Archaeology FdSc

Truro and Penwith College

FdSc Archaeology covers extensive fieldwork and artefact care, providing the opportunity for you to undertake surveys and discover the practical essentials of archaeological work. The course offers several museum placements and practical sessions in artefact analysis, covering additional skills such as surveying, excavation, museum work, computing and conserving monuments.

This is the only Archaeology Foundation Degree offered in the country and it will teach you the latest digital technologies and how to utilise them in practice. You will receive a good grounding in all periods of British archaeology, both prehistoric and historic. Cornwall presents a fantastic setting to study in, meaning that there are several field trips to local sites in the South West as well as opportunities for optional overseas residential trips. There is also a focus on developing requisite interests and skills for your career path with flexibility in the choice of work experiences and project work.

You will undertake research into a topic of your own choosing under the guidance of staff. In the first year, you will produce a project design; you will then research and produce a project report in the second year. This helps you apply the skills learnt in other modules and have a tangible record of your capabilities to show to future employers. This course has excellent employer links and hands-on practical experience in a range of archaeological and heritage skills. It deals with both prehistoric and historic archaeology. You will undertake work experience which is linked to the professional project module in the second year.

Graduates can apply to progress onto the BSc (Hons) Archaeology top up degree delivered at Truro and Penwith College or to further archaeological studies at degree level at other universities. Alternatively, graduates could progress to employment in archaeological units, museums and heritage centres.