Archaeological Practice
V400Archaeology unearths the stories of our past. It is the role of the archaeologist to discover and excavate sites and interpret the material recovered from them. Our Archaeological Practice course is the original vocational archaeology degree, and is specifically designed to give you the practical and technical skills necessary for a successful career in archaeology.
Course overview
The degree focuses on the current practice of archaeology, including the methods used for prospecting new sites, excavation techniques, analysis of finds and the preparation of reports and publications.
Our three-year programme places emphasis on skills acquisition - partly during fieldwork undertaken both during term time and in the summer vacation - but also includes the academic study of different periods and cultures, from the earliest humans to the start of the twentieth century.
Year 1 provides an introduction to different sub-disciplines of archaeology, including fieldwork, resources, material culture and archaeological science. You will receive training on state-of-the-art field equipment including ground penetrating radar, magnetometers, magnetic susceptibility meters, differential GPS instruments and total stations. In addition, you will learn how to use industry-standard computer software such as ArcGIS and Geoplot. The department has a geoarchaeological consultancy, ARCA, whose staff will also teach you. The consultancy offers valuable laboratory work experience and an opportunity to combine your academic expertise with reporting for a professional audience.
In Year 2, you will study geographic information systems, methods of measured survey and a variety of approaches to remote sensing. You are prepared by modules on theory and method for your final year dissertation. There is also a range of optional modules that explore the entire human story from Early Prehistoric Europe, through Ancient Greece to Medieval, post-Medieval and Modern Eurasia, as well as Human Bioarchaeology, the Archaeology and Anthropology of Death and Burial, and a multi-day field trip module in which you visit sites in another region of Britain.
In Year 3, you write a dissertation based on applied research that you have carried out, usually in a field setting or the laboratory, as well as undertaking more fieldwork. There is an option to do a short industry placement instead of the dissertation, many of which have led to employment with the archaeological company providing the placement. Archaeological Project Management is tailored to those students wanting to work in commercial archaeology. You can also choose from optional modules which include examining the archaeology of Europe Prehistory and further afield from a range of perspectives, including religion, society and conflict.
You may choose to pursue the four-year BSc (Hons) Archaeological Practice with Professional Placement pathway which includes an industry placement year, where you will build an invaluable portfolio of work.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
Winchester campus
Course length
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
Apply
V400
Typical offer
96-112 points
Fees
From £9,250 pa
Course features
- Fully equipped laboratories and training and opportunities to use the latest industry-standard surveying equipment
- Fieldwork projects in the UK and overseas
- Emphasis on skills acquisition within an academically rigorous environment
- Learn applied scientific approaches to archaeology, with fieldwork opportunities throughout your studies and conduct research using original laboratory or field data
- Option of four-year pathway with a professional placement year
Course details
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures, practicals (field and class-based) and seminars, the latter in small groups and affording the opportunity to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 228 hours
Independent learning: 972 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 384 hours
Independent learning: 816 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 300 hours
Independent learning: 900 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
62% coursework
25% written exams
13% practical assessment
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
74% coursework
13% written exams
13% practical assessment
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
81% coursework
13% written exams
6% practical assessment
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
This module explores the archaeological evidence for ancient societies and civilisations from earliest prehistory through to the contemporary period.
The focus of the module is introducing you to the distinctive character of archaeology as an academic discipline, both in terms of theory and practice. Topics examined will include the development of the subject and its relationship with other cognate disciplines, relative and absolute chronology, different specialisms within archaeology, the relationship between data recovery techniques and the deduction of interpretations, and the importance of material culture.
This module introduces you to the appropriate use of archaeological fieldwork techniques and provides an opportunity for introductory training on key equipment. You will be introduced to methods, theoretical underpinning and the application of the biological, Earth and physical sciences in archaeology.
During this module you will develop the key academic skills required for undergraduate study and research. You will be introduced to personal development planning and continuing professional development and to key sources of archaeological and historical information.
Modules
This module comprises of four weeks of archaeological fieldwork, to be undertaken on one of the field projects run by the Department of Archaeology. You will be involved in excavation or other field-based tasks and can expect to learn a variety of essential archaeological field skills, depending on the nature of the project. This will be followed by a 12-week post-excavation course that will explore methods of archive collation and analysis.
On this module you will consider the application of research methods and theoretical approaches to the study of the past.
This module examines the range of measured survey and remote sensing techniques available for landscape investigation. Each technique is explained and its potential for use in conjunction with other techniques evaluated before practical training is provided. This is combined with an exploration of the use of geographical information systems (GIS) that covers both the theory and practice of their use in archaeology.
Option A: The Archaeology of Britain
An exploration of the archaeology of Britain from prehistory to the modern period, illustrated with case studies and key sites and monuments.
Option B: Death, Burials and Bioarchaeology
This module examines a range of approaches, methods and themes within archaeology and anthropology relating to the study of death, burial and funerary customs in the past. The module will also have a practical component which will introduce you to working with human remains from archaeological sites to gain an understanding of how bioarchaeologists determine age-at-death, biological sex, and evidence for pathology from skeletal remains.
