Archaeology

Degrees, combinations and UCAS codes

Archaeology is the study of human history and its impact on the wider environment through the systematic identification, recovery and analysis of material remains such as houses, burial monuments, pottery, seeds and stone tools.

What will I study?

There are two introductory courses which are independent of each other. First-year students must take both courses if they intend to proceed to Level-2 in the subject. Both courses include fieldtrips:

• Archaeology of Scotland
• Archaeology in the modern world.

The following year you will study courses covering

• European and Mediterranean archaeology from the earliest human settlement to the end of the first millennium AD
• Field archaeology in theory and practice
• Interpreting archaeology
• Analytical archaeology.

If you progress to Honours you will examine the nature of archaeological evidence in more detail. At Glasgow we have particular expertise in both prehistoric and historic archaeology, and various approaches to archaeology including computer applications, archaeological theory and archaeological science. 

How will I learn?

Teaching is delivered by formal lectures, small group tutorials, seminars, practical work and regular field trips.

Special features

• You will visit archaeological sites and museums, undertake practical laboratory work and have access to the archaeological collections of the University’s Hunterian Museum.
• You will have opportunities to work on field projects in Britain, Europe and the Mediterranean.

Note

No previous knowledge of archaeology is required for entry to first year, nor is the study of any particular school subject required.

Joint honours

At Honours level, this subject can be taken as a Single Honours or Joint Honours degree. Glasgow offers one of the widest ranges of Joint Honours programmes in the UK.

Entry requirements

Typical offer (MA), MA (SocSci)

• Highers: AABB (first sitting); AAAB (two sittings)
• A-levels: AAB (first sitting); AAA (two sittings)
• IB: 34 points

Full details of Entry requirements: Arts and social sciences

Typical offer (BSc)

• Highers: ABBB, preferably with two science subjects
• A-levels: ABB, preferably with two science subjects
• IB: 32 points including two science subjects

Full details of Entry requirements: Science

What are my career prospects?

Our archaeology graduates have found work in museums, tourism and heritage parks, universities and national and local government, as well as in a wide range of posts in industry and business.

Find out more

• Departmental information: Archaeology: Prospective students: Undergraduate

How to apply

If you are seeking full-time entry, you must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). There is an application fee for this service.

• Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college.
• Contact UCAS on 0870 112 2200.

For further details, see: Undergraduate study: How to apply