Archaeology

Description:
The BSc Archaeology programme at Queen's University Belfast offers students an in-depth understanding of human history and prehistory through the study of past societies, cultures, and environments. This undergraduate degree combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling students to investigate archaeological sites, analyze material remains, and interpret findings within broader historical contexts. The programme covers a wide range of topics including ancient civilizations, archaeological methods and techniques, heritage management, and material culture analysis. Students have the opportunity to engage in fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and digital archaeology, equipping them with essential skills for careers in archaeology, heritage management, museums, and academia. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and an appreciation of cultural diversity, emphasizing ethical considerations and preservation of archaeological resources. Through a blend of lectures, seminars, placements, and hands-on projects, students gain a comprehensive understanding of archaeological theory and practice. The programme also encourages engaging with contemporary issues such as cultural identity, conservation, and the impact of development on archaeological sites. Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue further research or employment within both the public and private sectors. Queen’s University Belfast’s archaeology programme benefits from strong links with local and international archaeological projects, museums, and heritage organizations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities. Overall, this programme aims to cultivate skilled and informed archaeologists who can contribute meaningfully to the understanding and preservation of human history through innovative research and sustainable heritage management.

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.

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

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 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Archaeology at Queen's University Belfast offers students a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of human history and cultural development through the study of past societies, archaeological methods, and material culture. The programme aims to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for careers in archaeology, heritage management, research, and related fields. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics, including ancient civilizations, prehistoric periods, classical archaeology, and the application of modern scientific techniques such as GIS, remote sensing, and laboratory analysis.

The curriculum combines lectures, seminars, fieldwork, and laboratory exercises to ensure a well-rounded educational experience. Students have access to excellent archaeological resources and facilities, including a dedicated laboratory, excavation sites, and collections for hands-on learning. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and interdisciplinary approaches, enabling students to interpret archaeological data and understand broader historical and cultural contexts.

Students are encouraged to undertake work placements or participate in archaeological excavations and research projects to gain practical experience and enhance employability. The programme may also include opportunities for study abroad or field trips to significant archaeological sites, providing real-world insights into ancient cultures and archaeological practices. Graduates of the programme are well-prepared for careers in archaeological consultancy, cultural heritage management, museums, academic research, or further postgraduate study.

The teaching team comprises experienced academics and practicing archaeologists who are active in their fields, ensuring that students receive current and relevant knowledge. The program's assessment methods include essays, reports, presentations, practical exercises, and examination, designed to foster a wide range of skills. Overall, Queen’s University Belfast’s Archaeology Honours degree combines academic rigor with practical experience, aiming to develop critical thinkers and skilled practitioners ready to contribute to the understanding and preservation of our archaeological heritage.