UCAS code: V400 BA/Arch
Duration: three years full time; or four years with a year abroad

Course aims

The aim of this degree scheme is to provide you with knowledge of the past as understood from archaeological evidence. It also aims to equip you with the essential analytical techniques in archaeology and to develop your understanding of the interrelationship between theory and practice in the interpretation of archaeological evidence.

Course structure

Year One

You will examine the archaeological past from the origins of the human species to the twenty-first century, study the aims and methods of archaeology and gain practical experience across a broad spectrum of archaeological activities. A key part of your first year will be your participation in an excavation training school at the iron age hillfort of Borough Hill, near Leicester. You will also choose a supplementary subject from a wide range of possibilities, including study in other departments.

Year Two

You choose three particular archaeological periods to study in detail. Choices include:

•  Early Prehistory
• Iron Age and Roman Archaeology
• The Mediterranean in the Ancient World
• Medieval and Early Modern Archaeology.

You will also have the option to study a range of laboratory-based courses, such as Environmental Archaeology and Artefact Analysis. There are also core courses in archaeological theory, practical archaeology and professional skills, which all single honours undergraduates will take. At the end of the year you participate in a research excavation, which can take place anywhere in the world!

Year Three

You write a dissertation on a topic of your own choice, and choose four specialist modules from a wide selection. Current choices include period specialisms and thematic modules such as:

• The Origins of Modern Humans
• The Archaeology of Hunter-Gatherer Lifeways
• Britain in the Roman Empire
• Warfare, Conflict and Violence in Antiquity
• Early Christian Europe
• The Archaeology of Improvement

You may also choose from a range of science-based methodological courses, including:

• Forensic Archaeology
• The Archaeology of Climate Change
• Ceramic Technology
• Zooarchaeology
• Human Skeletal Analysis.

BSc Option

Students have the option of streaming their study in the second and third years towards the science-based elements of archaeology (such as human bones analysis, forensic archaeology and ceramic technology), and working towards the award of BSc Archaeology.

 Next step: request an Information and Application Pack

Contact the Admissions Team. Tel: 0116 252 2720/2611. Email: arch-anchist@le.ac.uk