills. Graduates have gone on to work in a range of fields, including:

• Heritage sector: English Heritage, National Trust, British Museum, National Parks
• Research: universities, research institutions
• Industry: publishing, broadcasting, public relations
• Government: policy, administration

Entry Requirements

The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2026 entry.

• A-Level: BBB. General Studies accepted.
• International Baccalaureate: A minimum of 30 points with three subjects at Grade 5 or above at Higher Level.
• Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications: Select your qualification to see the requirements.
• English Language requirements: IELTS, TOEFL, Pearsons, Duolingo English Test.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fees for academic year 2026 have not yet been confirmed.

• Home students: Full time: 3 years, Tuition fees (Year 1) Not Set
• International students: Full time: 3 years, Tuition fees (Year 1) £25,000 The university offers a range of scholarships, including Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

How to Apply

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You will need:

• The UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• The UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• The UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

You can also apply through an agent. International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.