Archaeology

Study mode:Online Languages: English
Foreign:$ 16.8 k / program  
170 place StudyQA ranking:5599 Duration:36 months

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Field of Study: Archaeology
Degree Title: BA Archaeology
Duration: 3 years (full-time)
Study Mode: Full-time
Location: University of Leicester, UK

Programme Description:
The BA Archaeology programme at the University of Leicester offers students a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the study of human history through material culture, artefacts, and archaeological sites. Designed to develop both practical skills and theoretical understanding, this course provides a solid foundation in archaeological methods, dating techniques, artifact analysis, and the interpretation of ancient societies across different periods and regions. Throughout the programme, students will explore a variety of topics, including prehistoric archaeology, Roman Britain, medieval societies, and contemporary issues related to cultural heritage management and archaeological conservation.

The course emphasizes hands-on learning through excavation projects, laboratory work, and visits to archaeological sites and museums. Students will gain practical experience in fieldwork, geophysical survey techniques, artefact processing, and digital recording methods using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and 3D modelling. The programme also incorporates modules that explore the social, cultural, and environmental contexts of archaeological findings, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.

Underpinning the academic content, students learn about ethical considerations, heritage legislation, and the importance of archaeology in contemporary society. The programme encourages independent research and includes dissertation work, enabling students to undertake a detailed investigation into a specific archaeological topic of their choice.

Graduates of the BA Archaeology programme at Leicester are well-equipped for careers in archaeological consultancy, heritage management, museums, education, or further academic research. The university’s strong links with archaeological institutions and professional bodies provide opportunities for placements and networking. By engaging with cutting-edge research and diverse archaeological sources, students develop a nuanced understanding of past human environments and their lasting legacy.

With its excellent facilities, expert faculty, and practical focus, the BA Archaeology programme prepares students to contribute meaningfully to the understanding, preservation, and interpretation of humanity’s archaeological heritage.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline any time Tuition fee
  • GBP 16770 Module (EEA)

*total course fees

Diploma (Home/EU/International): £11,180

Certificate (Home/EU/International): £5,590

Start date February,June,October 2015 Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test
  • English
Delivery mode Online Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity Flexible Part-time variant Flexible Structure Fully structured Student interaction Individual work/assignments (with online group discussions), Online group works/assignments Attendance No Attendance Teacher support Continuous support with feedback on request

Course Content

Course structure

The BA in Archaeology is made up of three levels, with each level taking two years for part-time students to complete, or one year for full-time students. Each level consists of six modules, lasting 12 weeks each, with short breaks in between. Part-time students study each module in turn, whereas full-time students study two modules at a time.

Level 1 (part-time years 1 and 2; full-time year 1)

  • Aims and Methods in Archaeology

Plus five modules from the following:

  • Early Prehistory
  • Later Prehistory
  • Classical Archaeology
  • Medieval Archaeology
  • Historical (Post-medieval and Industrial) Archaeology
  • The Archaeology of Egypt, Nubia and the Middle Nile

Level 2 (part-time years 3 and 4; full-time year 2)

  • Archaeological Theory
  • The Rise of States in the Old World
  • The Mediterranean in the Medieval World
  • Interpreting Archaeological Evidence
  • Being Human: Evolution and Prehistory
  • Fieldschool

Level 3 (part-time years 5 and 6; full-time year 3)

  • Households and Families
  • Archaeological Practice
  • The Archaeology of Urbanism
  • Archaeology, Religion and Belief
  • Individual dissertation

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 CAE score : 60(Grade C) TOEFL iBT® test : 90

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

take an IELTS test. More About IELTS

Requirements

Entry requirements

Our distance learning Archaeology and Ancient History courses do not have formal entry requirements – you just need to demonstrate an active interest in archaeology and ancient history and a genuine commitment to putting the time in to study. For applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of a minimum standard of English is required as a condition of entry.

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 Leicester.

Funding

Employer sponsorship

Studying by distance learning gives a clear signal to employers that you are committed to developing your skills and knowledge. Your employer may be willing to fund all or part of your course if you are able to show the key benefits to their business. Some of these benefits are detailed below:

Distance learning allows you to develop your skills without taking time out of the workplace

You will be able to apply your new skills into your roles immediately

The skills you develop will include; complex problem solving; communication skills; creative and strategic thinking; time management; and decision making.

