BA (Hons) in Archaeology

• Learn from world-leading archaeology scholars in a stimulating and engaging environment
  • Use our fully equipped laboratory and the latest industry-standard surveying equipment.
  • Take part in our overseas fieldwork projects currently in Barbados, Germany and the Republic of Georgia.
  • Accredited by The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK).

Archaeology 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, physical, biological and societies.

Winchester is home to experienced archaeology scholars who provide stimulating and engaging teaching materials. In a supportive environment, you learn key fieldwork techniques and undertake rigorous academic training. Indeed we are one of three of university archaeology departments to be a Registered Archaeological Organisation with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, a quality assurance scheme for professional practice in the field.

To make sure you make the most of fieldwork, we have excellent field equipment, including a ground penetrating radar, magnetometers, magnetic susceptibility meters, differential GPS instruments, total stations, and an X-ray fluorescence analyser. In addition, you will learn how to use industry-standard computer software such as ArcGIS, Geoplot, and AutoCAD. Further, our department has a geoarchaeological consultancy (ARCA), whose staff will also 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 also address a range of methodological topics.

Popular Year 2 modules include the Greek World, Early and Later Prehistoric Europe, Medieval Archaeology, The Archaeology and Anthropology of death and burial, The Archaeology of Religion and Ritual, and a four-day-long field trip module in which you visit sites in a region of Britain. Year 3 modules feature The Celts, The Archaeology of Africa, Caribbean Peoples and Cultures and The Archaeology of Buddhism. You undertake fieldwork throughout the course and pool all your learning in a final-year dissertation.

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 enter the archaeological profession and work in museums, heritage organisations, commercial archaeology and local authorities. Others find careers within applied science, for example, environmental management, geomatics and remote sensing.

Accreditation

This programme has been accredited by The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK).

The University of Winchester empowers students to reach their full potential and make a difference in the world. Set in Winchester, a beautiful, quintessential English city with a rich heritage and vibrant contemporary culture, the university’s friendly and compact campuses give students the benefit of city and campus living. We are well situated with excellent transport links allowing you to reach London or the coast in an hour, and Southampton Airport is just a 10-minute train journey away.

The university offers a selection of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that are taught across our five faculties:

• Faculty of Business and Digital Technologies: A modern, forward-thinking faculty offering a range of disciples including Accounting, Economics, Business Management, Computer Science and Marketing.
• Faculty of Education and the Arts: Has a long and established history of providing high-quality degrees, and is home to the Institute of Education, Department of Education and Childhood Studies, Department of Performing Arts, and School of Media and Film.
• Faculty of Health and Wellbeing: Outstanding degrees that are committed to progressing health and well-being for all life. The faculty includes Nursing, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Animal Welfare and Sports degrees.
• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Passionate about what makes us human, we offer research-led teaching and outstanding support in Anthropology; Archaeology; History; Psychology; Social Sciences including Politics and Geography; Philosophy; English and Creative Writing.
• Faculty of Law, Crime and Justice: Bringing together the department of Law and the department of Policing, Criminology and Forensics, the faculty uses an interdisciplinary approach to offer a dynamic range of degrees that offer the use of specialist facilities.