Skip navigation
Archaeology at Cardiff University - UCAS

Cardiff University

Degree level: Undergraduate
Awarded by: Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd)

Archaeology

Course options

Course summary

Placing the study of the human past at the centre of archaeological science enquiry, our BSc Archaeology will provide you with a solid grounding in the theory and application of scientific principles, data and techniques within archaeology, from the scale of molecules to monumental complexes. As a BSc Archaeolgy student, you’ll develop critical, analytical and transferable skills that prepare you for professional, scientific, academic and research careers - whether in the exciting and rapidly advancing area of archaeological science or in a wide range of other fields and sectors. We have particular strengths in relation to bioarchaeology (the study of human and animal remains, ancient DNA and isotope analysis), materials science (ceramics, metals and glass), digital archaeology and field techniques. Our programme will offer you a robust understanding of analytical techniques, delivers practical experience in their application and data processing, and the ability to design and communicate research that employs scientific analyses to address archaeological questions. We’ll enable you to follow your passions and nurture your curiosity, exploring topics that matter to you. Through a combination of science and thematic or period-based modules, you’ll be able to situate your scientific training within the archaeological contexts of your choice. You’ll develop a broad understanding of the archaeology of Britain and the Mediterranean World, coupled with the opportunity to specialise in your areas of interest. A core component of our programme is eight weeks of professional placement, typically on an archaeological excavation, though placements are wide-ranging (e.g. laboratories, museums etc). These memorable placements take place in the summers following Year One and Year Two, in the UK and overseas, developing your skills in an authentic context. As well as practical skills, honed in the field and our excellent, purpose-built and newly refurbished lab facilities, you’ll develop key research skills through the second-year independent project. Supported by one of our expert staff, you’ll plan and undertake an archaeological research project on a topic of your choosing. The optionality and increased specialisation as you progress means you will enjoy a programme of high integrity, tailored to furnishing you with skills of value within and beyond the heritage sector. Graduating with a broad understanding of the application of scientific data and methods, as well as first-hand experience of their practical application, your skills – including teamworking, leadership and communication – will be valued by employers. You’ll be ideally placed to progress into a range of careers, with recent graduates working in the heritage sector (e.g. for archaeological contractors, museums and heritage bodies) or diverse roles from teaching to the police and a wide range of graduate training schemes. Distinctive Features of the Programme Placements – home and abroad Eight weeks of professional placement in the field or a heritage organisation, allowing you to apply and develop your scientific skills in a professional, authentic setting. Promoting the practical A responsive programme with a focus on practical skills and scientific enquiry that are valuable to employers both within and outside of archaeology. Expert-led Staff with extensive professional and laboratory experience integrating cutting edge archaeological science across academic and commercial archaeology. Rich in resources Materials, facilities, analytical instrumentation, equipment and library resources to undertake meaningful independent scientific research.


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
F402
Institution code:
C15
Campus name:
Main Site - Cardiff
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects. We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.


English language requirements

All applicants are expected to have demonstrable English language skills. Most courses ask for GCSE English grade C/4 or equivalent, but some courses ask for GCSE English grade B/6 or equivalent.

To find out more, please go to:

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements/undergraduate


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
15%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
75%
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

Republic of Ireland £9000 Year 1
Channel Islands £9000 Year 1
EU £25700 Year 1
England £9000 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9000 Year 1
Scotland £9000 Year 1
Wales £9000 Year 1
International £25700 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

Students from the UK and Islands: Fees stated are for the 2024/25 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase. Fees for entry in subsequent years are subject to increase and will be confirmed by the end of October in the year preceding your start date of your programme. Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required for you to complete to the degree programme stated. Please note that you may choose to participate in study trips, associated placements or purchase equipment while studying on your degree programme which will be at your own cost. Tuition fees do not include living costs such as accommodation, subsistence or travel. Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland: If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national, unless you qualify for UK fee status, tuition fees for 2024/25 will be in line with the fees charged for international students. You can check whether you are eligible for UK (Home) fee status on the UKCISA website: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Fees-and-Money/Wales-fee-status#layer-6099 Students from the rest of the world (international): Fees stated are for 2024/25 entry and are fixed for the duration of the programme, excluding Medicine and Dentistry programmes. Please note that during the pre-clinical element of Medicine and Dentistry programmes the fee rate will be fixed, after which the clinical fee rate will be charged. Further details are available on the university website at: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/funding-and-fees Fees for entry in subsequent years are subject to increase and will be confirmed by the end of October in the year preceding your start date of your programme. Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required for you to complete the degree programme stated. Please note that you may choose to participate in study trips, associated placements or purchase equipment while studying on your degree programme which will be at your own cost. Tuition fees do not include living costs such as accommodation, subsistence or travel.

Sponsorship information

Cardiff University has many scholarships on offer to our prospective students. Please see our website at http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/funding/scholarships for further information.

Archaeology at Cardiff University - UCAS