BA (Hons) in Archaeology
University of the Highlands and Islands
Key Information
Select location
Campus location
Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 - 8 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 13,980 / per year *
Application deadline
Request Info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* Scotland or EEA (outside of the UK): £1,820 per year | UK: £9,250 per year (Years 1, 2 and 3) | International: £13,980 per year
Introduction
What is special about this course?
With world-renowned archaeological heritage sites such as Skara Brae, Maeshowe, the Camster Cairns and Mousa Broch, what better place could there be to study archaeology than in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland?
Our BA (Hons) Archaeology is closely linked to the distinctive cultural heritage of Scotland but also places all of that within a much broader global context.
The degree will provide you with a detailed understanding of the practice of archaeology. You will also develop your own practical skills in archaeology through hands-on experience and archaeological placements.
You will receive research-led teaching from lecturers engaged in world-class research on projects from the Scottish Islands, the UK and Ireland, to the Atlantic region and Polynesia.
There is a strong emphasis on developing archaeological skills in a number of areas including field archaeology (for example, excavation and survey); environmental archaeology (for example, zooarchaeology, archaeobotany and osteoarchaeology), together with digital archaeology, such as photogrammetry; and archaeological illustration.
Dig in deep to discover more….
Special features
- A highly practical course focusing on necessary ‘on-the-job’ skills such as surveying, fieldwork and post-excavation practices
- Our studies are linked to the distinctive cultural heritage of Scotland – what learning experience could be richer?
- You can study full-time or part-time to suit your personal circumstances
- You can study individual modules for personal or professional development
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of locations.
Admissions
Curriculum
Content
Year 1 - CertHE
Core modules are:
- Archaeological theory and method
- World archaeology
- Historic landscapes
You will also choose three option modules which may include:
- Science and archaeology
- European prehistories
- One module from our range of humanities subjects
Year 2 - DipHE
Core modules are:
- Excavation skills: normally taken during the summer vacation prior to the commencement of year two, at a site location off-campus. You will be responsible for covering the costs of any travel and subsistence associated with your participation in this two-week module
- Scottish archaeology
- Digital heritage
- Managing archaeology for contemporary society
You will also choose two option modules which may include: wetland archaeology; and one from our range of humanities subjects
Year 3 - BA
Core modules are:
- Archaeology and interpretation
- Archaeology project
- Archaeological sciences
You will also choose:
- One or both from pre-history of the Highlands and Islands and historical archaeology of the Highlands and Islands
- Plus further option modules from either archaeology or our range of humanities subjects
Year 4 - BA (Hons)
Core modules are:
- Sustainability past and present
- Dissertation (archaeology)
You will study an additional three modules from the list of options below; availability rotates each year and is dependent on minimum numbers:
- Funerary and burial archaeology
- Maritime archaeology and heritage of Northern Scotland
- The Iron Age of Scotland c800BC-800AD
- Peoples, plants and animals
- Vikings and Norse archaeology
- Neolithic Scotland
- Landscape archaeology
Gallery
Career Opportunities
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have completed your BA (Hons) Archaeology degree you might like to consider careers in:
- Archaeological contract units
- Consultancy
- Archives and museums
- Government agencies and local authorities
- Media and politics
- Tourism and heritage management
- Teaching