Archaeology BA (Hons)

The 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. Futher, 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 fieldtrip 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 by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), working in partnership with University Archaeology UK (UAUK), recognises academic programmes which provide students with appropriate workplace skills relevant to both a career in the historic environment and CIfA membership at Practitioner grade.