BSc Archaeology with Year Abroad

Year 1

You will study the archaeological past from the origins of the human species to the 20th century, learning the aims and methods of archaeology along the way. You will also gain practical experience in a wide variety of archaeological skills and you will be able to take part in a local archaeological fieldschool. Recently we have run fabulous fieldschools at Bradgate Park with sites from the Mesolithic to the historic period, including the Tudor mansion of Lady Jane Grey (England's nine-day Queen), and the Iron Age Hillfort of Burrough Hill.

 

Core modules

• Archaeology: The Essentials
• Debates in Archaeological Heritage
• An Introduction to World Archaeology BC
• An Introduction to World Archaeology AD
• Making Sense of the Past (Critical Thinking in Archaeology)
• Practical Aims and Methods in Archaeology
• Thinking Through Things
• Using Archaeological Evidence

In the summer following your first year you will take part in our fieldschool.

 

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

 

Year 2

During your second year, you will study core modules in fieldwork, professional practice and archaeological theory. The Professional Archaeological Practice module will enable you to become familiar with the commercial sector, from the initiation of a project to its final publication. In addition you will be able to choose five option modules covering different archaeological periods and specialisms. At the end of your second year, you will undertake fieldwork on either a Leicester University project or a project of your choice anywhere in the world (subject to approval).

 

Core modules

• Fieldwork 1
• Professional Archaeological Practice
• Theory and Archaeology

Option modules
Choose three option modules from:

• Environmental Archaeology
• Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age Britain and Ireland
• Archaeology of the Roman Empire
• Living in Towns: Medieval and Post-Medieval Archaeological Approaches

Then choose two option modules from:

• Artefact Analysis
• Archaeological Survey and Geomatics
• The Medieval Mediterranean World

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

 

Year abroad (optional)

 

We’ll make sure you have everything you need for your future career: not just by awarding you a high quality degree, but also by helping you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to make your mark in the world as a Citizen of Change. One way you can do this is by opting to take a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3 of your degree.

 

Studying abroad is not just for people who are interested in travelling and meeting new people. It is about acquiring life skills that are becoming increasingly significant for a wide range of jobs in our modern globalised society. Whether you go on to a career in the private, public or third sector - or plough your own furrow as an entrepreneur – you will find the experience invaluable.

 

Final year

This is the chance for you to specialise in a topic that interests you for your dissertation. You will take modules in advanced archaeological fieldwork and will enhance your experience of professional practice. In addition, you will be able to take option modules including various laboratory-based modules.

 

Core modules

• Fieldwork 2
• Projects in Professional Archaeology
• your Archaeology Dissertation

Option modules
Choose two option modules from:

• Power and Difference in the Past
• Human Skeletal Analysis
• Archaeozoology
• Warfare, Conflict and Violence in the Human Past

Plus one option module from:

• Greek and Roman Art
• Archaeology of Islamic Societies
• Ceramic Analysis

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

• A/AS-levels: BBB. Two AS-levels can be considered in place of one A-level. General Studies or Critical Thinking accepted.
• EPQ with A-Levels: BBC at A-Level + EPQ at grade B.
• Access to HE Diploma: Pass Diploma with 45 credits at level 3, 24 of which must be at Distinction.
• International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 28 points.
• BTEC Nationals: Pass Diploma with DDM.

 

Selection Process
When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the course and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous exam results.

 

Applicants are not normally interviewed. If you receive an offer you will be invited to visit the school.

 

English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.

 

International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

UK Students

Starting in 2022

• £9,250 in your first year. Tuition fees are subject to government regulations and may change in future years
• Year Abroad: your fee will be £1,250 for that year

If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

 

International Students

Starting in 2022

• £19,000 per year
• Year Abroad: £4,750, which is 25% of the full-time tuition fee

You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

 

From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee. If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).

We are proud to host an on-site, professional archaeological unit, the award-winning University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) - the team that found King Richard III. ULAS offer HEAR and CIFA accredited internships. This means that you can begin to gain training and professional experience whilst you are studying with us.

 

All our degrees provide transferable skills in communication, presentation, critical analysis and teamwork. This will be critical for your future career, whether it is in archaeological studies or in one of the wide range of professions that attract our graduates. It doesn't matter if you have little or no previous experience in archaeology; we have designed our courses for maximum flexibility. This allows you to choose how you want to specialise or diversify as your knowledge and understanding develop.

 

For archaeology degrees, practical experience is a key element of our courses. You will participate in excavations and learn various fieldwork techniques throughout your degree to equip you with the skills and knowledge to interpret archaeological material.

 

Our dedicated work experience and outreach staff will organise placements for you in schools, heritage organisations, museums, field archaeology units, archives, laboratories and on external projects – complementing the volunteering provision within the University.

 

As part of our year 2 Heritage Skills and year 3 Archaeology and Ancient History in Education modules, you can do a placement/project in a school or heritage setting where you work with a teacher/heritage mentor to gain a range of experience and to design and deliver a lesson plan or outreach activity. These modules provide an excellent foundation for a PGCE or a career in heritage management.