Archaeology
F400Archaeology examines the physical evidence of past societies to trace the evolution and cultural history of humanity. Ancient landscapes, buildings, artefacts and the people themselves can all reveal a small part of a bigger picture. Our BA in Archaeology takes you on an immersive and exciting journey through time — from our earliest human ancestors to the industrial age, drawing from subjects within the humanities and the physical and biological sciences.
Course overview
Winchester is home to experienced archaeologists who provide stimulating and engaging teaching materials. In a supportive environment, you learn key fieldwork techniques and undertake rigorous academic training. To make sure you make the most of fieldwork, we have excellent field equipment, including ground penetrating radar, magnetometers, magnetic susceptibility meters, differential GPS instruments, total stations, and an X-ray fluorescence analyser.
You will learn how to use industry-standard computer software such as ArcGIS and Geoplot. Further, our department has a geoarchaeological consultancy (ARCA), whose staff will teach you. The consultancy offers valuable laboratory work experience – an opportunity to combine your academic expertise with delivering high-quality commercial solutions.
Year 1 provides a sound foundation in the theory and practice of archaeology and considers the history of humanity from our earliest ape ancestors to the twentieth century. The year finishes with a four-week excavation in the summer. During Years 2 and 3, you focus on the archaeology of specific periods and/or places while you undertake a dissertation, for which you are prepared by modules on theory and method, and consider the public role of archaeology.
Core Year 2 modules include Fieldwork Techniques and the Archaeology of Britain and optional modules include GIS and Geomatics; the Making of Classical and Hellenistic Greece and Death, Burials and Bioarchaeology. You will undertake four weeks of archaeological fieldwork.
In Year 3 you will consolidate all of your learning up to this point by undertaking your final-year dissertation. You can also choose optional modules which include topics such as Archaeological Project Management, Themes in European Prehistory and the Archaeology of Conflict.
As we become more attuned to how the past is able to help shape our future, archaeologists are increasingly playing key roles in policy development and decision making. Graduates go on to enter the archaeological profession and work in museums, heritage organisations, commercial archaeology and local authorities. Other graduates find careers within applied science, for example in environmental management, geomatics and remote sensing.
Find out more about the School of History, Archaeology and Philosophy.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
Winchester campus
Course length
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
Apply
F400
Typical offer
104-120 points
Fees
From £9,535 pa
Course features
- Learn from world-leading archaeologists in a stimulating and engaging environment, exploring the rich archaeological heritage of Wessex
- Use our fully-equipped laboratory and the latest industry-standard surveying equipment
- Take part in home and overseas fieldwork projects currently in Germany and the Republic of Georgia
- 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: 300 hours
Independent learning: 900 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
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
13% written exams
19% 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.
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.
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 students 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, theoretical underpinning and application of the biological, Earth and physical sciences in archaeology.
This module aims to instil key academic skills required for undergraduate study and research. Students will be introduced to personal development planning and continuing professional development and to key sources of archaeological and historical information.
Modules
The module comprises four weeks of archaeological fieldwork, to be undertaken on one of the field projects run by the Department of Archaeology, within which the student might be involved in excavation or other field-based tasks. Students can expect to learn a variety of essential archaeological field skills, depending on the nature of the project they are participating in. This will be followed by a 12-week post-excavation course that will explore methods of archive collation and analysis.
A consideration of the application of research methods and theoretical approaches to the study of the past.
An exploration of the archaeology of Britain from prehistory to the modern period, illustrated with case studies and key sites and monuments.
Students can pick one of the following options.
GIS & Geomatics - 30 credits
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.
CLAH From Homer to Alexander: The Making of Classical & Hellenistic Greece - 30 credits
Through a combination of historical and archaeological material, this module will look at the development of Greece and its culture from the end of the Dark Ages to the coming of the Romans.
Death, Burials and Bioarchaeology - 30 credits
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 archaeological fieldwork, to be undertaken on one of the field projects run by the Department of Archaeology, within which the student might be involved in excavation or other field-based tasks. Students can expect to learn a variety of essential archaeological field skills, depending on the nature of the project they are participating in. This will be followed by a 12-week post-excavation course that will explore methods of archive collation and analysis.
A consideration of the application of research methods and theoretical approaches to the study of the past.
An exploration of the archaeology of Britain from prehistory to the modern period, illustrated with case studies and key sites and monuments.
Students can pick one of the following options.
GIS & Geomatics - 30 credits
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.
CLAH From Homer to Alexander: The Making of Classical & Hellenistic Greece - 30 credits
Through a combination of historical and archaeological material, this module will look at the development of Greece and its culture from the end of the Dark Ages to the coming of the Romans.
Death, Burials and Bioarchaeology - 30 credits
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
10,000 word dissertation on a topic or theme.
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.
Students can pick two of the following modules.
Archaeological Project Management and Fieldwork - 30 credits
This module explores current approaches to project management used in modern commercial (i.e. developer-led) archaeology. 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 is considered. 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 - 30 credits
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 - 30 credits
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 - 30 credits
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
10,000 word dissertation on a topic or theme.
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.
Students can pick two of the following modules.
Archaeological Project Management and Fieldwork - 30 credits
This module explores current approaches to project management used in modern commercial (i.e. developer-led) archaeology. 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 is considered. 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 - 30 credits
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 - 30 credits
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 - 30 credits
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:
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.
2025/6 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Year 1* | £9,535 | £16,700 |
Additional tuition fee information
*(UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland) £9,535 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. The fee is currently subject to a governmental fee cap for each academic year. It is our policy to charge tuition fees at the level of the cap set by the Government. If the cap set by the Government changes, then we may increase our Fees in line with governmental policy.
*(International) £16,700 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. We decide the annual level of increase of our Tuition Fees by taking into account a range of factors including the cost of delivering the course and change in governmental funding.
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 £79.40 and a 15 credit module is £1,191. 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 £7,145
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.
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' compulsory fieldwork which takes place over the summer after Year 1, normally at one of the Department's local research/training projects. These local projects have no direct costs for student participants, but students may need to pay for their travel.
Optional
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 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, HESA.
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.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
“This is the place where you get to experience everything that archaeology is about.”
