Evidence shows there’s been a huge surge in demand for archaeologists in the UK following a sharp rise in infrastructure projects, so there’s never been a better time to study this degree at BU.

You can take the degree as either a BA Archaeology or BSc according to whether you prefer an arts-based or scientific route. All students study the same first year so it’s easy to transfer from one to the other. Themes in Archaeology & Anthropology, and Societies of Prehistoric Europe, are both key highlights of the curriculum, among many others. There’s a combination of academic study and practical experience in place, producing highly skilled practitioners experienced in all forms of landscape survey, remote sensing, excavation and recording. 

You’ll learn through expert-led lectures, seminars and a range of exciting and relevant fieldwork opportunities all over the UK. As well as a five or 30-week work placement, you will attend an archaeological field school at the end of your first year. Participation in BU’s renowned field school – the Durotriges Project 'Big Dig' Field School – allows you to gain a wide range of practical skills. The annual dig is an unrivalled opportunity to work on a real archaeological excavation; finds in previous years by our students have changed what we thought we knew about the past.

You may also have the opportunity to take part in other excavations organised by our active team of archaeologists, such as the excavations in the Cotswolds that uncovered a 6,000-year-old prehistoric burial monument. You could also work with commercial archaeologists to gain essential transferable skills recognised by the Chartered Institute of Archaeologists.

This course received an impressive 100% overall satisfaction rating from our final year students in the latest National Student Survey (NSS).

Our Archaeology degrees teach you the skills you need to work in the field, as well as a host of transferable skills that you can apply to a variety of roles in other sectors. Many of our graduates go on to work for organisations related to archaeology and historical preservation.

According to a recent report by Historic England, 3,000 people are currently employed in commercial archaeology in England, but this will need to grow by a minimum of 25% over the next six years to meet demand.