Bachelors in Archaeology in UK

The course combines study of the history, archaeology and art of the classical world. It looks at the societies and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean, through written texts, visual art and material remains, and has at its centre the two classical cultures of Greece and Rome. It is aimed at anyone interested in investigating ancient civilisations and their remains: from Greek temples and Roman amphitheatres to wall paintings and the poignant residues of everyday life. While it is primarily a historical and non-linguistic degree, ancient languages can be used and learned as part of the course.

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Building Surveying is an extremely varied profession, with main areas covering design, construction technology, conservation, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modeling (BIM), professional practice/studies, building pathology, performance, sustainability and regulation.

At GCU the emphasis is firmly on practical experience with site visits and live project work. Industry experts provide guest lectures and you will spend six to eight months on a work placement in Year 3. Those who aspire to become Chartered Surveyors will be working in a dominantly client facing environment. Excellent communication skills are therefore essential. There are opportunities to study abroad at our partner universities across Europe. Honours graduates can begin working to gain full membership of both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

This course allows students to develop an overview of world archaeology, but also to focus on the range of scientific techniques used to explore the past. With access to state-of the-art laboratory facilities and outstanding training by some of the world’s leading archaeological scientists, you will have the opportunity to learn techniques such as DNA and isotopic analysis, Geographical Information Systems, geoarchaeology, archaeobotany, and the analysis of human and animal skeletal remains. By the end of the degree you will be equipped with cutting-edge science and social science research skills, and a wide range of transferable skills relevant to many career paths, including data management and analysis, critical thinking and writing, and written and oral presentation.

As a BSc Archaeology student, you will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills through a series of Scientific Methods in Archaeology modules, as well as second-year Advanced Skills options, and third-year Specialised Aspects of Archaeology options. Class-room teaching is complemented by small-group tutorials and lab-based practicals, that will guide you in developing expertise in ancient landscapes and environments, past climate change, diet, migrations, mobility, health, animal-human interactions, scientific dating, materials science, and techniques for conservation relevant to archaeological objects and collections. All BSc Archaeology students have the opportunity to take part in archaeological fieldwork in the UK and abroad, engaging directly with current departmental research projects, and learning a host of archaeological and transferable skills. The capstone of the degree is your own research project, or dissertation, which you will develop under the direct guidance of a member of staff who is an expert in the field.

Archaeology is a multidisciplinary practical degree. It produces graduates with sought-after transferable skills including critical analysis, communication and team working.

From week one you will be in the field learning these skills on a real archaeological excavation. During the degree you’ll examine and interpret a variety of evidence from human remains, Palaeolithic stone tools, Anglo-Saxon jewellery and the latest ancient DNA evidence.

As well as lectures and tutorials, you’ll spend time each year on placement in the UK and/or abroad, working on excavations, making real discoveries and helping carry out cutting-edge research. Our graduates have been on digs at Avebury and Stonehenge in Wiltshire, Neolithic settlements and tombs in Orkney and an Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Cambridgeshire, to name but a few.

In the fourth year the MSci students transition to a supervisor role, experiencing day-to-day management of an archaeological project. In addition, they undertake a major piece of independent research often involving their own field or laboratory work. With the mixture of academic understanding, practical skills and fieldwork experience, the MSci in Archaeology is ideal for those seeking a career in archaeology.

Our Archaeology BA will enhance your understanding of the diverse societies of the past through the traces they have left in the form of material objects and texts. We will cover material from the first use of stone tools 3.3 million years ago to the present day.

Leicester is world-famous for our discovery of Richard III, and you’ll benefit from working alongside academics who have made incredible finds.

Practical experience is a key part of the course. You will participate in excavations and learn various fieldwork techniques throughout your degree to equip you with the skills and knowledge to interpret what you unearth. You will have the opportunity to gain experience with local heritage organisations, schools and our professional archaeological unit through Year 2 and 3 module placements, and our accredited internship programme.

You will have the chance to study a diverse range of topics during your time here. Our academic staff have particular expertise in Roman archaeology, prehistory, historical archaeology, heritage, archaeological theory and archaeological sciences, as well as all aspects of Classical (Greek and Roman) history.

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 does not 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.