BSc Archaeological Science
About this course
BSc in Archaeological Science, an archaeology degree centred on scientific approaches to investigating the past. Core topics include Statistics, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. Students undertake practical fieldwork opportunities and laboratory training using dedicated campus facilities. The first year covers foundational concepts 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 topics like Introduction to Islamic Archaeology, Forensic Archaeology, and Artefacts and Materials. The second year advances scientific inquiry with compulsory studies in Discovering the Past with Molecular Science, Archaeological Fieldwork Project, and Archaeological Fieldschool. Optional modules in the second year allow specialisation in areas such as Aerial Survey, Analysing Artefacts and Materials, Sustainability and Collapse in Past Societies, Zooarchaeology, Palaeobotany, and Forensic Anthropology, alongside period-specific topics.
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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What students say
Based on about 28 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 89%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 87%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 40 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
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
- Discovering the Past with Molecular Science
- 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
- Lords to Lepers: Medieval Social Worlds
- Things and Us: Ancient and Contemporary Material Culture
- Brooches, Beads, Swords and Shields: Early Medieval Material Culture
- Giving and Taking: Anthropology and Archaeology of Circulation and Exchange
- 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
- Aerial Survey
- Human Origins and Evolution: the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic
- Research in Archaeology
- Analysing Artefacts and Materials
- Sustainability and Collapse in Past Societies
- Zooarchaeology
- Palaeobotany
- Forensic Anthropology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Archaeological Science 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 BSc Archaeological Science 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 BSc Archaeological Science at University of Exeter?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Archaeological Science at University of Exeter?
The typical offer is BBB at A level. The average entrant had 143 UCAS points.
Does BSc Archaeological Science 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 BSc Archaeological Science at University of Exeter?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.