BSc Archaeology
About this course
The BSc (Hons) in Archaeology is a three-year undergraduate degree centred on the discipline of archaeology, with a strong emphasis on scientific techniques. Core topics include research methods and fieldwork. Students may follow a route accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), and the degree concludes with an extended dissertation supervised by a member of staff. The first year establishes foundations through Introduction to Archaeological Methods, Introduction to Archaeology: Archaeology in Britain, Archaeology Practicals and World Archaeology. The second year builds on this with Professional Training, which requires three weeks of fieldwork in the summer before the year begins, plus Developing Archaeological Research and Scientific Methods in Archaeology 2. Advanced Skills in Archaeology offers a choice of two or four sub-options from a suite of practical skills classes. The third year centres on the Archaeology Dissertation and Scientific Methods in Archaeology 3. Optional modules allow specialisation in areas such as Specialised Aspects in Archaeology, Interpreting Heritage, Museum Representation and Archaeology and Global Sustainable Development.
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 100%: 25 offers from 25 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 Archaeological Methods
- Introduction to Archaeology: Archaeology in Britain
- Archaeology Practicals
- World Archaeology
- Example optional modules
- Professional Training
- Developing Archaeological Research
- Scientific Methods in Archaeology 2
- Advanced Skills in Archaeology (20 or 40 credit options)
- Example optional modules
- Archaeology Dissertation
- Scientific Methods in Archaeology 3
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc 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 BSc 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 BSc 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 BSc 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 BSc Archaeology at Durham University?
100% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 25 offers from 25 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is BSc 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 BSc 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 BSc Archaeology at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.