University of Winchester

Degree level: Undergraduate

Archaeology

University of Winchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

What does this TEF outcome mean?

Open days

11Jun

University of Winchester - Open Day (2025 entry)

Undergraduate

6Jul

University of Winchester - Open Day (2025 entry)

Undergraduate

28Sep

University of Winchester - Open Day (2025 entry)

Undergraduate

Course summary

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. Futher, 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 fieldtrip 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.

Modules

For detailed information on modules you will be studying please click on the 'View course details' link at the top of this summary box.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) (formerly Institute of Field Archaeologists)

How to apply

31Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:: F400

Institution code:: W76

Campus name:: Main Site

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

Applicants who wish to apply for advanced standing (exemption from part of a programme) based on previous study are considered on an individual basis. Applicants are required to provide transcripts. confirming the module titles and grades they have already achieved, as well as module handbooks and/or programme specifications showing the learning outcomes of the modules completed.

International applicants

We accept a wide range of non-UK qualifications and use UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre) guidelines to confirm their equivalence.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 104 - 120 points

Access to HE Diploma

GCSE/National 4/National 5

T Level - M

Applicants are required to hold a minimum of 2 x A-level or equivalent qualifications (e.g. 2 x BTEC National Subsidiary Diplomas) and we accept all A-level subjects, including Critical Thinking, General Studies and own-language A-levels. We welcome applicants who have completed the Extended Project (EP/EPQ) and points obtained from this qualification will be included in any offer. In addition, we accept a maximum of 32 points from level 3 qualifications below A2 that are included in the tariff (e.g. AS-levels not studied at A-level, music or dance qualifications). If you are a mature student, your application will be considered on its individual merits and work or other professional experience may be taken into consideration in lieu of other published requirements.

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6	An overall score of 6.0, including 5.5 in writing is required. If you require Tier 4 sponsorship, you will require a minimum of 5.5 in all 4 components.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9250	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Scotland	£9250	Year 1
Wales	£9250	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9250	Year 1
EU	£16700	Year 1
International	£16700	Year 1

Additional fee information

For further information about any additional costs associated with this course please see the individual course page on the University of Winchester website (www.winchester.ac.uk).