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Archaeology

  • 2 Study options
  • Undergraduate
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More about Bournemouth University

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2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Evidence shows there’s been a huge surge in demand for archaeologists in the UK following a sharp rise in infrastructure projects, so there’s never been a better time to study this degree at BU.

Why study BSc (Hons) Archaeology at BU?

  • Combine academic study and practical experience and become highly skilled in all forms of landscape survey, remote sensing, excavation and recording.

  • Learn through expert-led lectures, seminars and an exciting range of relevant fieldwork opportunities all over the UK

  • Undertake a five-week or optional 30-week work placement, you may get to take part in excavations organised by our active team of archaeologists

  • Attend BU’s Field School, a large scale real site excavation where students have discovered significant finds that have changed the way we view the past

  • Within 15 months of completing their course, 80% of our graduates were in employment or further study. (source DiscoverUni 2023).

Modules

Course Modules

Core units in Year 1: Introduction to Archaeology and Anthropology | Scientific Research Skills | The Human Past | Practical Archaeology | Material Worlds

Option units: Debates in Archaeology and Anthropology |

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) (formerly Institute of Field Archaeologists)

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years
  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • Placement (mandatory) • 4 Years

Start dates

Application codes

Institution code:
B50

Bournemouth 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

Application codes

Institution code:
B50

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

Open days

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Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level

112–128 UCAS tariff points (grades BBC–ABB) from a minimum of two A-levels.

T Level
M

120 UCAS tariff points

UCAS Tariff
112-128

112–128 UCAS tariff points (A-level grades BBC–ABB) including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

Scottish Higher

112–128 UCAS tariff points (grades AABC–AAAB) from a minimum of four Scottish Highers.

Access to HE Diploma

102 - 118 tariff points with any combination of Distinction, Merit, Pass grades

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English Language or English Literature and Mathematics grade 4 (or grade C in the old grading system). We also accept iGCSEs, Key Skills and Functional Skills and other qualifications at Level 2 of the National Qualifications Framework.

Scottish Advanced Higher

112–128 UCAS tariff points (grades CCD–BCC) from a minimum of two Scottish Advanced Highers.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Distinction*, Distinction (104 UCAS tariff points)

Extended Project

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by two A-level sized qualifications to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma

Distinction*, Distinction (104 UCAS tariff points)

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

28 to 31 points.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Distinction, Merit, Merit (112 UCAS tariff points)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

Distinction, Merit, Merit (112 UCAS tariff points)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

112–128 UCAS tariff points (grades M2, M3, M3 to M1, M1, M2) from a minimum of two principal subjects.

AccessBU: AccessBU provides you with the opportunity to tell us about your circumstances that are not always evident in your UCAS application. This widening access initiative also considers relevant criteria such as being in care or if you live in an area with a low participation rate in Higher Education - if you are eligible, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS tariff points below the published tariff.

Apprenticeships: We recognise the transferable knowledge and skills gained through apprenticeships and welcome applications from students with a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Deferred entry: We are happy to consider eligible applicants for deferred entry. If you have already submitted your application, please submit your deferral request through our website.

Direct entry: We welcome applications from students who have previously studied at degree level at other institutions and wish to transfer onto a BU course. Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedure enables credit awarded from one institution to contribute to a BU award, subject to an application process. Please visit our RPL webpage for more information.

Mature applicants: We recognise that mature applicants may have a wealth of experience rather than formal qualifications, so we’ll consider your application on these merits if included in your application. You’ll need to apply to BU in the usual way through UCAS and you may be invited to an interview to discuss your suitability for the course based on the experience you tell us about in your application.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in either reading or writing and 5.5 in all other components.

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.

Please note that this information reflects historical entry requirements for UK 18-year-olds who pursued A level and BTEC qualifications. Please see the relevant course page of our website for the most up-to-date details on this course’s entry requirements and selection methods. Our offer-making process is based on your potential to succeed on your chosen course and considers a range of factors.

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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.

This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.

Course options

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland, EU & InternationalTBC

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

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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