Archaeology
V402Do you dig it? If you’re excited by the idea of using modern scientific techniques to explore how people lived in the past our science-based Archaeology degree is a great find 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.
To make sure you leave no stone unturned during fieldwork, we have excellent field equipment, including a 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, 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 dig into 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 acquire the scientific skills that are key in archaeology, such as laboratory techniques and the use of Geographic Information Systems software. You also explore archaeological theory and consider how past climate and environmental change has affected ancient cultures. You then put these skills and knowledge to use in practical projects in your areas of interest, which may include human bioarchaeology (the study of human skeletal remains), geomatics and remote sensing, or geomorphology.
During Year 3, you write a dissertation based on a piece of applied scientific research that you carry out, usually in a laboratory and/or field setting. You can also branch out into examining the archaeology of the southern Caucasus, the Caribbean, as well as Europe and from a range of perspectives. These latter include the impact of the natural environement, religion, society and conflict.
The Department of Archaeology, Anthropology and Geography at the University of Winchester is a Registered Archaeological Organisation with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), a quality assurance scheme for professional practice in the field.
Many graduates have used the skills and knowledge gained on the course to pursue careers in professional archaeology, such as with an archaeological unit. Others work in the applied sciences, including in various types of laboratories, in environmental management and geomatics.
But with highly-prized 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 able to explore non-vocational careers, too.
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 10 in the UK for graduates in employment and further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, 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
- Ranked 6th for overall student satisfaction in England for Archaeology, and 2nd out of the modern (post-’92) universities in England
- Learn applied scientific approach to archaeology, with fieldwork opportunities throughout the year and research using original laboratory and/or field data
- Use our fully equipped laboratory and the latest range of industry-standard surveying equipment, including a ground penetrating radar and geoscan gradiometers
- Join 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 exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
74% coursework
13% written exams
13% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
53% coursework
39% written exams
8% practical exams
*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 introduces students to a range of archaeological resources through well-defined practical tasks and site visits. Students will be introduced to local sources of archaeological and historical information through a tour of the City of Winchester, visits to the Record Office, Museums and Historic Environment Record. In addition, an introduction to online resources such as the Archaeological Data Service, Historic Environment Records and EDINA will provide students with a sound guide to their use. Students will then work in pairs on different activities each week including the analysis of pottery fabrics, map interpretation, aerial photograph plotting, compiling HER-type data, simple bone identification and deposit mapping.
This module provides an introduction to the development of humans from hominid origins to the development of written forms of communication. Therefore, although the module has a single chronological starting point (c 7.5 my BP), it has a variable end point depending upon the part of the world under discussion. The module addresses the main stages of human evolution and development, starting with the separation from the Honinidae (the human family) from the Pongidae (the apes), the transition from Australopithecines to Homo and eventually to modern humans, and covering the origins and development of crucial human processes such as technology, social systems, art, farming and urbanisation. The significance of the independent invention of key developments (such as agriculture) in different parts of the world will be stressed. By these means, the student will gain a greater awareness of the main sequences of human development on a world scale, be able to better appreciate the 'time lines' of the prehistoric periods and will understand how the prehistory of the British Isles is a connected sub-set of that of both continental Europe and the world as a whole.
This module forms an introduction to the principles and methods upon which the study of archaeology is based. No prior knowledge of the subject is assumed or expected. The philosophical distinctiveness of the subject is outlined, and the various sub-divisions within archaeology (e.g. environmental archaeology, experimental archaeology) are examined. This leads on to an assessment of the methods of establishing chronological sequences in archaeology, and an overview of the methods to be examined in more detail in later modules. These thematic lectures are buttressed by the use of sessions looking at case studies of recent research projects within the Department in order to help draw together and assist understanding of the key themes. Parallel study skills sessions alongside this lecture series allow you to develop quickly the key skills needed in an HE environment.
This module provides an introduction to methods, theoretical underpinning and application of the biological, Earth and physical sciences in archaeology. It also introduces mathematical concepts that are of vital importance in using scientific data in archaeology. The module is divided into five parts comprising: a: methods of age estimation (e.g. chronometric and incremental approaches), b: provenancing studies (e.g. of stone and ceramic artefacts, but also layers on archaeological sites), c: locating archaeological sites (remote sensing), d: palaeoenvironmental reconstruction (e.g. of past vegetation and animals), and d: economic investigation (e.g. subsistence and diet, craft activities). Each theme is explored by first discussing the theoretical basis of approaches that are used, for example introducing uniformitarian concepts when discussing palaeoenvironmental reconstruction examining the range of techniques available, exploring in detail those most frequently used and then discussing how data are interpreted and problems that might result.
