Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Archaeology (F400) (Placement Year)

Evidence shows there’s been a huge surge in demand for archaeologists in the UK following a sharp rise in infrastructure projects, so there’s never been a better time to study this degree at Bournemouth University.

Students can take the degree as either a BA Archaeology or BSc according to whether they prefer an arts-based or scientific route. All students study the same first year so it’s easy to transfer from one to the other. Themes in Archaeology & Anthropology, and Societies of Prehistoric Europe, are both key highlights of the curriculum, among many others. There’s a combination of academic study and practical experience in place, producing highly skilled practitioners experienced in all forms of landscape survey, remote sensing, excavation and recording. 

Students will learn through expert-led lectures, seminars and a range of exciting and relevant fieldwork opportunities all over the UK. As well as a 5 or 30-week work placement, they will attend an archaeological field school at the end of the first year. Participation in BU’s renowned field school – the Durotriges Project 'Big Dig' Field School – allows students to gain a wide range of practical skills. The annual dig is an unrivalled opportunity to work on a real archaeological excavation; finds in previous years by our students have changed what we thought we knew about the past.

Students may also have the opportunity to take part in other excavations organised by BU's active team of archaeologists, such as the excavations in the Cotswolds that uncovered a 6,000-year-old prehistoric burial monument. Students could also work with commercial archaeologists to gain essential transferable skills recognized by the Chartered Institute of Archaeologists.