BSc (Hons) Archaeology
Bradford, United Kingdom
BSc
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2027
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The BSc (Hons) Archaeology at University of Bradford integrates traditional archaeology with applied archaeological science, emphasizing fieldwork, human osteology and environmental study. Second- and final-year pathways include core modules and options like prehistoric archaeology or cultural resource management. The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK).
Career Outcomes: Graduates work as field archaeologists, cultural resource managers, university lecturers, accountants, museum curators, GIS analysts, archaeological technicians. Many progress to taught Masters or research degrees. Careers and Employability Services support placements, part-time work and job-hunting to develop transferable analytical skills valued by employers.
Our degree in Archaeology integrates traditional archaeology with the practical application of scientific methods that are applied to today’s archaeology.
It is a professionally-focused degree in archaeology with a strong fieldwork component and a focus on human osteology or the environment.
Your degree pathway in the second and final years will comprise a number of compulsory core modules that characterise this combination of archaeology and applied archaeological science. We offer a number of clear pathways, which will provide you with a specialism in, for example, prehistoric archaeology or in cultural resource management.
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK).
What you will study
All module information is for 2023 entry and is subject to change.
First-year
- Scientific Frameworks
- Themes in World Archaeology and Heritage
- Introduction to Archaeological Methods
- British Archaeology and Heritage
- Biological Anthropology: From Human Evolution to Forensic Anthropology
- Field Recording Skills
Second-year
Core
- Archaeological Practice
- Interpreting the Past
- Heritage Management with GIS
Option
- Understanding Artefacts
- Prehistoric Societies
- Celts, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings
- Bioarchaeology: Humans, Plants and Animals
Third-year
- Study Abroad or Placement Year
Final year
Core
- Dissertation
- Current Research in Archaeological Sciences
- Archaeology and Heritage in Contemporary Society
Option
- Advanced Archaeological Practice
- Bones, Bodies and Burials
- Landscapes, Climate and Society
Learning and assessment
Stage 1 introduces you to a range of archaeological periods, regions and materials, and the development of archaeology as a discipline. Practical modules such as Introduction to Archaeological Methods and Field Recording Skills allow you to handle real archaeological materials and explore methods of field survey and the principles of stratigraphy. Through the Scientific Frameworks module, you are also introduced to the main scientific techniques used in modern archaeology.
Stage 2 develops your critical thinking and offers an element of optionality in your studies. Participation in Archaeological Fieldwork is allocated by a CV and letter of application and allows first-hand experience of excavation and recording, enabling you to make your own decisions under supervision. Understanding Artefacts logically follows the excavation stage and demonstrates the processes needed to understand archaeological artefacts and how they inform wider archaeological debates. Heritage Management with GIS follows British Archaeology in examining the legal and financial context of the discipline.
Other optional modules complement the core modules examining ethical and scientific issues (Bioarchaeology: Humans, Plants and Animals) and cultural archaeology from the Palaeolithic to the Viking period (Prehistoric Societies; Celts, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings).
Stage 3 develops your critical thinking further, and allows greater self-learning through the Dissertation. Bones, Bodies and Burials builds on Biological Anthropology: From Human Evolution to Forensic Anthropology (stage 1) and Bioarchaeology: Humans, Plants and Animals and Interpreting Archaeology (stage 2) to permit the detailed study of human remains in their cultural context.
Assessment methods include:
- essays
- portfolios
- worksheets
- critiques
- laboratory reports
- group-work
- poster (in the placement year)
- oral presentations
- research designs
- reflective journals
- examinations
The research design and dissertation develop your ability to undertake independent research and plan this research effectively.
The University of Bradford honored with Queen’s Anniversary Prize for outstanding archaeology
We have been awarded a 2021 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for our world-leading work in developing archaeological technology and techniques and its influence on practice, policy, and society.
The prestigious accolade, which honors world-class excellence and achievement, is the highest form of national recognition that UK higher education institutions can achieve. The University has been honored for its leadership and innovation in pioneering the techniques, technology, and practices of archaeology both in the UK and worldwide.
Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship.
Career prospects
Bradford archaeology graduates are highly sought after by employers. Part of that is down to a national shortage of archaeologists but another part is that Bradford has one of the world’s leading schools and a breadth of experience that spans over 40 years.
Almost half of our recent graduates have entered archaeologically-related careers – one of the highest rates in the UK.
Former students have become field archaeologists, cultural resource managers, university lecturers and even accountants.
Other career opportunities include computing, management, or teaching, and many areas where employers are looking for transferable skills and an analytical mind.
Many graduates choose to continue their education and enrol on taught Master’s or research degrees.
Career support
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes, there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.
