Archaeological Practice with Professional Placement BSc (Hons)

The Archaeological Practice degree integrates advanced scientific methodologies to investigate historical developments, ranging from Prehistoric Europe to the anthropology of death and burial. A central feature of the curriculum is the year-long professional placement, which enables the cultivation of a specialized portfolio to enhance post-graduate employability. The presence of the departmental commercial research consultancy, ARCA, provides students with direct access to specialist expertise and practical laboratory experience, facilitating the integration of academic knowledge with commercial reporting. Technical proficiency is developed through the utilization of high-precision field instrumentation—including ground-penetrating radar, magnetometers, and total stations—alongside industry-standard software like ArcGIS and Geoplot.

The first year establishes a comprehensive foundation covering the span from prehistory to the modern era, focusing on archaeological science and concluding with a four-week research excavation. The second year emphasizes applied methodologies such as Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, and post-excavation analysis. Theoretical modules prepare students for independent research, while elective options allow for the exploration of diverse regions and bioarchaeology. The third year is dedicated to a professional placement within an archaeological organization, allowing for the acquisition of real-world experience. The final year emphasizes vocational leadership through modules on project management and cultural heritage practice. This concluding stage involves the completion of a practically oriented dissertation, supported by optional studies in prehistoric Europe and conflict archaeology.