Archaeology BSc
University Of Leicester, United Kingdom
First Year Course Fee
USD 25,460
Course Accredited By
CIfA
With our Archaeology BSc, you will gain knowledge of the professional archaeological sector, and receive exceptional training in professional archaeological skills from our in-house archaeological unit ULAS, who made the world-famous discovery of Richard III.
- As well as being rated amongst the top ten universities in the UK for teaching Archaeology*, Leicester is one of a few universities in the country to have an Archaeology BSc accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK). This means you will graduate with a qualification widely recognised as the first step on a career pathway leading to professional status.
- Practical experience is a key part of the course. You will participate in excavation and various forms of fieldwork throughout your degree to ensure that your skills are continually used and developed. You will benefit from our excellent facilities and nine specialist laboratories, including our refitted Osteology, Zooarchaeology, and Materials labs.
- You will have the chance to study many periods, regions and techniques during your time here. Our staff have particular expertise in Roman archaeology, prehistory, historical archaeology, commercial archaeology, archaeological theory, and the archaeological sciences, as well as all aspects of Classical (Greek and Roman) history.
- At the end of your first year you can choose to transfer to the Archaeology BA.
What's the difference between the BSc and the BA?
- In year one, our BA and BSc follow the same structure, providing you with a broad introduction to archaeology. You then specialise in the second and the third year. This means that there is flexibility to change course at the end of the first year if you change your mind about which is best for you.
- The Archaeology BSc has an emphasis on training as a professional archaeologist
- The Archaeology BA has an emphasis on heritage and the heritage sector
Scholarship
- Citizens of Change 100 Scholarship - Anyone holding an offer of a place at Leicester - 50% fee reduction in first year
- Science and Engineering International Merit Scholarship - International-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree in the University of Leicester College of Science and Engineering - £3,000 or £5,000 per year
- Family Loyalty Discount - Any child, sibling or spouse of a Leicester student or graduate - 10% fee discount
- Media, Communications and Sociology International Merit Scholarship - International-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree in the University of Leicester School of Media, Communications and Sociology - £3,000 or £5,000 per year
- Music scholarships - Talented musicians/singers at Grade 6 or above - £500
- Sports scholarships - Students who compete at regional, national or international level - Facilities, coaching and financial support
- ULSB International Merit Scholarship - Students applying for a degree in the University of Leicester School of Business, starting September 2022 or later - £3,000 per year
Enrollment Cycles
- January 2024
Entry requirements
- 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.
- Other national and international qualifications welcomed.
- Second Year Entry may be possible with suitable qualifications.
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.
- 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.
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.
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 of Britain and Ireland
- Archaeology of the Roman Empire
- Living in Towns: Medieval and Post-Medieval Archaeology
Then choose two option modules from:
- Artefact Analysis
- Archaeological Survey and Geomatics
- The Medieval Mediterranean World
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
- Archaeozoology
Year abroad (optional)
- If you want to, you can spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions (eligibility is dependent on your academic performance in Years 1 and 2). Alternatively, you can opt to continue studying at the University and complete your degree in three years.
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.