24Jul
BusinessCourse summary
Are you ready to study archaeology in a place where history is all around you? Can you imagine learning on the doorstep of world-renowned sites such as Skara Brae, Maeshowe, the Camster Cairns, and Mousa Broch? The Highlands and Islands of Scotland offer an extraordinary setting for exploring the past, and our BA (Hons) Archaeology (with a year in industry) puts you at the heart of it. On this degree, you’ll build a deep understanding of archaeological practices while developing your own hands-on skills through practical training and placements. While rooted in Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, the course also takes a global perspective, helping you connect local history with broader archaeological themes. You’ll learn from passionate lecturers who lead cutting-edge research projects across the Scottish Islands, the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic region, and even as far as Polynesia. As you progress, you’ll gain skills in excavation, field survey, environmental archaeology (including zooarchaeology, archaeobotany and osteoarchaeology), digital tools like photogrammetry, and archaeological illustration. As you complete your degree, you’ll be equipped not only with strong archaeological knowledge and practical skills but also with the confidence to pursue a wide range of exciting career paths. Whether you choose to continue into postgraduate research, work with heritage organisations, join commercial archaeology teams, or apply your skills in other fields, this degree will open doors for you. You’ll graduate ready to make a meaningful impact by uncovering and protecting the stories of the past for future generations. You will take part in a mandatory induction in the August before your course starts, either online or in-person at UHI Orkney There is a mandatory 2-week residential excavation field school in year 2 You may have the opportunity to undertake an optional 2-week residential lab class in year 3 You will also undertake a mandatory 7-12 month work placement in year 4 You will also undertake practical fieldwork and project work.
How to apply
14Jan
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:
- H49
- Campus name:
- Orkney
- Campus code:
- O
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
Entry to year 2 may be possible with HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits) with 3 additional SQA credits at level 7, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit
International applicants
This course is not currently available for international students (including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK) requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - BC
Scottish Higher - BBC
CPD Award Archaeology and Local Studies (SCQF level 7) will also be considered for entry to year 1. UHI does not use Tariff points, and accepts a range of qualifications. Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/courses/ba-hons-archaeology-with-a-year-in-industry/
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | with no element below 5.5 |
| PTE Academic | 59 | 59 average with 59 in each component |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | Min 78 or above with min 18 in each section |
Our programmes are taught and examined in English. To make the most of your studies, you must be able to communicate fluently and accurately in spoken and written English in an academic environment and provide certified proof of your competence before starting your course. Please note that English language tests need to have been taken no more than two years prior to the start date of the course. The minimum English language requirements to study at the University of the Highlands and Islands are detailed below:
Further information on English Language Requirements can be found at the following:
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Scotland | £1820* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| EU | £15870* | Year 1 |
| International | £15870* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
This course includes several field trips, including residentials and an optional international field trip module to Iceland. You will be required to pay a contribution towards the cost of the residentials and international trips. The module option for Iceland trip may also require a visa: it will be your responsibility to research and secure your visa to travel to Iceland if needed.
Financing of your year in industry will depend on individual arrangements with placement hosts, but you will need to cover the cost of travel to and from your placement during this period.
For full information on fees please see our Undergraduate Tuition Fees page at https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/studying-at-uhi/first-steps/how-much-will-it-cost/ug/
For course specific fees information please refer to the Fees/funding tab on the university website course page.
You can also find information on additional funding available such as bursaries and scholarships at https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/studying-at-uhi/first-steps/how-much-will-it-cost/funding-your-studies/bursaries-and-scholarships/
Provider information
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
UHI House
Old Perth Road
Inverness
IV2 3JH