Archaeology and Anthropology

The undergraduate degree program in Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Oxford offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in the study of human history, culture, and evolution. This course combines rigorous academic training with practical research skills, enabling students to explore the complexities of human societies from ancient times to the present day. Throughout the program, students engage with a diverse range of topics, including prehistoric archaeology, classical civilizations, ethnography, linguistic anthropology, and contemporary social issues. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and ethical considerations, preparing graduates for a wide array of careers in academia, heritage management, museums, cultural consultancy, and research organizations. Students benefit from access to world-class collections, archaeological sites, and research facilities, as well as close collaboration with leading experts in their fields. The program is designed to foster independent research and a deep understanding of the methods used to study human past and present. With an emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, students develop the skills necessary to interpret material culture, analyze anthropological data, and contribute original insights to the field. The interdisciplinary nature of the program ensures that graduates are well-equipped to understand the complexities of human diversity, cultural change, and societal development across different regions and periods. Throughout their studies, students attend lectures, seminars, and practical workshops, and participate in archaeological excavations and fieldwork, which are integral components of the curriculum. The program also emphasizes developing effective communication skills, enabling students to present their research findings clearly and persuasively. With a strong emphasis on research excellence, the Archaeology and Anthropology program at Oxford provides an ideal environment for aspiring scholars to pursue their academic interests and contribute to advancing knowledge about human history and culture.

Your work is divided among lectures, tutorials and practical classes. In the first year you will spend about six hours a week in lectures, closely tied to the course’s core papers. Lectures for core and option papers take up about ten hours a week in years 2 and 3. Throughout the course, there are one or two tutorials a week (normally a total of twelve in each term).

• Attestat o Srednam Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) would not be sufficient for candidates to make a competitive application. If your qualification is listed as being insufficient to make a competitive application to Oxford, then you will need to undertake further study if you wish to apply.You could take British A-levels (the British Council may know where you can take A-levels in your country), the International Baccalaureate (IB), or any other qualifications listed as acceptable on this page. The first year of a bachelor's degree from another university could also be an acceptable alternative.
• IELTS: overall score of 7.0 (with at least 7.0 in each of the four components)
• TOEFL (paper-based): overall score of 600 with a Test of Written English score of 5.5
• TOEFL (internet-based): overall score of 110 with component scores of at least: Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, and Writing 24.
• Cambridge English: Advanced, also known as the Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): grade A if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency, also known as the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): grade B if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
• English Language GCSE, or O-level: grade B (for IGCSE, please see below)
• International Baccalaureate Standard Level (SL): score of 5 in English (as Language A or B)
• European Baccalaureate: score of 70% in English.

Hill Foundation Scholarship

Russian nationals wishing to study for a second undergraduate degree. 

Palgrave Brown Scholarship

Students must be ordinarily resident in and/or educated in the following countries:

Albania; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Belarus; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; Czech Republic; Estonia; Georgia; Hungary; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyz Rep.; Latvia; Lithuania; Macedonia;  Moldova; Montenegro; Poland; Romania; Russia; Serbia; Slovakia; Slovenia; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; Ukraine; Uzbekistan. 

The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in Archaeology and Anthropology designed to provide students with a broad understanding of human history, cultural development, and material remains through time. This program combines the study of archaeological methods and findings with anthropological theories and contemporary social issues, enabling students to analyze past and present human societies from multiple perspectives. The course curriculum includes compulsory modules such as Introduction to Archaeology, Introduction to Social Anthropology, and Methods and Techniques in Archaeology and Anthropology, alongside a range of optional papers allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests like ancient civilizations, indigenous cultures, or archaeological fieldwork. Students benefit from access to world-class facilities, including archaeological laboratories, extensive collections, and digital resources, supporting both theoretical and practical learning. Opportunities for fieldwork, excavations, and research projects are integral parts of the program, providing hands-on experience critical to understanding archaeological contexts and methods. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and research proficiency, preparing students for careers in academia, cultural heritage management, museum curation, archaeological consultancy, or further postgraduate study. Throughout their studies, students engage with current debates in anthropology and archaeology, examining issues such as human evolution, cultural diversity, social justice, and the impact of globalization. The degree culminates in a dissertation project, where students apply their acquired knowledge and skills to a topic of their choice under supervision. Graduates leave equipped with a nuanced understanding of human history and cultural diversity, research skills, and practical experience, making them competitive candidates for a range of professional roles or advanced academic pursuits in their field.