BSc Archaeology with Foundation
About this course
BSc (Hons) Archaeology with Foundation is an archaeology degree preceded by a one-year Foundation Programme. The foundation year covers the nature of academic knowledge in the degree, metacognitive skills and independent study skills, growing more specialised as the year progresses. Teaching is delivered by tutors from Durham's Centre for Academic Development, and applicants must meet eligibility criteria relating to educational disadvantage or disruption. On successful completion, students progress to the first year of BSc Archaeology (F402).
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
Entry criteria: Specific Eligibility Criteria Recommended Criteria for Mature Applicants (over 21 years) Applicants over 21 have probably achieved GCSE grade 4 in English Language or be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in this subject. Essential Criteria for younger applicants (under 21 years) Applicants under 21 must have achieved a GCSE grade 4 or higher in English Language. Recommended Criteria for all applicants Successful applicants for this route are likely to have achieved GCSE grade 5 or higher in English Language or be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in this subject.
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 0%: 0 offers from 5 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.
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Archaeology with Foundation 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 with Foundation 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 with Foundation 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 with Foundation at Durham University?
The average entrant had 139 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Archaeology with Foundation at Durham University?
0% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 0 offers from 5 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is BSc Archaeology with Foundation 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 with Foundation 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 with Foundation at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.