Program Overview

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Archaeology and Heritage Science (BSc)

Overview

The Archaeology and Heritage Science (BSc) program is a 3-year degree that provides students with the skills, training, and scientific knowledge to succeed in archaeology, heritage, and related fields. The program combines academic, scientific, and practical skills, allowing students to follow their interests and passions.

Why Study This Course

• Placements: Up to 8 weeks of professional placement in the field or at a heritage organization, applying and developing scientific skills in a professional setting.
• Practical Focus: A responsive program with a focus on practical skills and scientific enquiry valuable to employers within and outside the archaeological, conservation, and heritage sector.
• Expert-Led: Staff with extensive professional and laboratory experience integrate cutting-edge archaeological and heritage science across academic and commercial environments.
• Resources: Access to materials, purpose-built and newly refurbished laboratories, analytical instrumentation, equipment, and library resources for meaningful independent scientific research.
• Hands-On Experience: Opportunities to work directly on archaeological and historical objects from museum collections and 'live' projects led by experts and conducted to professional standards.

Subject Area

• Subject Area: Archaeology and Conservation
• UCAS Code: F480
• Next Intake: September 2026
• Duration: 3 years
• Mode: Full-time

Entry Requirements

A-Level

• Typical offers: BBB-BCC
• Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer.

International Baccalaureate

• 31-29 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.

Baccalaureate Wales

• From September 2023, the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3) will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate).

GCSE and Other Essential Requirements

• English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent.
• We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.

English Language Requirements

• GCSE: Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
• IELTS (academic): At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
• TOEFL iBT: At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
• PTE Academic: At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
• Trinity ISE II/III: II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits. III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

Fees for Home Status

Year	Tuition Fee	Deposit
Year one	｣9,535	None
Year two	｣9,535	None
Year three	｣9,535	None

Fees for Overseas Status

Year	Tuition Fee	Deposit
Year one	｣26,950	None
Year two	｣26,950	None
Year three	｣26,950	None

Additional Costs

• Suitable clothing (e.g., waterproofs and suitable footwear) for field trips and some fieldwork placements.
• Travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs for fieldwork placements are covered by the School as required.

Course Structure

This 3-year degree provides a solid grounding in the principles of archaeological practice and the themes and methods of scientific analysis in archaeology and heritage. The program includes:

• Core modules in years one, two, and three.
• Optional modules in all three years, covering themes, methods, and periods.
• A core 20-credit professional placement module, usually taken in the summer between year 1 and 2.
• An optional second professional placement module in the summer between years 2 and 3.

Year One

• Core modules introduce archaeological methods and develop knowledge of the archaeology of Britain and Mediterranean Societies.
• Optional modules allow students to place their studies into a wider context and explore interests.

Year Two

• Core modules focus on the application of archaeological and heritage science methods and understanding frameworks for archaeological interpretation.
• A professional placement accounts for 20 credits and takes place during the summer period between year 1 and 2.

Year Three

• Core modules focus on areas of bioarchaeology and materials science.
• Optional modules allow students to develop specialized skills in the application of specific archaeological and heritage science methods.

Learning and Assessment

• Teaching is delivered via lectures, laboratory sessions, interactive workshops, and tutorials.
• Assessment varies by module but includes essays, examinations, class tests, presentations, role-play assessments, and portfolios.
• Feedback is provided formally in writing and orally on assessed presentations.

Careers and Placements

• Graduates progress into a wide range of careers using the skills gained throughout their degrees.
• Recent graduates have gone on to professional roles in archaeology, the heritage sector, teaching, education, the civil service, and more.
• The program includes one core 20-credit professional placement module, with an optional second placement.

Fieldwork

• The Years Two and Three fieldwork projects are taken in the summer preceding those academic years.
• Fieldwork projects are taught through four weeks of student participation on archaeological excavations, field-surveys, museum curatorial projects, or other post-excavation, laboratory-based activities.