Archaeology

Learning about the human past through the study of material remains, archaeological methods, and historical contexts, the Archaeology undergraduate programme at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous education in understanding ancient and contemporary societies. Students explore a diverse array of topics, including prehistoric archaeology, classical archaeology, environmental archaeology, and the history of archaeological thought. The programme combines theoretical foundations with practical skills, providing hands-on experience in excavation techniques, laboratory analysis, and archaeological fieldwork. Through lecture courses, seminars, and laboratory sessions, students develop critical thinking skills and methodological expertise necessary to interpret archaeological findings accurately. The curriculum is designed to foster an understanding of the cultural, social, and environmental factors that have shaped human history across different periods and regions. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from history, anthropology, geology, and conservation science to provide a well-rounded perspective on archaeological research. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects and field excavations, often collaborating with museums and archaeological sites, thus gaining valuable practical experience. The programme also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and responsible stewardship of archaeological heritage. Graduates from the Cambridge Archaeology programme are well-equipped for careers in academia, archaeology, heritage management, conservation, and related fields. They benefit from the university’s extensive resources, including world-class laboratories, libraries, and research centers. The programme prepares students for postgraduate study and professional practice, fostering analytical skills, cultural awareness, and a lifelong interest in understanding human history through archaeological discovery.

In Year 1, you have between six and eight lectures and one or two supervisions each week, plus weekly language classes and/or practicals (where appropriate).

You’re assessed each year, principally through written exams but some papers include assessed practicals/fieldwork. Most students also write a 10,000-word dissertation in Year 3.

Year 1 (Part I)

You pick three from seven core archaeology, language and biological anthropology options (certain papers are advised for some Year 2 subjects) 

Your fourth can be another core paper, a psychology paper, or one from Human, Social, and Political Sciences (HSPS).

Years 2 and 3 (Parts IIA and IIB)

You can pursue one of four single-subject tracks (see below) or one of two two-subject tracks – Archaeology and Biological Anthropology or Assyriology and Egyptology 

Archaeology

Year 2 (Part IIA)

You take papers on theory and practice, data analysis, and the archaeology of a particular period or region. The fourth is either another period/region paper, a biological anthropology subject or one from Classics or HSPS.

Fieldwork consists of two weeks in the summer before Year 2 and a week overseas at Easter.

Year 3 (Part IIB)

You complete four weeks of fieldwork in the summer before Year 3.

All students study advanced archaeological thought, archaeology in the wider world and a Special Topic, plus one or two papers from options within this course, Classics or HSPS. All students also write a dissertation.

Assyriology

Year 2 (Part IIA)

You take four papers: Mesopotamian archaeology, Akkadian language, and two from other course options (one can be from Classics or HSPS). You also undertake a four-week study tour and/or fieldwork.

Year 3 (Part IIB)

You take advanced Akkadian language and Mesopotamian archaeology papers; and one on Mesopotamian history or culture, or Sumerian language. The fourth is one of around 20 options available or a dissertation.

Egyptology

Year 2 (Part IIA)

You take papers in Egyptian language and archaeological methods and concepts, plus two papers on society, religion and death in Ancient Egypt. You also undertake a four-week study tour and/or fieldwork.

Year 3 (Part IIB)

Alongside a core Egyptian language paper and two Egyptian archaeology papers, all students write a dissertation.

Biological Anthropology

Year 2 (Part IIA)

Three compulsory papers explore behavioural ecology, human origins, and health and disease. You select your fourth from options offered elsewhere in this course or HSPS.

Year 3 (Part IIB)

You take a theory and practice paper, and three more surveying current issues across biological anthropology and the other course subjects (you can substitute one of the last three papers for a dissertation or a paper from HSPS).

• All applicants to the University of Cambridge must submit an application to UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) by the relevant deadline.
• The Attestat o (polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) is not considered to be suitable preparation for a competitive application to the University of Cambridge. We strongly recommend that you undertake further study if you wish to apply for an undergraduate degree. Examples of the qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge are A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or possibly the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK. We recommend that you contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance.
• IELTS – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
• Cambridge English: Advanced – grade A or B.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency – grade A, B or C.

The University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive range of financing options for students enrolled in its Archaeology programs. Prospective students are encouraged to explore various funding sources to support their academic pursuits. For UK and EU students, the university provides several scholarship schemes, including the Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust scholarships, which are highly competitive and awarded based on academic excellence and potential. Additionally, the Gates Cambridge Scholarships are available to outstanding international students and cover full tuition fees, living expenses, and other allowances. Students may also apply for College-specific bursaries and grants, which vary between different colleges within the university.

For international students from outside the European Union, funding opportunities tend to be more limited but nonetheless significant. Beyond external scholarships, prospective students are advised to seek funding from their home governments or private organizations that support international study. Cambridge also offers loans and financial aid packages, which can assist with tuition fees and living costs. Moreover, the university's various outreach and access schemes aim to make studying more affordable and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds.

Students are encouraged to explore external funding options such as national scholarships, government grants, and private sector support, which may be applicable depending on their nationality and financial circumstances. Work opportunities during the academic year, including research assistantships and tutoring positions, provide additional sources of income for some students. The university’s financial aid office provides detailed guidance on available options and application procedures, ensuring students are aware of all possible resources.

Overall, the financing landscape for Archaeology students at Cambridge is designed to accommodate both domestic and international applicants, promoting access to world-class education through a combination of internal scholarships, external funding, and support services. Applicants are advised to start their search early and compile a strong application to improve their chances of securing financial assistance, thereby making their study experience at Cambridge more manageable and focused on academic achievement.

Your living expenses may be higher than for a Home student (eg if you stay in Cambridge/the UK during vacations). The minimum resources needed in Cambridge for the year (excluding tuition and College fees) are estimated to be approximately £10,080 in 2017-18 and £10,310 in 2018-19, depending on lifestyle (you should allow for increases in future years).