BA in Archaeology with Foundation

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Durham University

Program Overview

This 4-year full-time programme (including the Foundation Year) is aimed at students who may not meet the usual entry qualifications but have potential, especially if they’ve experienced educational disadvantage or disruption. Once you complete the foundation year, you move into Durham’s standard BA Archaeology degree, where you’ll study the methods, theory, lab/field skills, and global archaeology, giving you a strong balance of scientific, social, and historical approaches.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year (Year 0):
In this year, you'll build academic foundations to prepare for degree-level study. Modules include Concepts, Methods & Theories in Arts & Humanities, Scholarship in Higher Education (Extended), and Advanced Scholarship in Higher Education for Arts, Business and Social Sciences. You’ll work on developing independent learning, academic writing, critical thinking (“epistemological maturity”), plus small tutorials and seminars, which gradually become more specialised.

Year 1 (Level 1 of the Archaeology degree):
You’ll move into core archaeology modules: learning basic intellectual and practical skills. For example, modules like Archaeological Practicals, Applied Archaeological Methods, Introduction to Archaeological Methods, Scientific Methods in Archaeology are typical. There are also optional modules that let you explore regional archaeology (e.g. Discovering World Prehistory, Cities in Antiquity, Ancient Civilisations of the East) and some flexibility to take modules outside Archaeology.

Year 2:
The second year deepens both theoretical and hands-on aspects. You’ll take Professional Training (often involving fieldwork), Advanced Skills in Archaeology, and Developing Archaeological Research to build your methods and research design. Optional modules allow you to specialise by region or theme: e.g. Becoming Roman: from Iron Age to Empire, Archaeology of Medieval/Post-Medieval Britain, East Mediterranean in the Bronze Age, etc.

Year 3 (Final Year):
In your final year you'll conduct a Dissertation, an independent research project on a topic of your choice, under supervision. You’ll also take advanced specialist and professional training modules, such as Specialised Aspects of Archaeology, Interpreting Heritage, Museum Representation, or modules involving fieldwork and contemporary practice.

Focus areas

“Field & landscape archaeology; archaeological science (osteology, isotopes, aDNA, materials analysis); theory & methods; heritage, artefact study & museum skills; regional civilisations (Near East, South Asia, Europe); environmental & remote sensing approaches”

Learning outcomes

“You will become capable of designing and conducting archaeological research; using lab, field, and digital methods; critically understanding theories of past societies; applying scientific analysis (bioarchaeology, environmental, isotopic) and heritage/curatorial skills; as well as communicating findings effectively in oral, written, and visual formats”

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The BA Archaeology degree is accredited by CIfA (Chartered Institute for Archaeologists), which means the degree is recognised as meeting the professional standards in UK commercial archaeology.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The experiential learning component of the program is robust and multifaceted, ensuring that students gain practical skills that are highly valued in the field of archaeology. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, participate in field trips, and engage in internships that provide real-world experience. These opportunities are designed to enhance students' understanding of archaeological methods and prepare them for professional roles upon graduation.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Laboratory Facilities: Access to state-of-the-art laboratories for precision techniques, including ancient DNA and isotope analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and digital visualization.
Fieldwork: Participation in field trips exploring the archaeology of North East England, as well as further afield. Durham's location provides opportunities to practice recording and interpreting important buildings, archaeological sites, monuments, and landscapes.
Commercial Archaeology Placements: Opportunities to work with Durham University Archaeological Services, providing a paid introduction to the commercial archaeology sector combined with training in a variety of professional skills.
Research Projects: Engagement in fully-funded field projects and the chance to work alongside world-leading researchers, making exciting new discoveries about past societies.

These experiences are complemented by access to excellent library and computing facilities, further supporting students' learning and research endeavors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Durham University's BA in Archaeology with Foundation program are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths in archaeology and related fields. Typical roles include archaeological field technician, heritage consultant, museum curator, and cultural heritage officer. The program's comprehensive training and practical experience ensure that students are prepared for both immediate employment and further academic pursuits.

To support students in their career development, Durham University offers a range of services and opportunities:

Career Support: The university's Careers and Enterprise Centre provides personalized career advice, CV workshops, and interview preparation to help students transition from academic study to professional employment.
Employment Statistics: According to the HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey, 91% of Durham University graduates from the Archaeology program are employed in high or medium-skilled roles, with an average salary of £25,083 15 months after graduation.
Industry Partnerships: Durham University's Department of Archaeology has established strong links with professional organizations, including the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK). These partnerships facilitate access to industry networks and enhance employability.
Accreditation: The program's accreditation by CIfA ensures that graduates meet professional standards recognized within the archaeological community, providing a competitive edge in the job market.
Graduate Outcomes: The university's commitment to student success is reflected in the high percentage of graduates securing employment or further study opportunities, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing students for their careers.

Further Academic Progression:

Upon completion of the BA in Archaeology with Foundation, students have several options for further academic development:

Postgraduate Studies: Graduates can pursue a Master's degree in Archaeology or related fields, such as Historical Archaeology or Museum Studies, to specialize further and enhance career prospects.
PhD Opportunities: For those interested in research and academia, Durham University offers PhD programs in Archaeology, allowing students to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
Professional Development: Engaging in professional development courses and certifications can provide additional skills and qualifications, making graduates more competitive in the job market.

Additional Information & Requirements

CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education): For applicants from the CBSE board, Durham University typically requires a minimum of 84% overall in Class 12 examinations. This is considered equivalent to the standard entry requirements for UK students. Additionally, proficiency in English is essential; applicants should have achieved a minimum of Grade 5 in English Language at the Class 10 level.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): International applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency. Durham University typically requires an IELTS Academic score of 6.5, with no individual component score below 6.0. This ensures that students can effectively engage with the academic content and participate in discussions.
American (GPA/AP): A minimum GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 is typically required for admission. This reflects a strong academic standing in high school coursework.
International Baccalaureate (IB): Durham University typically requires an IB Diploma score of 36 points, including 6, 6, 5 in higher-level subjects. Subjects related to humanities, history, or social sciences are particularly relevant for the Archaeology program. This requirement ensures that students have a strong academic foundation suitable for the rigors of the degree.
A-Level: For UK applicants, the standard entry requirement is AAB at A-Level. While specific subjects are not mandated, subjects such as History, Classics, or Geography are considered advantageous. Applicants should also be aware that certain subjects like General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded from meeting the entry requirements.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Alternatively, applicants can provide TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency. Durham University generally requires a TOEFL iBT score of 90. This requirement is in place to ensure that students can comprehend lectures, complete assignments, and engage in academic discussions effectively.
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) UCAS Code: The programme code for the BA in Archaeology with Foundation is V400.