Skip to content

Archaeology

BSc (Hons)

Typical offer for 2025
Duration
UCAS code

Suitable for applications.

Archaeology isn’t just excavations but a variety of lab based courses. I chose this course because it allows students to do a combination of both scientific and non-scientific modules. Students have the flexibility to explore many different areas within archaeology. Jyoti, BSc Archaeology

Entry requirements

Typical offer - 112 UCAS tariff points.

 

A levels

BBC - there are no subject specific requirements.

T levels

Merit - there are no specific subject requirements.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DMM - there are no specific subject requirements.

Applicants on Access Programmes

112 UCAS tariff points from an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

International Baccalaureate Requirements

112 UCAS tariff points.

Plus HL 3 or SL 4 in English Language and Literature A or English B.

Plus minimum of

GCSE English at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).

English language requirements

Minimum IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent.

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, and you have a UKVI approved IELTS, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details. For further information on English Language requirements please see the dedicated international entry requirements page.

Foundation Year entry

If you are a UK student and do not meet the entry requirements for this course, our Foundation Year has a route to Archaeology BSc (Hons).

Foundation Year entry requirements

72 UCAS points or equivalent plus an English Language qualification equivalent to GCSE Grade 4.

Study and progression requirements

Pass each module and achieve a programme average of at least 40%.

You will study the relevant core modules plus five optional modules.

If you are an international student and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto this course, you may be interested in our International College.

Transferring from another university

If you are currently studying at another university and would like to transfer to the University of Bradford, this course accepts students into the second or third year. This is called advanced entry.

Applications for advanced entry will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must include an official transcript (not a screenshot of a portal), all module descriptors, and relevant qualifications. Module descriptors must include learning outcomes.

Applications must be submitted through UCAS and the required documents emailed along with your UCAS Personal ID no later than 31 August prior to the course starting in September. Relevant documents should be emailed to admissions@bradford.ac.uk

Placement Year

The placement year gives you the opportunity to gain real experience and professional training within your degree in order to kick-start your career. It is unique and valued throughout the archaeological world.

We have sent students to every continent over the 40 years the programme has been running.

Learning and assessment

Stage 1 introduces you to a range of archaeological periods, regions and materials, and the development of archaeology as a discipline. Practical modules such as Introduction to Archaeological Methods and Field Recording Skills allow you to handle real archaeological materials and explore methods of field survey and the principles of stratigraphy. Through the Scientific Frameworks module, you are also introduced to the main scientific techniques used in modern archaeology.

Stage 2 develops your critical thinking and offers an element of optionality in your studies. Participation in Archaeological Fieldwork is allocated by a CV and letter of application and allows first-hand experience of excavation and recording, enabling you to make own decisions under supervision. Understanding Artefacts logically follows the excavation stage and demonstrates the processes needed to understand archaeological artefacts and how they inform wider archaeological debates. Heritage Management with GIS follows British Archaeology in examining the legal and financial context of the discipline.

Other optional modules complement the core modules examining ethical and scientific issues (Bioarchaeology: Humans, Plants and Animals) and cultural archaeology from the Palaeolithic to the Viking period (Prehistoric Societies; Celts, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings).

Stage 3 develops your critical thinking further, and allows greater self-learning through the Dissertation. Bones, Bodies and Burials builds on Biological Anthropology: From Human Evolution to Forensic Anthropology (stage 1) and Bioarchaeology: Humans, Plants and Animals and Interpreting Archaeology (stage 2) to permit the detailed study of human remains in their cultural context.

Assessment methods include:

  • essays
  • portfolios
  • worksheets
  • critiques
  • laboratory reports
  • group-work
  • poster (in the placement year)
  • oral presentations
  • research designs
  • reflective journals
  • examinations

The research design and dissertation develops your ability to undertake independent research and plan this research effectively.

Our facilities

Our human remains lab is equipped with plastazote foam tables to lay out skeletons for observation, a photography rig, and an interactive touchscreen for exploring 3D anatomical and skeletal models.

University of Bradford honoured with Queen’s Anniversary Prize for outstanding archaeology

We have been awarded a 2021 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for our world-leading work in developing archaeological technology and techniques and its influence on practice, policy and society.

The prestigious accolade, which honours world-class excellence and achievement, is the highest form of national recognition that UK higher education institutions can achieve. The University has been honoured for its leadership and innovation in pioneering the techniques, technology and practices of archaeology both in the UK and worldwide.

logo for the queens anniversary prize 2021

Study support

Our comprehensive support services will help you to achieve your full potential – both academically and personally.

We provide all you need to make the very best of your time with us, and successfully progress through your studies and on into the world of graduate employment.

Our support services include:

  • Personal tutors
  • Disability services
  • Counselling services
  • MyBradford student support centres
  • The Students’ Union
  • Chaplaincy and faith advisers
  • An on-campus nursery
  • Halls wardens

We have well-stocked libraries and excellent IT facilities across campus. These facilities are open 24 hours a day during term time, meaning you’ll always find a place to get things done on campus.

Our Academic Skills Advice Service will work with you to develop your academic, interpersonal and transferable skills.

Research

Archaeological Sciences at Bradford has a long-established reputation as one of the key centres for archaeological research in the UK. Bringing together staff from both Humanities and Science backgrounds within a single centre, we have created a powerful and distinctive research identity which blends cultural archaeology with cutting edge science.

Find out more about our research projects.

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.