There are many different ways that your employer may provide support, from fully or partially paying your tuition fees to offering you study time or additional leave days. The form your sponsor will need to complete, together with further information can be found on our Finance Office website. If you are seeking, or have gained, sponsorship from your employer please mention this when you make your application.

ELCAS funding for members of the Armed Forces

We are an approved provider for the Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme (ELCAS) for armed forces personnel and all of our distance learning courses are available under this scheme.

If you are a current or former member of the UK armed forces then you may be eligible for ELCAS funding. Please check their website for full details or contact your Education Officer. If you are seeking, or have gained ELCAS funding, please mention this when you make your application.

Professional and Career Development Loans

Professional and Career Development Loans (CDLs) are offered by a consortium of major banks for students on vocational courses only.

You can borrow between £300 and £10,000 towards tuition and/or living expenses for a course over a period of up to two years study (three years if the course includes work experience). The bank will usually take between six weeks and three months to process your application - so make sure you apply well in advance.

The Skills Funding Agency will pay the interest on your Professional and Career Development Loan while you’re studying - and for one month after you’ve left your course.

For an application pack or for any enquiries relating to Professional and Career Development Loans, please call Next Step on 0800 100 900. Further information can be found on the Directgov website. If you are seeking, or have gained CDL funding, please mention this when you make your application.

Research Councils

Research Councils are public bodies which provide awards for postgraduate research study for students from the UK and fees only support for EU students. Each is responsible for a particular group of subject areas. Only the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) currently consider applications from individual students.

International (non-EU) funding

If you live outside the EU, try contacting your government's Ministry of Education for details of scholarships or loans. The British Council, the UK's international organisation for educational and cultural matters, has offices in 110 countries and can advise on sources of funding. You may want to visit Education UK’s section on scholarships for more information.

There also a number of charities and foundations you may want to consider contacting regarding funding. A few notable foundations are the Aga Khan Foundation, the African Educational Trust and the Said Foundation. A list of organisations can be found on the Postgraduate Studentships website.

USA

In the case of students from the USA, overseas distance learning programmes are no longer eligible for Federal loans or VA (Veterans Association) funding. Students may apply for loans from a private provider. One of the largest is SallieMae, and several of our former and existing students have used this route. There are, of course, many other providers of private loans for the purposes of education. Private loan companies usually require the education provider to have a 'Federal School Code': the University of Leicester’s code is G22291.

Accreditation

We think a university should be about empowering people to explore; through passionate, dedicated teaching and innovative, world-changing research. By embracing the fact that every journey is personal, the University has achieved some remarkable results.

At Leicester we think that high quality research and excellent teaching are not only complementary, they’re inseparable. We are constantly finding new ways of being a leading university, and have done so since we were founded as a University College in 1921. Find out about some of our greatest discoveries.

We are the only university to win seven consecutive Times Higher Awards. In awarding us 'University of the Year', Times Higher Education applauded Leicester’s very different approach, describing us as “elite without being elitist”.

We were proud to be described as elite. But we were equally as proud to be described as a university that is inclusive and accessible in its academic culture. We've achieved success through our distinctive work which is characterised by the following approach:

An inclusive and accessible culture

Our commitment to an inclusive and accessible culture not only opens the doors to the very best, no matter their background, it even shapes the very way we look at and discover the world around us. Leicester is the most inclusive of Britain's top 20 leading universities with the greatest proportions of students from under-represented groups.

A personal, supportive experience for those who use our services

The University of Leicester was founded as a memorial to the fallen of the Great War and our motto means “So that they may have life”. We seek to do this by providing a supportive and personal environment for those who use our services and an experience that our students tell us is second to none.

A commitment to high quality, innovation and rigorous academic standards

We are dedicated to finding new ways of doing old things and bringing new perspectives to established ideas, without compromising on quality and while maintaining our high rankings.

A belief that teaching and research are synergistic

We believe that teaching is inspirational when delivered by passionate scholars engaged in world changing research - and that our research is stronger when delivered in an academic community that includes students - students who question and probe us every day.

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