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Archaeology at University of Winchester - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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University of Winchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

30Nov
University of Winchester - Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

  • 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).
Do 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. 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 environment, 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.

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

29Jan

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:
V402
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

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

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6An 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
60%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
100%
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 £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1
EU £16700 Year 1
International £16700 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

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).
Archaeology at University of Winchester - UCAS