Course overview
Explore the world of Archaeology at Newcastle University, on the doorstep of Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
We make full use of our unique location by providing a range of fieldwork and field trip opportunities.
Our Archaeology degrees are accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeology (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK)
On our programme you’ll:
- gain a thorough understanding of archaeology, from prehistory to the recent past.
- explore how archaeology has changed our understanding of the past
- learn specialist analytical techniques
- focus on specific cultures or global regions
You’ll also have the freedom to shape your own Archaeology journey. You can choose to graduate with one of the following:
- BA in Archaeology
- BSc in Archaeology (subject to choosing Archaeological Science modules)
There is no need to select a particular route before you start. As you progress through your degree you’ll choose from a range of modules and tailor your options to suit your interests.
Based alongside Historians and Classicists, we also have interdisciplinary modules on offer that allow you to explore the intersections between archaeology and other fields of study.
With cutting edge laboratory facilities, an on-campus museum and plenty of fieldwork opportunities (in the UK and abroad) we ensure you develop essential practical skills as well as those of a researcher, preparing you for various careers, including those in the heritage sector and beyond.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
- 16th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2025 (Archaeology category)
- 15th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2025 (Anthropology and Archaeology category)
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Top 100 for Archaeology – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 90 for Arts and Humanities – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 16th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 (Archaeology and Forensic Science category)
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Top 125 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
- Chartered Institute for Archaeology (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK) Our Archaeology degrees are accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeology (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK).
CIfA is the leading professional body in archaeology. It sets high professional standards. CIfA provides training opportunities and access to a professional network of archaeologists. It works to maximise the benefits that archaeology brings to society today.
UAUK represents the departments of Archaeology in UK universities. It promotes archaeology as an academic discipline. UAUK provides a network for members, and a space for support, discussion and information sharing.
This joint accreditation confirms the content of this course is current and relevant. You’ll develop knowledge and skills which employers value. This will help you embark on a successful career within the historic environment sector after graduation.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you’ll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
This is also your opportunity to explore Archaeological Science working in our Archaeology Lab to learn about techniques and processes that underpin the discipline.
Following your first year, you’ll also have the opportunity to complete two weeks of funded fieldwork during the summer.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Archaeological Science | 20 |
| Introduction to Archaeology | 20 |
| Prehistoric Britain | 20 |
| The Archaeology of Britain from the Romans to the 20th Century | 20 |
| Stuff: living in a material world | 20 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology | 20 |
| Slavery | 20 |
| Global Ancient Histories | 20 |
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Archaeological Theory and Interpretation | 20 |
| Fieldwork and Post-Excavation: Archaeology in the UK | 20 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Animals, Plants and People: an Introduction to Environmental Archaeology | 20 |
| From Lascaux to Knossos: Prehistoric Europe | 20 |
| Archaeologies of the Roman Empire: The Roman World from Augustus to Justinian | 20 |
| The Medieval World: AD 400-1500 | 20 |
| Colonial Worlds: History and Archaeology | 20 |
| Artefacts | 20 |
| Hellenistic Empires from Alexander to Cleopatra | 20 |
| The Roman World from Hadrian to Heraclius | 20 |
| Greek and Roman Religions | 20 |
| Slavery in Greco-Roman Antiquity | 20 |
| Africa: History of a Continent | 20 |
| Oral History and Memory | 20 |
| Greece, from ancient to modern | 20 |
| Diversities of Sexuality and Gender in History | 20 |
| The Mediterranean: a connected past | 20 |
| Career Development for second year students | 20 |
Modules
Compulsory Modules
You must take one of the following compulsory modules (shown in the optional list below):
Dissertation in Archaeological Science (40 credits)
OR
Dissertation in Archaeology: Research as Professional Practice (40 credits)
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Early Medieval Britain | 20 |
| Frontier Communities of Roman Britain | 20 |
| Neolithic & Early Bronze Age Britain in its European Context | 20 |
| The Archaeology of Animal Bones | 20 |
| Sex, bodies and identities in Classical Greece | 20 |
| Dissertation in Archaeological Science | 40 |
| Dissertation in Archaeology: Research as Professional Practice | 40 |
| Homeric Archaeology: Greece from Palaces to City States | 20 |
| Fundamentals of Digital Humanities: Computer literacy, data analysis and GIS | 20 |
| City of Athens: Power, Society and Culture | 20 |
| ‘Frogs around the pond’: Mobility and identity in the Pre-Roman Mediterranean | 20 |
| Roman Egypt | 20 |
| The New Empire of Diocletian and Constantine | 20 |
| Gods in the Material World: Religion and Material Culture in Greece, Egypt and Mesopotamia 2000BC-338BC | 20 |
| Career Development for final year students | 20 |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You will learn from a dynamic range of methods and activities, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops
- practical activities
- site visits
- fieldwork training
- independent study
Skills and experience
Practical skills
During your studies you’ll have opportunities to undertake hands-on archaeological work and object-handling sessions, putting the knowledge you learn in the classroom into practice.
