BA (Hons)

Archaeology (with Foundation Year)

F40X

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 and the physical and biological sciences.

Ancient Rome

Course overview

Winchester is home to experienced archaeologists who provide stimulating and engaging teaching materials. In a supportive environment, you learn key fieldwork techniques and undertake rigorous academic training. To make sure you make the most of fieldwork, we have excellent field equipment, including ground penetrating radar, magnetometers, magnetic susceptibility meters, differential GPS instruments, total stations, and an X-ray fluorescence analyser.

You will learn how to use industry-standard computer software such as ArcGIS and Geoplot. Further, our department has a geoarchaeological consultancy (ARCA), whose staff will teach you. The consultancy offers valuable laboratory work experience – an opportunity to combine your academic expertise with delivering high-quality commercial solutions. 

A Foundation Year is the perfect way to build your academic skills, boost your confidence and develop your wider subject knowledge so you can bridge any gaps between school and undergraduate level, including in our academically stimulating degree courses. This course offers an extra year of study at the start (Year 0) which leads onto a full degree programme (Years 1, 2 and 3).

A Foundation Year is ideal if you are returning to education after a break; haven’t quite achieved the entry qualifications required; are wanting more support during the transition to studying at university; or are unsure about which subject you wish to pursue.

During year 0, you will study a set of modules from across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences which are designed to develop your academic and practical skills. This broader focus in your first year introduces you to studying at university level and provides you with a better understanding of Archaeology and related subjects.

You will get a taste of a variety of teaching methods including lectures, discussion-based seminars and independent study. You will also receive support to boost your academic skills to prepare you for the rest of your time at Winchester. Find out more and hear from our Foundation Year students at winchester.ac.uk/study/foundation-year/ 

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 undertake a dissertation, for which you are prepared by modules on theory and method, and consider the public role of archaeology. 

Core Year 2 modules include Fieldwork Techniques and the Archaeology of Britain and optional modules include GIS and Geomatics; the Making of Classical and Hellenistic Greece and Death, Burials and Bioarchaeology. You will undertake four weeks of archaeological fieldwork.

In Year 3 you will consolidate all of your learning up to this point by undertaking your final-year dissertation. You can also choose optional modules which include topics such as Archaeological Project Management, Themes in European Prehistory and the Archaeology of Conflict.

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 go on to enter the archaeological profession and work in museums, heritage organisations, commercial archaeology and local authorities. Other graduates find careers within applied science, for example in environmental management, geomatics and remote sensing. 

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

Winchester campus

Course length

  • 4 years full-time

Apply

F40X

Typical offer

48 points

Fees

From £9,535 pa (Foundation year)

Course features

  • Learn from world-leading archaeologists in a stimulating and engaging environment, exploring the rich archaeological heritage of Wessex
  • Use our fully-equipped laboratory and the latest industry-standard surveying equipment
  • Take part in home and overseas fieldwork projects currently in Germany and the Republic of Georgia
  • Accredited by The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK)

Course details

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market. 

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.

In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc.), you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.

Independent learning

Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.

Overall workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.

While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Year 0 (Level 3): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
Independent learning: 912 hours

Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 228 hours
Independent learning: 972 hours

Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 360 hours
Independent learning: 840 hours

Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 300 hours
Independent learning: 900 hours

*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.

Location

Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.

Teaching hours

All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.

We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:

Year 0 (Level 3)*:

100% coursework
0% written exams
0% practical assessment

Year 1 (Level 4)*:

62% coursework
25% written exams
13% practical assessment

Year 2 (Level 5)*:

87% coursework
13% written exams
0% practical assessment

Year 3 (Level 6)*:

68% coursework
13% written exams
19% practical assessment

*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.

Feedback

We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.

Further information

For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

The Archaeology of Past Societies and Cultures 30 Credits

This module provides a brief conspectus of the prehistoric and historical periods from the emergence of humans, the later development of complex societies and civilizations through to the present day. The world context is emphasised and the major developments in each period will be explored.  The module is illustrated throughout by case studies through which students can appreciate how ideas about these cultures have developed from the beginnings of antiquarian archaeology to the application of modern theory.  Key conceptual issues, such as exchange/trade, colonisation, political, religious and social developments, will be explained and discussed in relation to specific examples.

