Archaeology and Anthropology

The BA in Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive understanding of human history, culture, and society from ancient times to the modern day. This interdisciplinary course combines the scientific and social approaches to studying human life, providing a broad and nuanced perspective on how humans have evolved, adapted, and interacted with their environments and each other. Throughout the program, students explore diverse topics such as prehistoric archaeology, ancient civilizations, ethnography, linguistic diversity, and contemporary cultural practices. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills, including archaeological excavation techniques, artifact analysis, ethnographic research methods, and data interpretation. Students have opportunities to engage in fieldwork both locally and internationally, gaining hands-on experience that enhances their understanding of archaeological sites and cultural contexts. The program also encourages critical thinking about societal issues, heritage management, and the ethical implications of archaeological research and anthropological studies. The multidisciplinary nature of the course prepares graduates for careers in archaeology, cultural heritage management, museum curation, academic research, and related fields. The University of Kent provides excellent facilities, including laboratories and excavation equipment, along with access to extensive archives and resources. The programme is designed to foster analytical skills, cultural awareness, and a deep appreciation for human diversity and history. Supported by experienced faculty members, students benefit from a vibrant academic community and opportunities for personal and professional development. With a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical application, the BA in Archaeology and Anthropology equips graduates to contribute meaningfully to our understanding of human past and present, making it a compelling choice for those passionate about exploring the human condition across time and space.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Possible modules may include:

• CL329 - Introduction to Archaeology
• SE301 - Social Anthropology
• SE302 - Foundations of Biological Anthropology

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Possible modules may include:

• SE581 - Biological Anthropology: The Human Animal
• SE582 - Comparative Perspectives in Primate Biology
• SE588 - Advanced Social Anthropology I
• SE589 - Advanced Social Anthropology II
• CL651 - Heads, Heroes and Horses: in search of the Ancient Celts
• CL652 - Gods, Heroes and Mystery Cults: Religion in Ancient Greece
• CL663 - Greek and Roman Medicine
• CL674 - Everyday Life in the Roman Empire
• CL609 - Roman Art and Architecture
• CL677 - Fieldwork Practice
• SE549 - The Anthropology of Health, Illness and Medicine
• SE550 - The Anthropology of Gender
• SE551 - Anthropology and Language
• SE592 - The Ethnography of Central Asian Societies
• SE565 - Sex Evolution and Human Nature
• SE566 - Human Osteology
• SE552 - Culture and Cognition
• SE575 - Medicinal Plants: Home Remedy, Pharmaceutical, Illicit Drug
• SE580 - Primate Behaviour and Ecology
• SE579 - The Anthropology of Amazonia
• SE752 - Anthropology of Creativity

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Possible modules may include:

• CL636 - Archaeological Project
• SE752 - Anthropology of Creativity
• SE579 - The Anthropology of Amazonia
• SE575 - Medicinal Plants: Home Remedy, Pharmaceutical, Illicit Drug
• SE552 - Culture and Cognition
• SE554 - Visual Anthropology Theory
• SE569 - Palaeopathology
• SE570 - Current Issues in Evolutionary Anthropology
• SE592 - The Ethnography of Central Asian Societies
• SE593 - Evolution of Human Diversity
• SE596 - Theoretical Perspectives in Social Anthropology
• SE597 - Theoretical Topics in Social Anthropology
• SE551 - Anthropology and Language
• SE550 - The Anthropology of Gender
• SE549 - The Anthropology of Health, Illness and Medicine
• SE541 - The Evolution of Hominin Behaviour
• CL588 - Heads, Heroes and Horses in Search of the Ancient Celts
• CL607 - Greek and Roman Medicine
• CL675 - Everyday Life in the Roman Empire

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

ABB

The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

34 points overall or 16 at HL

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 financial support package includes a £6,000 cash bursary spread over the duration of your course. For Ts&Cs and to find out more, visit our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.

The Archaeology and Anthropology undergraduate program at the University of Kent offers a comprehensive education that combines the study of human history, culture, and societies from prehistoric times to the modern era. This interdisciplinary course aims to provide students with a deep understanding of human diversity, cultural evolution, and archaeological methodologies. Throughout the program, students engage with various topics including ancient civilizations, material culture, ethnography, and contemporary social issues.

The curriculum is designed to develop a range of skills, such as critical thinking, analytical reasoning, fieldwork techniques, and scientific laboratory analysis. Students have the opportunity to participate in archaeological excavations and field projects, gaining practical hands-on experience. The program also emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage management and ethical considerations in archaeological practices.

Students can tailor their studies to their interests through optional modules that cover topics like bioarchaeology, heritage and tourism, religious practices, and indigenous cultures. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches by integrating topics from anthropology, history, geography, and conservation studies. This broad perspective prepares graduates for careers in archaeological research, cultural resource management, museum work, academia, or further postgraduate study.

The university offers excellent facilities, including a dedicated archaeological laboratory, collections, and resources for fieldwork. Collaboration with museums and archaeological institutions provides students with valuable real-world experience. The program also benefits from expert faculty members who are actively involved in research and field projects worldwide.

Graduates of this program have gone on to work in heritage organizations, archaeological consultancy firms, research institutions, or pursued postgraduate studies in archaeology and anthropology. The program’s flexible structure allows students to combine studies with placements and internships, enhancing employability and practical understanding of the field. Overall, the Archaeology and Anthropology degree at Kent prepares students to become informed and skilled practitioners capable of contributing meaningfully to the understanding and preservation of human history and cultural diversity.