Archaeology
V402If you are excited by the idea of using modern scientific techniques to explore how people lived in the past, our science-based Archaeology degree is for you. Learn the latest methods and approaches and how they’re applied, then carry out your own original biological, physical and earth science research to solve problems of the human past.
Course overview
The course covers a broad range of methods and techniques. In our well-equipped laboratories you can learn how to analyse the chemical composition of human and animal bones and discover what they reveal about past diets. In the field you can choose to work on sites in both Britain and overseas, and in the library, you can study archaeological periods ranging from the Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age), through Classical Greece to the medieval and post-medieval periods.
During your fieldwork you will use equipment including a ground penetrating radar, magnetometers, magnetic susceptibility meters, differential GPS instruments and total stations. You will learn how to use industry-standard computer software such as ArcGIS, Geoplot and AutoCAD. Our department has a geoarchaeological consultancy (ARCA), whose staff will also teach you. The consultancy offers valuable laboratory work experience and an opportunity to see how archaeological science is used in professional archaeology.
In Year 1 you explore the theory and practice of archaeology, while covering the story of humanity. You explore the methods, theories and approaches that underpin archaeological science, as well as considering the importance of fieldwork and material culture.
In Year 2, you will undertake four weeks of fieldwork in the Archaeological Fieldwork and Post-fieldwork Techniques module where you will learn essential field skills and explore methods of archive collation and analysis. You will also study Climate and Landscape Change, Theory and Research in Archaeology and have the choice of an optional module.
During Year 3, you will complete an Extended Independent Study in Archaeology on a topic or theme of your interest. You will also study Archaeology and Heritage: Process and Interpretation considering the role of archaeology and heritage in the public conversation. You will also have a range of optional modules to choose between.
Many graduates pursue careers in professional archaeology, for example with an archaeological unit. Others work in the applied sciences, including in various types of laboratories, in environmental management and geomatics. And with desirable key skills in areas such as time and project management, problem solving, teamwork, cultural awareness and the ability to express ideas clearly to a wide range of audiences, you are well placed to explore a non-vocational career.
Find out more about the School of History, Archaeology and Philosophy
Careers
Graduates proceed directly into a career in professional archaeology, for example with an archaeological trust or unit. Others enter careers within applied science, for example environmental management, geomatics and remote sensing.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 25 in the UK for graduates in employment and further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024, HESA.
Accreditation
This programme has been accredited by the The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK).
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degrees with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
Winchester campus
Course length
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
Apply
V402
Typical offer
104-120 points
Fees
From £9,250 pa
Course features
- Applied scientific approach to archaeology, with fieldwork opportunities throughout the year and research using original lab or field data
- Fully equipped laboratories and the latest range of industry-standard surveying equipment, including a ground penetrating radar and geoscan gradiometers
- Research projects abroad, such as in Barbados and Georgia
- Explore the rich archaeological heritage of Wessex
- Accredited by The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK)
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: 360 hours
Independent learning: 840 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 180 hours
Independent learning: 1020 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)*:
68% coursework
39% written exams
8% 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
An exploration of the archaeological evidence for ancient societies and civilisations from earliest prehistory through to the contemporary period.
You will explore the distinctive character of archaeology as an academic discipline, both in terms of theory and practice. You will examine 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. It will also provide an introduction to methods, the theoretical underpinning and application of the biological, Earth and physical sciences in archaeology.
This module instills the key academic skills required for undergraduate study and research. You are introduced to your own personal development planning and continuing professional development and to key sources of archaeological and historical information.
Modules
The module comprises four weeks of fascinating archaeological fieldwork, to be undertaken on one of the field projects run by the department, where you will be involved in excavation and other field-based tasks. You will learn a variety of essential archaeological field skills, depending on the nature of the project you work on. This will be followed by a 12-week post-excavation course that explores methods of archive collation and analysis.
A consideration of the application of research methods and theoretical approaches to the study of the past.
On this module you will gain a critical understanding of climate change processes and their products over timescales of millions to hundreds of years. You will critically evaluate proxy datasets that provide indicators of past environments by applying science techniques in a field and laboratory setting.
Option A: GIS & Geomatics
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 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 students 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
The module comprises four weeks of fascinating archaeological fieldwork, to be undertaken on one of the field projects run by the department, where you will be involved in excavation and other field-based tasks. You will learn a variety of essential archaeological field skills, depending on the nature of the project you work on. This will be followed by a 12-week post-excavation course that explores methods of archive collation and analysis.
A consideration of the application of research methods and theoretical approaches to the study of the past.
On this module you will gain a critical understanding of climate change processes and their products over timescales of millions to hundreds of years. You will critically evaluate proxy datasets that provide indicators of past environments by applying science techniques in a field and laboratory setting.
Option A: GIS & Geomatics
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 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 students 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
You will plan, research and write up your 10,000-word dissertation on a topic or theme to be agreed with your research supervisor.
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.
Archaeological Project Management and Fieldwork
This module explores current approaches to project management used in modern commercial, developer-led archaeology. You consider the complete project management cycle from production of research designs, budgeting of projects, production of desk-based assessments, management of fieldwork projects and production of reports. Themes are developed in conjunction with further on-site fieldwork experience that explores 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 civlisations, 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
The module examines 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. The legacy of conflict will be explored through an examination of physical and cultural heritage, memorialisation and current approaches to dark heritage.
Optional
You will plan, research and write up your 10,000-word dissertation on a topic or theme to be agreed with your research supervisor.
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.
Archaeological Project Management and Fieldwork
This module explores current approaches to project management used in modern commercial, developer-led archaeology. You consider the complete project management cycle from production of research designs, budgeting of projects, production of desk-based assessments, management of fieldwork projects and production of reports. Themes are developed in conjunction with further on-site fieldwork experience that explores 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 civlisations, 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
The module examines 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. The legacy of conflict will be explored 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: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Merit 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:
GCSEs 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:
Optional
Field trips
Students will have the option to participate in a four day-long Archaeology field trip module in their second year of study. Indicative cost: £150.
Mandatory
Excavation
Students are required to undertake four weeks compulsory fieldwork which takes place over the summer after Year 1, with a further four weeks' compulsory fieldwork in the summer after Year 2 (or the summer following completion of the professional placement in Year 3). Students opt to do the fieldwork at one of the Department's research/ training projects. 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 are the projects in Barbados (indicative cost is £1,200 for two weeks); and Georgia (indicative cost is £1,500 for four weeks) where the costs include flights, food and accommodation for the duration of the project. Indicative cost: £1,500
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 section.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Graduates from the programme are well equipped to enter the archaeological or heritage profession via a career in museums, heritage organisations, commercial archaeology or local authorities.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 25 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024, HESA.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
“This is the place where you get to experience everything that archaeology is about.”