Archaeology: Methods, Approaches and Artefacts 30 Credits

This module forms an introduction to the principles and methods upon which the study of archaeology is based and explores a history of the development of the discipline, alongside a detailed background to the main categories of material culture that you might encounter on archaeological sites, including stone tools, pottery, coins, metalwork etc.

No prior knowledge of the subject is assumed or expected. You will learn about the historical emergence of archaeology as a distinct discipline from earlier antiquarian studies, alongside the development of excavation methodologies from rudimentary early work to modern, stratigraphic approaches. You will also learn about archaeological audiences, and our discipline’s engagement with the public. These thematic lectures are buttressed by the use of sessions looking at case studies of recent research projects within the Department in order to help draw together and assist understanding of the key themes.

 From a material culture perspective, you will learn about the technology behind these artefacts, and crucially how things that we make do not just have a simple function, but also encode important symbolic information as well. As the majority of archaeological material seen by the public is displayed within museums, you will also consider how material culture is displayed and presented within museums, and the choices made by curators about this.

By the end of this course you will understand the purpose and process behind archaeological excavation and the recovery of material culture, as well as the way humans make and give meaning to even the most mundane and everyday items.

Archaeological Techniques: Principles and Practice 30 Credits

This module provides an introduction to approaches and methods of survey, excavation, geophysics, dating, palaeoenvironmental and chronological study as employed in archaeology. The module is divided into five parts comprising: a: site survey, b. age estimation (i.e. relative and absolute), c: palaeoenvironmental and palaeoeconomic reconstruction (e.g. of past vegetation and animals), d: locating archaeological sites (geophysics), and e. sub-surface archaeological works (test pitting, boreholes and excavation). Each theme is explored by first discussing the theoretical basis of approaches that are used, then examining the range of techniques available and exploring in detail those most frequently used, and finally discussing how data are interpreted and problems that might result. Tuition is in the classroom and in a field setting.

Archaeological Resources and Skills 30 Credits

This module aims to instil key academic skills required for undergraduate study and research. Students will be introduced to personal development planning and continuing professional development. Students will be introduced to local sources of archaeological and historical information used to explore, evaluate and manage the historic environment. In addition, an introduction to online resources such as the Archaeological Data Service, Historic Environment Records and EDINA will provide students with a sound guide to their use. These resources will be used to review the archaeological potential of specific archaeological sites.

Modules

Archaeological Fieldwork and Post-fieldwork Techniques 30 Credits

The module comprises four weeks of archaeological fieldwork, to be undertaken on one of the field projects run by the Archaeology Department, within which the student might be involved in excavation or other field-based tasks. Students can expect to learn a variety of essential archaeological field skills, depending on the nature of the project they are participating in. These will most commonly include: heavy and light excavation; finds and environmental processing; archaeological recording (written and drawn records); and basic surveying. Students will also learn how archaeological projects are organised in the field and the procedure by which they take place. This will be followed by a post-excavation course that will explore methods of archive collation, analysis and dissemination.

Theory and Research in Archaeology 30 Credits

This mandatory module develops and supports students in attaining important skillsets in critical thinking, analysis and academic writing for their extended dissertation project in year 3. The first section of the course concentrates on developing a critical awareness of key theoretical standpoints and positions in the humanities with special reference to archaeology and anthropology. The second section of the course leads students through the process of research design and the skills required to deliver their dissertation project.  

The Archaeology of Britain 30 Credits

This module will provide a broad introduction to the archaeology of Britain from prehistory to the contemporary period. Overall, it will consider the discipline of archaeology with reference to the material evidence including monuments, landscapes, buried remains, art and artefacts. Current issues, thematic and theoretical approaches, case-studies and field trips will comprise a central element of the module. This module will include local fieldtrips and conclude with a residential field school.

Optional

Optional Modules 30 Credits

Students can pick one of the following options.

GIS & Geomatics - 30 credits
This module examines the range of measured survey and remote sensing techniques available for landscape investigation. Each technique is explained and its potential for use in conjunction with other techniques evaluated before practical training is provided. This is combined with an exploration of the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) that covers both the theory and practice of their use in archaeology.                          

 

CLAH From Homer to Alexander: The Making of Classical & Hellenistic Greece - 30 credits
Through a combination of historical and archaeological material, this module will look at the development of Greece and its culture from the end of the Dark Ages to the coming of the Romans.

