Archaeology

The Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology (BA) is a full-time, 3 year degree. 
Archaeologists examine many kinds of evidence, from DNA to pyramids, in their attempt to interpret the past. However, not all artefacts survive - some perish, some break - some clues are misleading and others misunderstood. This course takes an in-depth look at the nature of the archaeological record. Broadly it covers the way in which sites are found and recorded, the different dating methods available to archaeologists, the preservation of organic and inorganic material, classification techniques and interpretation.
First-year students study the biological evolution of man, man’s past as a hunter - gatherer and the origins of farming and urbanisation.

ARCHAEOLOGY I

• Module 1: INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGY (Prof. Amanda Esterhuysen)
• Module 2: A GUIDE TO HUMAN EVOLUTION  (Dr Sarah Wurz)
• Module 3: WORLD HUNTER-GATHERERS (Dr Geoff Blundell) 
• Module 4: WORLD FOOD PRODUCTION AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATIONS (Prof. Karim Sadr)

ARCHAEOLOGY II

• THE AFRICAN STONE AGE (Dr Sarah Wurz)
• THE LAST 2000 YEARS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA (Dr Alex Schoeman) 

ELECTIVES:

One of the following three electives can be selected for the third quarter:

• ARCHAEOBOTANY (Dr Christine Sievers)
• OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY(Dr Jerome Reynard & Keneiloe Molopyane) 
• WORLD ROCK ART (RARI)
• FIELD AND LABORATORY (Dr Dominic Stratford)

ARCHAEOLOGY III

• Module 1: A HISTORY OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL THOUGHT (Dr Geoff Blundell) 
• Module 2: ELECTIVES (choose one): THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF TRANSFORMED CLAY  (Dr A. Schoeman) OR Archaeology of Death (Prof A. Esterhuysen)
• Module 3:  ELECTIVES (choose one): LITHICS (Prof. K Sadr) OR 'DECIPHERING THE ANCIENT MIND: THE ROCK ART OF SOUTHERN AFRICA'   (Dr Sam Challis) OR ARCHAEOBOTANY (Dr Christine Sievers)
• Module 4: COMPULSORY: DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING  (Dr D. Stratford) 

• Applications to Wits must enclose a non-refundable application fee of R100 (for international applicants, R700).
• Submit your Grade 11 report which must be signed and stamped by your school principal.
• If you have already matriculated, attach a copy of your matric certificate.
• A pass in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a score of at least 7.0.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course