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Archaeology
BA (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · 28/09/2026 · UndergraduateDurham City
Course summary
Course details
Gain an understanding of the present by unlocking the past.
This dynamic course brings together the discipline of the scientific laboratory with the excitement of fieldwork. You will get an overview of the world of archaeology and a thorough grounding in the scientific techniques used to explore the past.
Covering a wide range of topics from early human development and ancient civilisations to colonialism and slavery in the early modern world, this broad-based discipline can take you into many different careers.
You will develop your knowledge through a series of Scientific Methods in Archaeology modules, and build on these with Advanced Skills and Specialised Aspects of Archaeology options.
Why Durham University?
Depending on your module choices you may receive professional accreditation from the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.
With access to state-of the-art laboratory facilities, and outstanding training from some of the world’s leading archaeological scientists, you will have the opportunity to learn the cutting-edge techniques used in archaeology. These include: DNA and isotopic analysis, Geographical Information Systems, geoarchaeology, archaeobotany and the analysis of human and animal skeletal remains.
All BSc Archaeology students can take part in archaeological fieldwork in the UK and abroad, engaging with departmental research projects and learning further archaeological and transferable skills.
Our research-led approach to learning means you will be taught by subject specialists whose wide-ranging interests span World, European and British archaeology from the last ice age to the post-medieval period.
Rankings
3rd in the UK Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
5th in the Guardian University Guide 2026
5th in the UK Complete University Guide 2026
Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026
Career Opportunities
Our close links with industry specialists coupled with in-house archaeological facilities give you a taste of the industry from the beginning of the course.
Transferable skills include problem-solving, metadata analysis and information technology, as well as teamwork, presentation, project planning and management. These skills are valued across many industries.
Our graduates work for organisations all over the world, from national and international heritage organisations, museums, environmental agencies, and commercial archaeological services to law and publishing, forensic science, teaching, tourism, and local and national government.
Modules
For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.
Assessment method
On this course you will be assessed through your coursework, traditional skills and presentations, as well as through hands-on practical exercises, including archaeological fieldwork.
In the final year you will write a dissertation, led by independent research and supported by one-on-one supervision, and this makes up one-third of your final-year marks.
In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Durham City
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 28/09/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F400
- Institution code:
- D86
- Campus name:
- Durham City
- Campus Code:
- O
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Durham University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F400
- Institution code:
- D86
- Campus name:
- Durham City
- Campus Code:
- O
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Durham has a long and proud history of welcoming students from countries across the globe. For further details please visit: https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/international/
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year. For further details please visit: https://www.durhamisc.com/programmes/international-foundation-year
Guidance for Home Applicants
You can apply to this course by clicking the link “Apply” at the top right of the page above Course Summary. This will redirect you to Durham University Post Graduate information page where you will be able to apply via the Post Graduate Applicant Portal.
Chat to student ambassadors
Discover what it's like to study Archaeology at Durham University: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
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Durham UniversityLLB Law (M101)Hi! I’m a first-year student studying Law here at Durham University. I’m from Preston, Lancashire and I am a liver in at Stephenson College. I am a member of the Women in Law Society, the Horrible Histories Society and the DU Judo club. In my spare time, I love watching old 90s and 2000s Tv shows as well as cheesy romantic comedies with my flatmates! I’m really passionate about martial arts, especially Japanese Ju Jitsu which I have a brown belt in and I’m currently working towards my black belt with my club back home. My favourite thing about Durham University is the college system which is how I met my friends and course mates! After Durham, I’m hoping to become a solicitor in employment or family law. Lewis
Durham UniversityBA Combined Honours in Social Sciences (LMV0)Hi, I am a first year student in Collingwood college, studying politics, economics and Chinese through combined honours in social sciences. I am happy to chat about student life in Durham, such as being part of a college, things to do in Durham (inside & outside of uni) and making the big change of living by yourself! Evie
Durham UniversityBA History (V100)Hi i´m Evie!! I´ve just completed my first year at Durham studying History. My college is St Cuthbert´s society and I am involved in my college´s cheerleading, volunteering, and fashion show. I come from a state school background and a very small village so would be happy to talk about adjusting to Uni life or anything else you want to chat about! Javon
Durham UniversityBA Combined Honours in Social Sciences (LMV0)Hiya! I'm Javon :) Originally from Hong Kong, I've been living in the UK for about 2 years now. I'm a live-in student in University College (Castle), doing a flexible (and really cool!) Combined Honours course in Social Sciences, combining Politics, IR, Human Geography, Sociology, and learning French. Ask me anything about my course, college life, or just share any of your questions or concerns! #heretohelp Bella