 

Death, Burials and Bioarchaeology - 30 credits
This module examines a range of approaches, methods and themes within archaeology and anthropology relating to the study of death, burial and funerary customs in the past. The module will also have a practical component which will introduce students to working with human remains from archaeological sites to gain an understanding of how bioarchaeologists determine age-at-death, biological sex, and evidence for pathology from skeletal remains.                                                                

Optional Modules 30 Credits

Students can pick one of the following options.

GIS & Geomatics - 30 credits
This module examines the range of measured survey and remote sensing techniques available for landscape investigation. Each technique is explained and its potential for use in conjunction with other techniques evaluated before practical training is provided. This is combined with an exploration of the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) that covers both the theory and practice of their use in archaeology.                          

 

CLAH From Homer to Alexander: The Making of Classical & Hellenistic Greece - 30 credits
Through a combination of historical and archaeological material, this module will look at the development of Greece and its culture from the end of the Dark Ages to the coming of the Romans.

 

Death, Burials and Bioarchaeology - 30 credits
This module examines a range of approaches, methods and themes within archaeology and anthropology relating to the study of death, burial and funerary customs in the past. The module will also have a practical component which will introduce students to working with human remains from archaeological sites to gain an understanding of how bioarchaeologists determine age-at-death, biological sex, and evidence for pathology from skeletal remains.                                                                

Modules

Extended Independent Study in Archaeology 30 Credits

The module is an Extended Independent Study in archaeology for students studying on all Archaeology programmes. Students select a topic in consultation with tutors and carry out preliminary research in ARCH5002. In ARCH6002 students then apply their knowledge of archaeological theory and practice, and carry out original research in order to produce a c. 10,000 word dissertation, the latter showing clarity of expression, logical argument and creative thought. The dissertation content/subject matter reflects the particular Archaeology pathway (e.g. a project using scientific method and/or data for BSc Archaeology) and the student’s interest.

Archaeology and Heritage: Process and Interpretation 30 Credits

This module examines three themes. In the first global organisation and protection of cultural heritage (i.e. through international agreements) is examined. A number of national and state case studies of cultural heritage law and practice are considered (e.g. USA, France, Germany and particularly the UK). The second theme introduces students to careers, both in the cultural resource management ‘industry’ and in other areas where skills acquired during an Archaeology degrees are relevant. The third theme, together with the final year project, is the culmination of the Archaeology degree. It provides students the opportunity to consider the multiplicity of archaeological interpretation on the basis of differing lines of evidence and varied approaches of study. A series of archaeological ‘problems’ are discussed with the aim of examining how data can be interpreted in various ways, each one of which might be equally valid. Case studies will depend upon staff availability but might include the diffusion models to explain the change from Mesolithic to Neolithic society in Europe; colonisation (of for example the Americas and Australia, and of Europe by early forms of Homo and Homo sapiens); origins, causes and effects of diseases in the archaeological and historical record and dating the eruption of Thera and the end of the Minoan civilisation and mid-Holocene vegetation change.

Modules

Extended Independent Study in Archaeology 30 Credits

The module is an Extended Independent Study in archaeology for students studying on all Archaeology programmes. Students select a topic in consultation with tutors and carry out preliminary research in ARCH5002. In ARCH6002 students then apply their knowledge of archaeological theory and practice, and carry out original research in order to produce a c. 10,000 word dissertation, the latter showing clarity of expression, logical argument and creative thought. The dissertation content/subject matter reflects the particular Archaeology pathway (e.g. a project using scientific method and/or data for BSc Archaeology) and the student’s interest.

Archaeology and Heritage: Process and Interpretation 30 Credits

This module examines three themes. In the first global organisation and protection of cultural heritage (i.e. through international agreements) is examined. A number of national and state case studies of cultural heritage law and practice are considered (e.g. USA, France, Germany and particularly the UK). The second theme introduces students to careers, both in the cultural resource management ‘industry’ and in other areas where skills acquired during an Archaeology degrees are relevant. The third theme, together with the final year project, is the culmination of the Archaeology degree. It provides students the opportunity to consider the multiplicity of archaeological interpretation on the basis of differing lines of evidence and varied approaches of study. A series of archaeological ‘problems’ are discussed with the aim of examining how data can be interpreted in various ways, each one of which might be equally valid. Case studies will depend upon staff availability but might include the diffusion models to explain the change from Mesolithic to Neolithic society in Europe; colonisation (of for example the Americas and Australia, and of Europe by early forms of Homo and Homo sapiens); origins, causes and effects of diseases in the archaeological and historical record and dating the eruption of Thera and the end of the Minoan civilisation and mid-Holocene vegetation change.

