Archaeology and Theology

Most of our humanities subjects can be studied as joint honours as well as single honours. Joint honours programmes give you the opportunity to combine two subjects, which complement your interests or career goals. You will usually concentrate on both subjects equally. It can be possible to transfer between single and joint honours options, usually during your first or second year, and advice will be available from your personal academic tutor.

This course covers:

• Archaeology: exploration of a range of archaeological skills such as fieldwork, surveying and post-excavation, mapped to the current occupational standards for archaeology.

• Theology: the study of the main disciplines of Christian theology.​

Please visit our website to view the FQA sheet for further information on this course.

Please note this course is delivered entirely online and available to study from anywhere in the world. Applicants outwith Scotland including International, should apply to the UHI Orkney study location.

Module outline

Year 1 - CertHE

Core modules are:

• Introduction to archaeology: approaches and methods

You will also choose one archaeology option module, which may include:

• Introduction to science in archaeology

• Prehistoric Europe: Neanderthals to the Iron Age

• Reading the landscape through time

• World archaeology: politics and perspectives

You will also choose two theological studies modules, which may include:

• Introduction to systematic theology

• Jesus and the gospels

• Protestant Reformation

• The Pentateuch

You will also choose a further two option modules from other humanities or social science degrees.

Year 2 - DipHE

Core modules are:

• Being an archaeologist in Scotland

You will also choose one archaeology option module, which may include:

• Digital heritage

• Excavation skills

• Reading the landscape through time

• Wetland archaeology

You will also choose two theological studies modules, which may include:

• Early church history

• Exploring other faiths

• Old Testament prophets

• Pauline theology

• Person and work of Christ

You will also choose a further two option modules from other humanities or social science degrees.

Year 3 - BA

Core modules are:

• Archaeological theory and interpretation

• Understanding archaeological science

And at least two of the following:

• Doctrine of God

• Hebrews

• Scottish church history

• Wisdom literature

PLUS

• Archaeology project OR

• Project (Theological Studies)

You will choose one further module from one of your two subject areas to ensure that you have a total of three modules from each half of your degree, with archaeology options which may include:

• Archaeology placement

• Historical archaeology of the Highlands and Islands

• Practical skills for environmental archaeology

• Prehistory of the Highlands and Islands

Year 4 - BA (Hons)

You will complete a dissertation in archaeology OR theological studies. You will also study one option module from your chosen dissertation subject PLUS three option modules from the other subject.

Archaeology option modules may include:

• Biomolecular archaeology

• Iron Age Scotland c 800 BC – AD 800

• Landscape archaeology

• People, plants and animals

• Sustainability past and future

• Vikings and Norse archaeology in the North Atlantic

Theological studies option modules may include:

• Christian ethics

• Exploring Psalms

• Medieval church history

• Research in theology

This outline reflects the modules as currently delivered and is subject to change.

For more information on what you’ll study on your degree, as well as our range of other degree options, please explore our Humanities subject area page on our website.