BA Archaeology
About this course
The BA (Hons) in Archaeology covers the human past from earliest prehistory to the modern day, with a broad view of world archaeology. Core topics include research methods and fieldwork. The second year includes Professional Training, which requires three weeks of fieldwork before the module begins. Students can follow an accredited route with CIfA, the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, by studying the relevant modules. The first year introduces the discipline through Introduction to Archaeology: Archaeology in Britain, Archaeology Practicals, Introduction to Archaeological Methods and World Archaeology, spanning British archaeology from the Neolithic onward, hands-on recording and analysis, excavation and GIS methods, and major phases of the human past. Optional modules have included Cities in Antiquity, Medieval to Modern: An Introduction to the Archaeology of the Medieval to Post-medieval World, and Ancient Civilisations of the East. The second year combines Professional Training, which requires three weeks of fieldwork, with Developing Archaeological Research and Advanced Skills in Archaeology (20 or 40 credit options), where students select sub-options from practical skills classes. Options range from Prehistoric Europe and Becoming Roman to Scientific Methods in Archaeology 2 and Themes in Historical Archaeology. The final year pairs the compulsory Dissertation with Specialised Aspects in Archaeology (20 or 40 credit options), which offers around 14 to 16 specialist topics, alongside options such as Interpreting Heritage, Museum Representation and Advanced Professional Training.
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: AAB IB: 35 to include 665 in higher level subjects.
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 89%: 40 offers from 45 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 10 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 95%
- Assessment and feedback: 95%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 96%
- Learning resources: 95%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Further study: 35%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 30%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 95%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 20%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 85 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 17%
- North West: 11%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 10%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 33%
- South East: 11%
- South West: 5%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accreditation by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), working in partnership with University Archaeology UK (UAUK), recognises academic programmes which provide students with appropriate workplace skills relevant to both a career in the historic environment and CIfA membership at Practitioner grade.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to Archaeology: Archaeology in Britain
- Archaeology Practicals
- Introduction to Archaeological Methods
- World Archaeology
- Example optional modules
- Professional Training
- Developing Archaeological Research
- Advanced Skills in Archaeology (20 or 40 credit options)
- Example optional modules
- Dissertation
- Specialised Aspects in Archaeology (20 or 40 credit options)
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Archaeology at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £29,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £39,000. The £29,000 median after five years is £3,500 more than the UK median for Archaeology.
What do graduates of BA Archaeology at Durham University do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Archaeology at Durham University?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Archaeology at Durham University?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 139 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA Archaeology at Durham University?
89% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 40 offers from 45 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is BA Archaeology at Durham University accredited?
Yes. Accreditation by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), working in partnership with University Archaeology UK (UAUK), recognises academic programmes which provide students with appropriate workplace skills relevant to both a career in the historic environment and CIfA membership at Practitioner grade.
Does BA Archaeology at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Archaeology at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.