Optional

Optional Modules 30 Credits

Students can pick two of the following modules.

Archaeological Project Management and Fieldwork - 30 credits

This module is designed to develop your knowledge of archaeological fieldwork practice within a professional context. It is divided into two parts; the first comprising of four weeks practical experience during the summer prior to Term 1 on a University of Winchester fieldwork project, or an external project (subject to approval by the module leader). The second part of the module explores the role of archaeological fieldwork within professional practice by examining current approaches to project management used in modern commercial (i.e. developer-led) archaeology. The complete project management cycle from production of research designs, budgeting of projects, production of desk-based assessments, management of fieldwork projects and production of reports is considered. The impact and constraints imposed by planning and health and safety law on archaeological projects are then assessed and methods for fulfilling the legislative requirements explored. Teaching by Departmental staff is supplemented by guest lecturers, from for example a local commercial archaeological organisation, a local authority etc. These practitioners will provide a ‘real world’ insight into project management from their perspective. Visits to a commercial archaeological site will also help students appreciate the context within which this subject operates in professional archaeology.

Themes in European Prehistory - 30 credits

This module will involve an in-depth exploration of themes in prehistoric Europe. The study may cover the prehistory of Europe from the Palaeolithic period through the development of an agricultural economy across the continent in the Neolithic, and the end of the Iron Age and the spread of the Roman Empire, in line with available lecturing staff’s research expertise. Within this time period, key concepts, controversies and problems will be considered and methodologies analysed. Themes and topics of relevance may include art, trade and exchange, settlement, monuments, religion, and burial practices, and the module will be structured around the integration of different materials: archaeological, linguistic, anthropological, genetic and sociological evidence will all be considered.

Rites, Religions and Ritual - 30 credits

This module examines the archaeological evidence for religion, ritual and belief, drawing on case-studies from a range of religious and spiritual traditions. Attention in particular will be paid to the links and contrasts between different classes of evidence from different periods and places, such as surviving monuments, artefacts, art, architecture and iconography. A fieldtrip to relevant archaeological site, monument or museum will form part of this module.

The Archaeology of Conflict - 30 credits

The module examines the origins and development of human conflict. Based on archaeological evidence, alternative approaches to conflict such as evolutionary psychology, or military history will be explored. Intra-group and inter-group conflict will be considered, as well as domestic violence, state-inflicted violence and war. The legacy of conflict will be explored through an examination of physical and cultural heritage, memorialisation and current approaches to dark heritage and via the practice of battlefield archaeology. The ethics of archaeological engagement with conflicts and their associated cultural heritage will also be considered, particularly in relation to their contribution to helping establish stable and secure societies. As part of the module, the students will also participate and contribute to a mini-conference on the archaeology of conflict.


                                                                
                                  

Entry requirements

48 points

Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:

  • A-Levels: EEE from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations
  • BTEC/CTEC: PPP from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
  • International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 1 Higher Level certificates at grade H4

Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.

In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:

GCSE English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.

If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.

If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:

  • IELTS Academic at 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
  • We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.

Additional costs

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.

There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:

Optional

Field trips
Students will have the option to participate in a week-long Archaeology field trip module in their second year of study. Indicative cost: £150.

Mandatory

Excavation
Students are required to undertake four weeks compulsory fieldwork which takes place over the summer after Year 1, with a further four weeks' compulsory fieldwork in the summer after Year 2 (or the summer following completion of the professional placement in Year 3). Students opt to do the fieldwork at one of the Department's research/ training projects. Local projects have no direct costs for student participants, but students may need to pay for their travel. Students who opt to join non-local projects may have to cover project-specific costs. At the highest end of this spectrum are the projects in Barbados (indicative cost is £1,200 for two weeks); and Georgia (indicative cost is £1,500 for four weeks) where the costs include flights, food and accommodation for the duration of the project. Indicative cost: £,1500

 

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards section.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Graduates from the programme are well equipped to enter the archaeological or heritage profession via a career in museums, heritage organisations, commercial archaeology or local authorities.

The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, HESA.

Pre-approved for a Masters

If you study a Bachelor Honours degrees with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree. 

OUR CAREERS SERVICE
Student with careers staff member
“This is the place where you get to experience everything that archaeology is about.” Dr Monika Knul, Lecturer in Archaeological and Geographical Geomatics

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