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Archaeology at University of Aberdeen - UCAS

Course summary

Archaeology is the only discipline that studies the human past in its entirety; from the origins of our species to the events of yesterday. Archaeology at Aberdeen has a special northern focus that is unique in the UK. Through lectures, field and laboratory work you will engage with the archaeology of Scotland, Scandinavia, northern Europe, the North Atlantic and northern latitudes of Asia and North America. You will be taught by internationally acclaimed researchers. This MA degree focuses on the humanities and social science side of archaeology. Courses will cover subjects such as the origins of modern humans, colonisation of the north, history and theory of archaeology, Scottish archaeology and excavation and research skills. In seeking to understand how ancient people lived their lives, structured their world, and engaged with their environment, archaeologists ask the big questions that can provide us with the tools to tackle modern day issues such the effects of climate change, designing the ‘perfect’ diet, or investigating the spread of epidemics. You will develop the practical and research skills required to work as a professional archaeologist, taught and inspired by experts who are internationally recognised leaders in their fields, with many links and projects in areas of special interest overseas, such as Alaska. The University of Aberdeen has joined the prestigious list of institutions to have its archaeology programmes accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK). It is also the first Archaeology department in Scotland to be recognised in this way. Accreditation is awarded to those degrees programmes that are deemed to provide the relevant professional skills needed for a career in the historic environment. Choosing an accredited degree, therefore, gives you the best possible springboard to develop a career in archaeology. **Aberdeen is ranked 4th in the UK for student satisfaction in Forensic and Archaeological Sciences by the 2022 National Student Survey, with an overall satisfaction score of 92.3%. Anthropology and Archaeology at Aberdeen is ranked 6th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2023.**

Modules

View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.

Assessment method

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses. Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

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

Application codes

Course code:
F421
Institution code:
A20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification Requirements

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/find-a-degree.php

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Please click the following link to find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/degree-programmes/442/F421/archaeology/


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Overall - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted.
TOEFL (iBT)78TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition (online) - DI code is 0818: Overall 78 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above.
PTE Academic59Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted.
Trinity ISEPassPass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills.
Institution's Own TestAcademic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year)
Cambridge English AdvancedCOverall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169.
Cambridge English ProficiencyCOverall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169.

To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.

Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/undergraduate-degrees-english-requirements-268.php


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
80%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
95%
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 £9250 Year 1
EU £20800 Year 1
Scotland £1820 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
International £20800 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

EU/International Applicants: When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country, and arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.

Sponsorship information

View the University of Aberdeen Online Prospectus programme page to find out about any scholarships and funding you may be eligible to apply for.

Archaeology at University of Aberdeen - UCAS