Archaeology with a Year Abroad

The BA Archaeology with a Year Abroad at University College London offers students an exceptional opportunity to explore the fascinating complexities of human history through the archaeological record. This programme combines rigorous academic coursework with practical fieldwork, fostering a comprehensive understanding of ancient and modern societies across different periods and regions. Students will engage in a multidisciplinary approach, integrating concepts from history, anthropology, and heritage studies, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and experienced academic staff. The Year Abroad component enables students to immerse themselves in a different cultural environment, enhancing their linguistic skills and broadening their archaeological perspective. Opportunities for study and placements at partner institutions across Europe, North America, and beyond enrich the academic journey, allowing students to develop international networks and gain firsthand experience of archaeological practices in diverse settings. The curriculum covers topics such as prehistoric archaeology, classical civilizations, archaeological methods and technologies, ancient art and architecture, and heritage management. Practical skills in excavation techniques, artifact analysis, and digital archaeology are integral to the programme. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects, supported by supervisors with expertise in various archaeological disciplines. The programme prepares graduates for careers in archaeology, heritage management, museum curation, academia, and related fields, with many students pursuing postgraduate study. With a focus on critical thinking, analytical skills, and field-based learning, the BA Archaeology with a Year Abroad at UCL aims to equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with valuable skills to contribute meaningfully to the preservation and understanding of cultural heritage worldwide.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Core modules in the first year provide a solid grounding in the practical and theoretical methods in archaeology and an introduction to major issues in world prehistory.

The second and fourth years provide a more advanced understanding of archaeology and allow you to develop your own specialised interests by choosing optional modules in particular subject areas.

Your third year is spent entirely abroad at one of our partner institutions, where you will take modules and fulfil all academic responsibilities relevant to that institution. You will need to be in good academic standing and linguistically competent for your exchange destination.

A levels

Grades

AAB-ABB

Subjects

No specific subjects.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

34-36

Subjects

A score of 16-17 points in three higher level subjects, with no score lower than 5.

The Archaeology with a Year Abroad program at University College London offers a diverse range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for this program are typically set annually and vary depending on the student's domicile status. For UK students, the fees are generally aligned with standard undergraduate rates, while international students may face higher costs. In addition to tuition fees, students should consider living expenses, which include accommodation, food, transportation, books, and personal expenses. UCL provides a detailed cost-of-living estimate to help students plan financially.

Financial support is available through several channels. Government-sponsored student loans and bursaries are common for eligible UK students, providing access to low-interest loans that cover tuition fees and living costs. International students are often required to self-fund their studies but may seek scholarships, grants, or sponsorships offered by UCL or external organizations. Scholarship opportunities are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to nationality or background. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the UCL Scholarships and Funding webpage for the latest opportunities and application deadlines.

UCL also offers internal bursaries and fee waivers for certain categories of students, including those from underrepresented backgrounds or with demonstrated financial need. Part-time work opportunities are available for students during their studies, allowing them to supplement their income. The university maintains a careers service that can assist with job placements and internships, which can be invaluable for gaining practical experience and reducing financial burdens.

Students are advised to plan their finances well in advance and to apply for funding options early. Many students combine personal savings, family support, scholarships, and part-time work to cover their expenses. UCL's financial aid guidance aims to ensure that students can focus on their academic pursuits without undue financial stress. Overall, financing studies at UCL requires careful planning, but multiple support mechanisms are designed to make the Archaeology with a Year Abroad program accessible to a diverse student body.

The Archaeology program with a Year Abroad at University College London (UCL) offers students a comprehensive understanding of human history, culture, and societies through the study of material remains, archaeological techniques, and historical contexts. The program is designed to provide a robust foundation in archaeological theory and practice, covering periods from prehistory to the modern era, with a focus on the methods used to investigate and interpret ancient and historical sites. Students engage with a broad range of topics, including archaeological science, heritage management, artefact analysis, and fieldwork methods, enabling them to develop both practical skills and critical thinking.

A distinctive feature of this degree is the Year Abroad, which typically takes place in the third year of study. During this period, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different cultural and academic environment, often at partner universities across Europe or internationally. This experience enhances language skills, intercultural understanding, and academic adaptability, all of which are highly valued in the field of archaeology. The Year Abroad also allows students to access different archaeological sites, museum collections, and research methodologies, broadening their professional perspective.

UCL's archaeology program emphasizes a combination of lecture-based learning, seminars, practical workshops, and extensive fieldwork. Students benefit from access to world-class archaeological collections, historic sites, and state-of-the-art laboratories. The university’s strong links with archaeological institutions and heritage organizations provide opportunities for internships and collaborative research projects. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in archaeology, heritage management, conservation, museum curation, and related fields.

Throughout the course, students are encouraged to develop independent research skills, undertake small-scale excavation projects, and contribute to ongoing archaeological investigations. The program's emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches ensures a well-rounded education, combining scientific analysis with historical interpretation. Assessment methods typically include essays, examinations, project reports, presentations, and practical fieldwork evaluations.

Graduates of the Archaeology with a Year Abroad program at UCL leave with a strong theoretical knowledge base, practical experience, and international perspectives, equipping them to work in diverse archaeological environments or further their academic careers through postgraduate study. UCL's reputation as a leading university, along with its extensive archaeological resources and collaborations, makes it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing archaeology from a global and comprehensive standpoint.