BA Historical Archaeology
About this course
BA (Hons) in Historical Archaeology, an archaeology degree centred on the archaeology of the last 600 years. Core topics include research methods and fieldwork. Students can follow a route accredited by CIfA, the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. The third year includes a compulsory dissertation, and the Professional Training module incorporates three weeks of fieldwork before the second year begins. The first year introduces archaeological foundations through Introduction to Archaeological Methods, Archaeology Practicals and Introduction to Archaeology: Archaeology in Britain, alongside Medieval to Modern: An Introduction to the Archaeology of the Medieval to Post-Medieval World. Optional modules span ancient worlds, including Cities in Antiquity, Ancient Civilisations of the East and Discovering World Prehistory. The second year develops research practice and historical archaeology debate through Professional Training, Developing Archaeological Research and Themes in Historical Archaeology, with options such as Becoming Roman and Scientific Methods in Archaeology 2. The third year centres on the compulsory Archaeology Dissertation, an extended independent research project in a chosen specialist area. Final-year options include Current Archaeology, Interpreting Heritage, Museum Representation and Advanced Professional Training, which incorporates a placement.
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.
See the highest paying History, Philosophy & Religion degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 46 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 87%
- Academic support: 97%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 95 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 93%
- Left higher education: 7%
What graduates do next
Based on about 22 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 5%
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 110 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 99%
- Other qualifications: 1%
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
- Medieval to Modern: An Introduction to the Archaeology of the Medieval to Post-Medieval World
- Archaeology Practicals
- Introduction to Archaeology: Archaeology in Britain
- Example optional modules
- Professional Training
- Developing Archaeological Research
- Themes in Historical Archaeology
- Example optional modules
- Archaeology Dissertation
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Historical 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 Historical Archaeology at Durham University do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Historical Archaeology at Durham University?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Historical Archaeology at Durham University?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 147 UCAS points.
Is BA Historical 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 Historical 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 Historical Archaeology at Durham University?
93% of students continued into their second year, and 7% left higher education.