This module introduces students to the range of fieldwork techniques available to archaeologists and explores their various strengths and weaknesses. It outlines how each technique works and provides a guide to their appropriate use. The first part of the module comprises a series of lectures that introduce each technique and the equipment used. The second half of the module provides an opportunity for introductory training on equipment used by the Archaeology Department at a local archaeological site.
Archaeologists deal with things. These things (material culture or artefacts) are a way of understanding the lives of the humans who made them. This course presents you with a detailed background to the main categories of material culture that you might encounter on any archaeological sites; these items include: stone tools, pottery, coins, metalwork etc. You will learn about the technology behind these artefacts, and crucially how things that we make do not just have a simple function, but also encode important symbolic information as well. By the end of this course you will look afresh at the way humans make and give meaning to even the most mundane and everyday items.
Modules
- Geomatic and Remote sesing - 15 Credits
- Human Bioarchaeology - 15 Credits
- Global Environmental Change - 15 Credits
- Geomorphology: an introduction - 15 Credits
- Early Prehistoric Europe - 15 Credits
- Later Prehistoric Europe - 15 Credits
- Roman Britain - 15 Credits
- The Archaeology of Conflict - 15 Credits
- The Greek World - 15 Credits
- Geoarchaeology - 15 Credits
- Medieval Archaeology - 15 Credits
- Archaeology and Anthropology of Death of Burial - 15 Credits
- Archaeology Field Trip - 15 Credits
- Archaeology and Popular Culture - 15 Credits
- Community Volunteer Placement - 15 Credits
- Period Study: An Introduction to the Archaeology of Roman and Medieval Britain - 15 credits
Optional
- Geomatic and Remote sesing - 15 Credits
- Human Bioarchaeology - 15 Credits
- Global Environmental Change - 15 Credits
- Geomorphology: an introduction - 15 Credits
- Early Prehistoric Europe - 15 Credits
- Later Prehistoric Europe - 15 Credits
- Roman Britain - 15 Credits
- The Archaeology of Conflict - 15 Credits
- The Greek World - 15 Credits
- Geoarchaeology - 15 Credits
- Medieval Archaeology - 15 Credits
- Archaeology and Anthropology of Death of Burial - 15 Credits
- Archaeology Field Trip - 15 Credits
- Archaeology and Popular Culture - 15 Credits
- Community Volunteer Placement - 15 Credits
- Period Study: An Introduction to the Archaeology of Roman and Medieval Britain - 15 credits
Modules
- Fieldwork 2 - 15 Credits
- Archaeological Project Management - 15 Credits
- The Celts - 15 Credits
- Roman Wessex - 15 Credits
- Later Prehistoric Wessex - 15 Credits
- The Archaeology of Winchester - 15 Credits
- Caribbean Peoples and Cultures - 15 Credits
- Archaeology of Buddhism - 15 Credits
- The Archaeology of the Southern Caucasus - 15 Credits
- Medieval Religion and Belief - 15 Credits
- Battlefield Archaeology - 15 Credits
- Minoans and Mycenaeans: The Greek Bronze Age - 15 Credits
- Intangible Heritage - 15 Credits
Optional
- Fieldwork 2 - 15 Credits
- Archaeological Project Management - 15 Credits
- The Celts - 15 Credits
- Roman Wessex - 15 Credits
- Later Prehistoric Wessex - 15 Credits
- The Archaeology of Winchester - 15 Credits
- Caribbean Peoples and Cultures - 15 Credits
- Archaeology of Buddhism - 15 Credits
- The Archaeology of the Southern Caucasus - 15 Credits
- Medieval Religion and Belief - 15 Credits
- Battlefield Archaeology - 15 Credits
- Minoans and Mycenaeans: The Greek Bronze Age - 15 Credits
- Intangible Heritage - 15 Credits
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.
2024 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 2024, 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 £1200 for two weeks); and Georgia (indicative cost is £1500 for four weeks) where the costs include flights, food and accommodation for the duration of the project. Indicative cost: £0-£1500
Printing and Binding
The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.
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.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
