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Archaeology

Course details
  • Bachelor of Arts (with Honours)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 21 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Archaeology lets you explore past humanity. It spans from prehistoric times to industrialization and globalization. And, it lets you consider key challenges of modern society. These include climate change, new technology's impact, and subtle understandings of gender, culture, and conflict.

We study past people through science. We analyze artefacts, texts, inscriptions, architecture, human remains, and landscapes. In the course, you will cover Egypt, the Near East, the Mediterranean, the British Isles, and North-West Europe.

You will work in the department of Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology and Egyptology (CAHAE). You will have a great chance to use staff expertise in material culture, ancient history, language, and literature. Staff are also experts in the fields on the subjects of social complexity, ancient writing, belief systems, and funerary rites.

You'll explore artefacts, buildings, and old texts. You'll handle our object collections in our labs and get exclusive access to the archives and experts of the Manchester Museum. You'll also go on trips to amazing sites.

Fieldwork training is integral to all our courses: you will have the opportunity to dig for at least four weeks, with your first two weeks in year one, followed by a further two weeks in year two.

Our past students have worked on sites of global importance, such as Stonehenge, Star Carr, and Easter Island. They have uncovered everything from the first British Mesolithic art to a Viking boat burial in Scotland.

Use our dedicated collections, labs, study spaces, and libraries to pursue your interests. Our award-winning teachers and top researchers will support you. You'll join our community, which is passionate about understanding the ancient world.

Modules

Assessment method

Assessment methods may include:

  • written examinations;

  • coursework essays;

  • research reports;

  • practical tests;

  • fieldwork workbooks;

  • individual projects;

  • oral presentations;

  • third year dissertation;

  • digital posters;

  • audio performances.

In addition, archaeology field training involves a variety of assessment over a range of skills and techniques.

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

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:
V400
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
ABB

ABB including one essay based subject.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.

Typical Contextual Offer: BBC including one essay based subject.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

We normally require grades ABBBB in Scottish Highers. If you have not studied National 5 qualifications, we would expect you to have studied English and Mathematics at higher level. Applicants offering a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers should contact ug-classics@manchester.ac.uk for further advice.

AS

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Access to HE Diploma

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

The specific course requirements are a minimum of 30 credits with a Distinction grade, plus 15 credits with a Merit grade, all in a Humanities-related subject.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 6 or B in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and grade 4 or C in Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.

Scottish Advanced Higher

We normally require grades ABBBB in Scottish Highers. If you have not studied National 5 qualifications, we would expect you to have studied English and Mathematics at higher level. Applicants offering a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers should contact ug-classics@manchester.ac.uk for further advice.

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

We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade B.

Extended Project

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
DM

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades Distinction, Merit, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Not accepted

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 34

34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.

For applicants who have studied the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (pre-2023), this qualification will still be accepted in lieu of one A-level (normally the lowest A-level grade listed).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the admissions team.

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

We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDM plus one A Level in an essay based subject at grade B.

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

We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grades D plus additional level 3 qualifications such as an A Level at grade B and EPQ at grade B.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
Not accepted

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

We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades BB.

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
DD

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level/A Level at min. Grade B an essay-based subject such as English or History, PLUS an EPQ or AS Level at grade B.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
D

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC) : we consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade Distinction, plus two additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades BB, one of which must be in an essay-based subject such as English or History.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade A in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade A in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.

Please read this in conjunction with our A-level requirements, noting any pre-requisite subjects.

Additional entry requirements

Interview
We don't normally interview for this degree, except in the case of mature applicants. In considering your application, all the information on the UCAS form is taken into account, particular attention being paid to academic qualifications and predictions, to your referee's confidential report, and to your personal statement.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)77.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one component.

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is: GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade B/6, or; An acceptable equivalent qualification. Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'. Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level.https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/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.

We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.

Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.

Learn more on the University of Manchester website

International entry requirements

The University welcomes applications from appropriately qualified candidates across the world. We value global talent and are proud to receive applications from a wide range of educational systems and national backgrounds.

Because international qualifications vary widely, it is not possible for us to list entry information for every country on this page. If your country is not listed below, please contact us and a member of our team will be happy to assist you: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/contact-international-team/ https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/country-specific-information/

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.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

The tuition fees for 2027 are yet to be confirmed.

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