Prospective Students

Archaeology (BA/BSc)

Archaeology, which can be defined as the study of past human communities from their material remains, is an exciting discipline, with new methods being developed and new information discovered at an increasing pace. The skills involved in it are very varied, making it a suitable subject for those with a scientific background as well as those with an arts background, and for this reason it is available both as a BA and as a BSc degree. The Cardiff degree concentrates on the British Isles, Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, including Egypt. The combination of long timescale and geographical coverage gives the degree a distinctive profile.

Individual modules represent a balance between those concentrating on specific periods, such as Neolithic Britain or the Palace Civilisations of the Aegean, and those dealing with the philosophy and methodology of archaeological disciplines. In all modules students are encouraged to develop a critical and investigative attitude to their studies, and to develop transferable skills.

In their first year students follow introductory modules which cover a range of British, European and worldwide aspects of archaeology. There are also modules that deal with some of the more technical and scientific aspects of the subject such as dating, the environment and field archaeology. All modules are open to both arts and science students.

The modules in the second and third years are of three main types: period module that examine, for example, the archaeology of Prehistoric Europe, the Greek and Roman worlds, or early Medieval Britain and Scandinavia; modules on archaeological theory and methods, such as drawing; and modules on particular branches of the subject, such as environmental archaeology. You will spend at least eight weeks on excavations or field courses. These are arranged, funded and assessed by the School.

Typical Offer

BBB-BBC

Entry Requirements

Two or three A level subjects, excluding General Studies. Two AS subjects may be considered in lieu of a third A-level.

Alternative Entry Requirements

Applications from those offering alternative/vocational/overseas qualifications (eg Access, Vocational A-level) are welcome as are those who may have combinations of qualifications or other relevant work/life experience.

Detailed Admissions Criteria

Please click here for a full list of entry requirements and admissions criteria for this degree programme.

Next intake: September each year

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