BA Archaeology
About this course
BA in Archaeology, an archaeology degree centred on the study of past human societies, material culture, and landscapes. Core topics include Research Methods and Fieldwork. Students undertake practical fieldwork opportunities in the UK or abroad, with optional professional placements also available. The first year establishes core foundations through compulsory modules such as Archaeological and Forensic Science Practicals, Medieval Society to Globalisation, Evolution to Empire, Archaeological Fieldschool, Investigating Archaeology, and Archaeology and Heritage: Past and Futures, alongside optional studies like Introduction to Islamic Archaeology, Forensic Archaeology, and Artefacts and Materials. The second year advances practical application via compulsory modules including Archaeological Fieldwork Project and Archaeological Fieldschool. Optional modules allow specialisation in diverse subjects spanning prehistory, medieval periods, scientific analysis, and material culture, including Monumental Changes: Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Britain and Ireland, Archaeology of the Americas, Analysing Artefacts and Materials, Discovering the Past with Molecular Science, Zooarchaeology, and Aerial Survey.
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: ABB-BBB. IB: 32/655-30/555.
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 73%: 36 offers from 49 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 16 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 94%
- Assessment and feedback: 93%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 94%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 93%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 25%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 30%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Caring personal services: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 35 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 15%
- South East: 20%
- South West: 30%
- Wales: 10%
- Northern Ireland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Archaeological and Forensic Science Practicals
- Medieval Society to Globalisation
- Evolution to Empire
- Archaeological Fieldschool
- Investigating Archaeology
- Archaeology and Heritage: Past and Futures
- Introduction to Islamic Archaeology
- Forensic Archaeology
- Artefacts and Materials
- Archaeological Fieldwork Project
- Archaeological Fieldschool
- Monumental Changes: Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Britain and Ireland
- Archaeology of the Americas
- The Archaeology and Ethnography of Hunter-Gatherers
- Analysing Artefacts and Materials
- Lords to Lepers: Medieval Social Worlds
- Things and Us: Ancient and Contemporary Material Culture
- Brooches, Beads, Swords and Shields: Early Medieval Material Culture
- Sustainability and Collapse in Past Societies
- Giving and Taking: Anthropology and Archaeology of Circulation and Exchange
- Discovering the Past with Molecular Science
- Palaeolithic Archaeology of Homo Sapiens 100,000-12,000 BP
- Trading Places, Towns, Royal Palaces and Fortifications: Early Medieval Centres in Europe
- Understanding the Landscape of Roman Britain
- Understanding the Landscape of Medieval Britain
- Medieval Castles in Context
- Romanisation: Interaction, Conquest and Change in Late Iron Age and Roman Dacia
- Zooarchaeology
- Palaeobotany
- Aerial Survey
- Forensic Anthropology
- Human Origins and Evolution: the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic
- Research in Archaeology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Archaeology at University of Exeter earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £26,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,000 and £36,000. The £26,500 median after five years is £1,000 more than the UK median for Archaeology.
What do graduates of BA Archaeology at University of Exeter do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Archaeology at University of Exeter?
90% 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 University of Exeter?
The typical offer is BBB at A level. The average entrant had 143 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA Archaeology at University of Exeter?
73% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 36 offers from 49 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BA Archaeology at University of Exeter 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 University of Exeter?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.