BA (Hons) in Archaeology University of Winchester

• Learn from world-leading archaeology scholars in a stimulating and engaging environment
• Use our fully equipped laboratory and the latest industry-standard surveying equipment.
• Take part in our overseas fieldwork projects currently in Barbados, Germany and the Republic of Georgia.
• Accredited by The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK).

Archaeology examines the physical evidence of past societies to trace the evolution and cultural history of humanity. Ancient landscapes, buildings, artefacts and the people themselves can all reveal a small part of a bigger picture. Our BA in Archaeology takes you on an immersive and exciting journey through time — from our earliest human ancestors to the industrial age - drawing from subjects within the humanities, physical, biological and societies.

Winchester is home to experienced archaeology scholars who provide stimulating and engaging teaching materials. In a supportive environment, you learn key fieldwork techniques and undertake rigorous academic training. Indeed we are one of three of university archaeology departments to be a Registered Archaeological Organisation with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, a quality assurance scheme for professional practice in the field.

To make sure you make the most of fieldwork, we have excellent field equipment, including a ground penetrating radar, magnetometers, magnetic susceptibility meters, differential GPS instruments, total stations, and an X-ray fluorescence analyser. In addition, you will learn how to use industry-standard computer software such as ArcGIS, Geoplot, and AutoCAD. Further, our department has a geoarchaeological consultancy (ARCA), whose staff will also teach you. The consultancy offers valuable laboratory work experience – an opportunity to combine your academic expertise with delivering high-quality commercial solutions.

Year 1 provides a sound foundation in the theory and practice of archaeology and considers the history of humanity from our earliest ape ancestors to the twentieth century. The year finishes with a four-week excavation in the summer. During Years 2 and 3, you focus on the archaeology of specific periods and/or places while you also address a range of methodological topics.

Popular Year 2 modules include the Greek World, Early and Later Prehistoric Europe, Medieval Archaeology, The Archaeology and Anthropology of death and burial, The Archaeology of Religion and Ritual, and a four-day-long field trip module in which you visit sites in a region of Britain. Year 3 modules feature The Celts, The Archaeology of Africa, Caribbean Peoples and Cultures and The Archaeology of Buddhism. You undertake fieldwork throughout the course and pool all your learning in a final-year dissertation.

As we become more attuned to how the past is able to help shape our future, archaeologists are increasingly playing key roles in policy development and decision-making. Graduates enter the archaeological profession and work in museums, heritage organisations, commercial archaeology and local authorities. Others find careers within applied science, for example, environmental management, geomatics and remote sensing.

Accreditation

This programme has been accredited by The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK).

Year 1: Level 4

• Introduction to Archaeology 15
• The Archaeology of the Historic Period 15
• World Prehistory 15
• Introduction to Archaeological Science 15
• Introduction to Archaeological Resources 15
• Introduction to Archaeological Fieldwork 15
• Introduction to Material Culture 15
• Study Skills and Research Methods 15

Year 2: Level 5

• Thinking Through Theory 15
• Using Theory and Method 15
• Archaeological Fieldwork and Post-Fieldwork Techniques 15

Year 2 Optional Modules

• Geographic Information Systems - 15 Credits
• Geomatic and Remote sensing - 15 Credits
• Human Bioarchaeology - 15 Credits
• Early Prehistoric Europe - 15 Credits
• Later Prehistoric Europe - 15 Credits
• Roman Britain - 15 Credits
• The Archaeology of Conflict - 15 Credits
• The Greek World - 15 Credits
• Geoarchaeology - 15 Credits
• Medieval Archaeology - 15 Credits
• Archaeology and Anthropology of Death of Burial - 15 Credits
• Archaeology Field Trip - 15 Credits
• Archaeology and Popular Culture - 15 Credits
• Community Volunteer Placement - 15 Credits
• Period Study: An Introduction to the Archaeology of Roman and Medieval Britain - 15 credits

Year 3: Level 6

• Extended Independent Study in Archaeology 30
• Public Archaeology and Careers 15
• Puzzling the Past 15

Year 3 Optional Modules

• Fieldwork 2 - 15 Credits
• Archaeological Project Management - 15 Credits
• The Celts - 15 Credits
• Roman Wessex - 15 Credits
• Later Prehistoric Wessex - 15 Credits
• The Archaeology of Winchester - 15 Credits
• Caribbean Peoples and Cultures - 15 Credits
• Archaeology of Buddhism - 15 Credits
• The Archaeology of the Southern Caucasus - 15 Credits
• Medieval Religion and Belief - 15 Credits
• Battlefield Archaeology - 15 Credits
• Minoans and Mycenaeans: The Greek Bronze Age - 15 Credits
• Intangible Heritage - 15 Credits

Graduates from the programme are well equipped to enter the archaeological or heritage profession via a career in museums, heritage organisations, commercial archaeology or local authorities.

The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.

Pre-approved for a Master's

If you study for a Bachelor's Honours Degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Master's degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Master's degree.