Each summer you’ll complete a minimum of two weeks of funded fieldwork in the region, in locations across the UK, or abroad. These opportunities enable you to hone your practical skills while also making connections with associated heritage organisations.
Research skills
You’ll have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to spend the summer following your second year working alongside academic staff on your own research project.
In your final year, using the skills developed during your degree, you’ll write a dissertation on a topic of your own choosing. During this, you’ll hone your investigative skills as you undertake independent research with access to extensive print and electronic resources, as well as archives and special collections.
Opportunities
Study abroad
Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
You have the opportunity to study abroad in either Stage 2 or 3. You can study in an EU country as part of a study abroad exchange or further afield.
Find out more about study abroad.
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You’ll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year, and your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. A work placement is not available if you’re spending a year studying abroad. Placements are subject to availability.
Find out more about work placements
Facilities and environment
Facilities
Our archaeology degree courses are taught in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology at our city-centre campus.
You’ll have access to excellent study resources including:
- the Philip Robinson University Library, which houses over 800,000 books and provides access to ca. 1.8m e-books
- Special Collections & Archives – a rich collection of archival material, historical medical texts and rare books
- The Great North Museum: Hancock, our on-campus museum which holds an extensive collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artefacts
- The Wolfson Archaeology Laboratory – with facilities for use-wear analysis of bone, stone, metal and glass, and furnaces for research in material culture or experimental archaeology.
- a Material Culture Analytical Suite kitted out with microscopes, 2D and 3D scanning equipment and CT facilities
Support
You’ll have the support of a lecturer as a personal tutor throughout your degree, and a student mentor will help you settle in.
This is a subject for everyone: we teach you all you need to know, and support your progress through to the end of the degree.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
Your future
Some of our graduates opt for careers in the heritage sector working for government, museums and private consultancies, such as:
- English Heritage
- National Trust
- British Museum
- National Parks
- Headland Archaeology
- Wardell Armstrong Archaeology Services
- MOLA Headland Infrastructure
- Northern Archaeological Associates
- Pre-Construct Archaeology Limited
As an archaeology student at Newcastle University, you’ll develop a wide range of transferable skills, due to the interdisciplinary and investigative nature of the subject, which are highly sought by employers.
Some students begin careers as professional archaeologists, while others enter the heritage sector. There are lots of opportunities to engage with employers prior to graduation.
Other archaeology graduates use their team-working, project management and analytical skills to work in other fields, for example as company archivists, information technologists, specialist librarians and researchers. These skills are especially valued in industries such as publishing, broadcasting and public relations. Some students become teachers, lawyers, or start their own businesses.
Careers support
Our unique Heritage City website connects you with heritage projects and employers in the region.
Work placements are available as part of your degree, and there are many volunteering opportunities to enhance your CV.
Students in their second year can apply for funding to support their own research projects over the summer break.
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| BBB. General Studies accepted. | |
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
| A minimum of 30 points with three subjects at Grade 5 or above at Higher Level. | |