Optional
This module comprises of four weeks of archaeological fieldwork, to be undertaken on one of the field projects run by the Department of Archaeology. You will be involved in excavation or other field-based tasks and can expect to learn a variety of essential archaeological field skills, depending on the nature of the project. This will be followed by a 12-week post-excavation course that will explore methods of archive collation and analysis.
On this module you will consider the application of research methods and theoretical approaches to the study of the past.
This module examines the range of measured survey and remote sensing techniques available for landscape investigation. Each technique is explained and its potential for use in conjunction with other techniques evaluated before practical training is provided. This is combined with an exploration of the use of geographical information systems (GIS) that covers both the theory and practice of their use in archaeology.
Option A: The Archaeology of Britain
An exploration of the archaeology of Britain from prehistory to the modern period, illustrated with case studies and key sites and monuments.
Option B: Death, Burials and Bioarchaeology
This module examines a range of approaches, methods and themes within archaeology and anthropology relating to the study of death, burial and funerary customs in the past. The module will also have a practical component which will introduce you to working with human remains from archaeological sites to gain an understanding of how bioarchaeologists determine age-at-death, biological sex, and evidence for pathology from skeletal remains.
Modules
Extended Project
You prepare, research and write up a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic or theme that fascinates you.
Professional Placement
20-working day placement to gain practical experience of working within an external archaeological organisation.
This module considers the role of archaeology and heritage in the public conversation and presents a series of debates setting different approaches to specific archaeological problems in context.
This module explores current approaches to project management used in modern, commercial, developer-led archaeology. You will consider the complete project management cycle from production of research designs, budgeting of projects, production of desk-based assessments, management of fieldwork projects and the production of reports. Themes are developed in conjunction with further on-site fieldwork experience that is designed to explore the implementation and delivery of archaeological projects.
Themes in European Prehistory
This module discusses a series of major areas for debate in European prehistory, from the Palaeolithic to the Iron Age, such as the emergence of modern humans, the impact of climate change, the development of social elites, the appearance of states and civilisations, and periods of greater and lesser cultural similarity across the continent.
Rites, Religions and Ritual
This module examines the ranges of approaches, methods and themes relating to the study of religion, ritual and belief in past societies.
The Archaeology of Conflict
Examine the origins and development of human conflict. Based on the archaeological evidence, alternative approaches to conflict such as evolutionary psychology and military history will also be discussed. You will explore the legacy of conflict through an examination of physical and cultural heritage, memorialisation and current approaches to dark heritage.
Optional
Extended Project
You prepare, research and write up a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic or theme that fascinates you.
Professional Placement
20-working day placement to gain practical experience of working within an external archaeological organisation.
This module considers the role of archaeology and heritage in the public conversation and presents a series of debates setting different approaches to specific archaeological problems in context.
This module explores current approaches to project management used in modern, commercial, developer-led archaeology. You will consider the complete project management cycle from production of research designs, budgeting of projects, production of desk-based assessments, management of fieldwork projects and the production of reports. Themes are developed in conjunction with further on-site fieldwork experience that is designed to explore the implementation and delivery of archaeological projects.
Themes in European Prehistory
This module discusses a series of major areas for debate in European prehistory, from the Palaeolithic to the Iron Age, such as the emergence of modern humans, the impact of climate change, the development of social elites, the appearance of states and civilisations, and periods of greater and lesser cultural similarity across the continent.
Rites, Religions and Ritual
This module examines the ranges of approaches, methods and themes relating to the study of religion, ritual and belief in past societies.
The Archaeology of Conflict
Examine the origins and development of human conflict. Based on the archaeological evidence, alternative approaches to conflict such as evolutionary psychology and military history will also be discussed. You will explore the legacy of conflict through an examination of physical and cultural heritage, memorialisation and current approaches to dark heritage.
Entry requirements
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: CCC-BBC from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. CCC is comparable to BCD in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: MMM-DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Pass (C or above on the core) in a T Level
Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
GCSE English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.
2025 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Total | £27,750 | £50,100 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,850 | £3,340 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £29,600 | £53,440 |
Additional tuition fee information
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
Additional costs
As one of our students, all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures, guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Mandatory
Excavation
Students are required to undertake four weeks of compulsory excavation which takes place over the summer after Year 1, normally at one of the Department's local research/training projects, with a further four weeks of compulsory archaeological fieldwork in the summer after Year 2. Local projects have no direct costs for student participants, but students may need to pay for their travel. Students who opt to join non-local projects may have to cover project-specific costs. At the highest end of this spectrum is the project in Georgia (indicative cost is £1,500 for four weeks) where the costs include flights, food and accommodation for the duration of the project.
Optional
Field Trip Module
Students will have the option to participate in a three-day long residential field trip module in their second year of study. Indicative cost: £150.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Graduates have multiple career options available to them and can proceed directly into a career in professional archaeology, for example with a commercial archaeological organisation undertaking developer-funded excavation and survey.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
This course provided the important first step to a career I love. The modules I undertook included a diverse selection of theory, academic study and perhaps most importantly, practical field techniques.