Durham UniversityLLB Law (M101)I'm Bella - an undergraduate Law student who moved from Vietnam to Durham to start the next chapter of my life :). I'm both an international and home student (because both Vietnam and the UK are my homes) and spend most of my time exploring ways to contribute to things that I feel are greater causes! Feel free to ask me any Durham / course related questions :) Jasmine
Durham UniversityBA Sociology (L300)Hey! I'm in my first year at Durham and I study sociology with hopes of a career in HR. In taking an unorthodox route into the business sector I aim to use my sociological understanding of the world to dismantle prejudicial beliefs within corporations and strive for diversity and inclusion. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have regarding my course or university life at Durham. Klara
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Durham UniversityBA Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) (VL52)Hey, I'm Ellie! I'm currently a first-generation student studying PPE at St. Aidan's College, Durham University. At A Level, I studied Politics, Biology, and Maths (I like to keep my options open!). After uni, I'm interested in working in public affairs or the civil service. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions about my course, colleges or uni life! Lily
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Durham UniversityBSc Psychology (C800)Hello! My name is Laura and I am from Cumbria/Lake District (the north). At Durham University I am apart of John Snow College. I came from a state school and am a first generation university student. I am interested in neuroscience and neurology as a later career. I love acting, theatre and musical theatre, as well as Star Wars and reading! Jacob
Durham UniversityBA Combined Honours in Social Sciences (LMV0)I am a 2nd year student from John Snow College who came to Durham university through clearing. Before coming to Durham, I studied the International Baccalaureate and GCSEs at Scarborough College in North Yorkshire. I completed my first year studying Combined Honours in Social Sciences studying Economics, Politics and Spanish before transferring onto the BSc Economics programme. I am a keen sportsman playing Rugby for my college but also Team Durham. I am currently looking into various internships/schemes to gather a greater idea of what I would like to do with a focus on banking, insurance, and finance. Please feel free to message me if you have any questions.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD
Other BTEC level 3 qualifications are also accepted in combination with each other or with other qualifications. See our website for more information on our BTEC qualification equivalencies.
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher - AAABB
We normally make offers based on Advanced Highers. If you’ve not been able to take three Advanced Highers, then we’ll consider a combination of Advanced Highers and Highers, or just Highers (if your school doesn’t offer Advanced Highers at all).
Scottish Advanced Higher - AAB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 35 points
665 in higher level subjects
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - Not accepted
Extended Project - Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDD
Other level 3 Cambridge Technical qualifications are also accepted in combination with each other or with other qualifications. See our website for more information on our Cambridge technical qualification equivalencies.
T Level
T levels will be considered on a case-by-case basis where the subject area aligns with the course applied to. Please note that additional A levels or equivalent may be required to study certain courses.
If you’re interested in applying, then please Ask Us and we’ll see if we’re able to consider this for you:
www.durham.ac.uk/study/ask-us/
If you’re taking other qualifications not listed above, please check our qualification pages to see if we accept these: www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/
If you have a non-standard academic profile, then ask us about it here: www.durham.ac.uk/study/ask-us/
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by visiting the link below under English Language requirements.
You should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course.
For more information on pre-sessional courses please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/pre-sessional-english-language-required/
English Language requirements https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
Contextual Offer:
A level Grades BCC or equivalent
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
- Data from:
- This course and 5 other archaeology courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- A*A*A
- Highest grades
- BBC
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| EU | £29250 | Year 1 |
| International | £29250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Home Students.
The tuition fees for 2027/28 will increase to £10,050. Please note that these figures remain subject to parliamentary approval.
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full-time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
Durham University will charge home rate tuition fees up to the maximum allowed by the UK Government. Should the UK Government choose to increase the maximum tuition fee allowed in the second and subsequent years of your course, Durham University will raise tuition fees in line with UK Government policy and approvals.
International and EU Students.
The tuition fees shown for international and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees are subject to an annual inflationary increase. In deciding the annual level of increase the University will take into account inflationary pressures on the costs of delivery. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of 6% or the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or International tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Sponsorship information
Durham University offers a range of scholarship opportunities to academically well-qualified and highly motivated students. For further details, including deadlines for application, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/
Durham University
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Course contact details
Recruitment and Admissions Office
Phone:0191 334 1000
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