Archaeology

Discover the fascinating world of the past with Queen's University Belfast's Archaeology degree programme. This comprehensive undergraduate course offers students the opportunity to explore human history through the study of ancient cultures, artefacts, environments, and historical sites. The programme provides a balanced curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, enabling students to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and hands-on expertise essential for a career in archaeology and heritage management. Throughout the course, students will engage with a wide range of topics, including prehistoric societies, ancient civilizations, archaeological excavation techniques, forensic archaeology, conservation methods, and the use of cutting-edge technologies such as GIS and digital imaging. The programme emphasizes both fieldwork and laboratory analysis, allowing students to participate in archaeological excavations locally and abroad, gaining valuable real-world experience. Additionally, students will learn about the ethical, legal, and cultural aspects of archaeology, fostering an understanding of the importance of preserving heritage for future generations. The course is designed to prepare graduates for diverse careers in archaeology, heritage conservation, museums, research, and education. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and strong links with archaeological organizations and heritage sectors, students will be well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to the understanding and preservation of human history. The programme also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from anthropology, history, environmental science, and other related fields. Whether you are passionate about uncovering ancient secrets or committed to safeguarding cultural heritage, Queen’s University Belfast’s Archaeology degree offers an enriching academic journey into the depths of human history and cultural legacy.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 4160 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13380 Year (Non-EEA)

England, Scotland and Wales £9,000; EU £3,575; International: £11,500

• English

Course Content

BA/BSc students normally enter at Level 1 and take six Level 1 modules. Single Honours students normally take four Archaeology/Palaeoecology Level 1 modules. Students on programmes other than Single Honours normally take four (Major Honours), three (Joint Honours) or two (Minor Honours) Archaeology/Palaeoecology Level 1 modules, as appropriate for their intended pathway.

Level 1 modules covering the two disciplines are designed to serve as broad introductory courses and assume no previous knowledge. They may be of general interest to students intending to take another subject as their main degree, but who wish to enhance their knowledge of their human and environmental past and of heritage issues. These wide-ranging modules are a preparation for those taken in the second and third levels.

Modules in Levels 2 and 3 explore in detail the themes introduced in Level 1 and allow for specialisation and the development of practical skills. Level 2 modules provide skills and concepts necessary for the dissertation that may be taken at Level 3 for Single Honours students, and for future employment in Archaeology.

A new MSci in Archaeology offers a four-year programme, progressing directly to Masters-level study in Level 4.

Level 1

Barbarians, Vikings and Traders: The Archaeology of Historic Europe
Environmental Change: Past, Present and Future
Evolution: Humans and Ideas
From Cave Art to Celts: Europe in Prehistory
plus module choices from Geography and other Schools

Level 2

Ancient Economies and Landscapes
Archaeological Excavation
Flints, Farmers and Forts: Ireland in Prehistory
From St Patrick to the Plantation: The Archaeology of Historic Ireland
Rome: City and Heritage: Fieldtrip
Thinking through Things: Theorising Global Archaeology
plus module choices from Geography and other Schools

Level 3

Typical modules include:
Colonialism, Capitalism and Conflict: Exploring the Archaeology of the Modern World
Dating the Past
Medieval Settlement
Mediterranean Landscapes and Culture
Merchants, Metals and Mines: From Stone to Steel
Monuments and Ritual in European Prehistory
Quaternary Palaeocology
Society, Death and Disease
Dissertation (double module)
plus module choices from Geography and other Schools

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

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

Requirements

MSci

• A-level AAB + GCSE Mathematics
• Irish Leaving Certificate AB2B2B2B2B2 + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics

BA and BSc Joint

For BA and BSc Joint Honours the requirements are stated separately under each programme.

All studentsThere are no specific subject requirements to study Archaeology and Palaeoecology, although subjects as diverse as Art, Physics, Biology, Geography, Geology, Classical Civilisation, History, Chemistry, Mathematics or Languages have all been helpful in the past.

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 Queen's University Belfast.

The Archaeology programme at Queen's University Belfast offers students a comprehensive and in-depth introduction to the study of human history through material remains. This programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to understand archaeological methods, interpretation, and conservation. Students will explore various periods of history, from prehistoric times to the modern era, gaining insights into the development of human societies, cultures, and environments. The curriculum includes modules on archaeological theory, fieldwork techniques, laboratory analysis, and history of archaeology, providing a broad understanding of the discipline. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills as they analyze archaeological evidence, interpret findings, and consider cultural and ethical issues related to archaeology.

The programme often integrates practical experiences with field excavations, museum visits, and collaborative projects, enabling students to apply conceptual knowledge in real-world settings. Queen's University Belfast boasts excellent archaeological resources, including labs equipped for material analysis, and a rich archaeological heritage, especially from Ireland and the surrounding regions. Students have opportunities for internships, field trips, and external collaborations, which enhance employability and professional development. The programme aims to prepare graduates for careers in archaeology, heritage management, conservation, research, or further academic study. Additionally, students may have access to dedicated research teams and ongoing archaeological projects involving local and international partners, fostering a dynamic learning environment.

Graduates of the Archaeology programme at Queen's University Belfast often pursue diverse careers in academia, museums, heritage consulting, government agencies, and private archaeological firms. The programme emphasizes critical engagement with archaeological debates and encourages students to develop their own research interests. With a combination of academic rigour and practical experience, the programme equips students with the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to understanding and preserving human history. The degree is typically offered as an undergraduate BSc or BA, with potential pathways for joint honours or postgraduate study. Overall, the programme reflects Queen's commitment to fostering an innovative, inclusive, and research-informed learning community dedicated to advancing archaeological knowledge and heritage preservation worldwide.