BSc Archaeology
About this course
BSc in Archaeology, focusing on the scientific study of human societies and past environments. Core topics include Research Methods and Fieldwork. The course includes a mandatory minimum two-week summer excavation placement and is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists and University Archaeology UK.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL with two Mathematics/Science subjects required. SL or HL in English and Mathematics are also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM. Main subjects to be Science or Mathematics. (Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B). GCSE at Grade C/4 or above is also required in English or English Language, Mathematics and either Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. O4 in English and Mathematics is also required.
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What students say
Based on about 14 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 98%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 75%
- Learning resources: 98%
- Student voice: 95%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 35%
- Teaching Professionals: 25%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 60 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 2%
- South East: 3%
- Scotland: 87%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 75%
- Access course: 10%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Archaeology in Action
- Caves to Kingdoms: an Introduction to Prehistoric Archaeology
- Prehistoric Britain: from Boxgrove to Bede
- Test Tubes and Trowels: an Introduction to Archaeological Science
- Past Lives
- The Archaeology of The North: Lifeways & Cultural Change
- Professional Archaeology i: Field Methods
- Archaeological Research Project Part 1
- Professional Archaeology II: Post - Excavation Analysis and Employment
- Archaeological Fieldwork Portfolio
- Archaeological Research Project Part 2
- Bioarchaeology: Biological Approaches in Archaeology
- Current Issues in Archaeology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Archaeology at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £31,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £36,000. The £31,500 median after five years is £4,500 more than the UK median for Forensic and archaeological sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Archaeology at University of Aberdeen do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Archaeology at University of Aberdeen?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Archaeology at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 169 UCAS points.
Does BSc Archaeology at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Archaeology at University of Aberdeen?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.