About this course

Archaeological Science has transformed our understanding of some of humankind's most fundamental issues, from climatic change and the origins of agriculture, to the social impact of new technologies and the economies of early empires. This course will introduce you to the skills and methods needed to engage with this growing area of scholarship, placing you at the cutting edge of archaeological research.

Introduction

Taught by leading specialists in archaeomaterials, bioarchaeology and environmental reconstruction, our Archaeological Science degree enables you to develop your knowledge and understanding of scientific analysis, while grounding your studies in core archaeological theory, methods and practice. You will also be able to focus your degree through optional modules on specific geographical areas and chronological periods.

What you'll learn

Detailed knowledge of the practice and theory of archaeology as an approach to understanding past societies
A practical knowledge of the techniques of archaeological excavation and recording
Broad comparative knowledge of the archaeology of selected geographical regions and chronological periods
Practical experience of the recovery of primary archaeological data
Analysis and critical reflection on a range of archaeological data
Theoretical concepts within Archaeology
An understanding of the development of Archaeology, specifically Archaeological science, as a discipline.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA).

Accreditation in detail

CIfA

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) is the leading professional body representing archaeologists working in the UK and overseas. We promote high professional standards and strong ethics in archaeological practice, to maximise the benefits that archaeologists bring to society. We are the authoritative and effective voice for archaeologists, bringing recognition and respect to our profession.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

All year one modules are required. Students taking a programme with an Archaeology component at 50% or higher will have the opportunity to qualify with a Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) accreditation.

To qualify, students must have taken ALGY101, ALGY102, ALGY248, ALGY250, ALGY399, ALGY450, ACE Archaeological Field School assessed in ALGY248, and a further 10 days of fieldwork/employability experience.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
PRINCIPLES OF ARCHAEOLOGY (ALGY101)	15
ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN AND NEAR EAST (ALGY150)	30
FRAMING ANTIQUITY (CLAH100)	30
THE PERSPECTIVE OF EVOLUTIONARY ANTHROPOLOGY (ALGY135)	30
THE PRACTICE OF ARCHAEOLOGY (ALGY102)	15

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.

Year two

Students take 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in semester one.

Students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules in semester two.

Students are required to complete 20 days of archaeological fieldwork training, normally during the summer vacation period at the end of year one and year two. The fieldwork is assessed on ALGY248.

CLAH222 requires prior approval and is subject to a suitable placement being sourced. Students will not be able to register directly for this module.

Registration onto HLAC220 is for students planning to undertake a Work Placement Year between second and final year, or for those who are interested in developing their transferrable skills in preparation for a short placement or other work experience.

Students taking a programme with an Archaeology component at 50% or higher will have to opportunity to qualify with a Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) accreditation. To qualify, students must have taken ALGY101, ALGY102, ALGY248, ALGY250, ALGY399, ALGY450, ACE Archaeological Field School assessed in ALGY248, and a further 10 days of fieldwork/employability experience.

Students may take 15 credits of optional cognate modules outside of their degree programme with permission from the Subject Lead.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
WORKING WITH THE PAST (ALGY248)	15
PLANTS AND PEOPLE IN THE PAST: METHOD AND PRACTICE OF ARCHAEOBOTANY (ALGY220)	15
THINKING THROUGH ARCHAEOLOGY (ALGY202)	15
ARTEFACTS AND TECHNOLOGY (ALGY250)	15
HUMAN OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY (ALGY266)	15

Optional modules	Credits
METHODS AND ISSUES IN EVOLUTIONARY ANTHROPOLOGY FROM THE PLIOCENE TO EARLY PLEISTOCENE 1 (ALGY205)	15
NOMADS: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF EURASIA (ALGY223)	15
ARCHAEOLOGY OF DEATH AND MORTUARY PRACTICES (ALGY224)	15
BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY (ALGY254)	15
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF POWER (ALGY295)	15
SUMERIAN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (ALGY288)	15
CONQUEST, CONFLICT AND CULTURE: SICILY FROM PROTOHISTORY TO THE HELLENISTIC PERIOD (CLAH225)	15
PLACEMENT YEAR PREPARATION (HLAC220)	15
THE CELTS (IRON AGE EUROPE AND THE MEDITERRANEAN) (ALGY259)	15
METHODS AND ISSUES IN EVOLUTIONARY ANTHROPOLOGY FROM THE PLIOCENE TO EARLY PLEISTOCENE 2 (ALGY206)	15
AKKADIAN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (ALGY213)	15
FIRST CIVILISATION: MESOPOTAMIA AND THE SUMERIANS (ALGY287)	15
INDIGENOUS AMERICAS (ALGY258)	15
ACE WORK PLACEMENT (CLAH222)	15
MUSEUMS AND MONUMENTS (HLAC206)	15

Year three

Students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules in semester one, and 15 credits of required modules and 45 credits of optional modules in semester two.

ALGY450 is a ‘year-long’ module and represents 15 credits in each semester. With the permission of the Subject Lead, it is also possible to choose 15 credits from those offered at Level 5 so as to fit the themed pathway or support your dissertation.

Students may take 15 credits of optional cognate modules outside of their degree programme with permission from the Subject Lead, and subject to timetabling constraints.

Students may only take ALGY213 or ALGY288 in their final year if they have not taken them before.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY: ETHICAL AND POLITICAL ISSUES (ALGY399)	15
ARCHAEOMATERIALS: ANALYTICAL METHODS AND PRACTICAL ANALYSIS (ALGY397)	15
DISSERTATION (ALGY450)	30

Optional modules	Credits
SUMERIAN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (ALGY288)	15
METHODS AND ISSUES IN EVOLUTIONARY ANTHROPOLOGY FROM THE MIDDLE TO LATER PLEISTOCENE 1 (ALGY303)	15
ARCHAEOLOGY OF SLAVERY (ALGY325)	15
FROM FORAGING TO FARMING; EPIPALAEOLITHIC TO NEOLITHIC TRANSITION IN SOUTH WEST ASIA (ALGY356)	15
PALAEOLITHIC ART IN EUROPE (ALGY361)	15
ARCHAEOLOGY IN THE ANTHROPOCENE (ALGY362)	15
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN THE ANCIENT WORLD (1550 - 1200 BCE) (ALGY364)	15
AKKADIAN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (ALGY213)	15
METHODS AND ISSUES IN EVOLUTIONARY ANTHROPOLOGY FROM MIDDLE TO LATER PLEISTOCENE 2 (ALGY304)	15
ANCIENT WARFARE (ALGY311)	15
RETHINKING STONEHENGE (BRITISH AND IRISH PREHISTORY) (ALGY357)	15
MAKING HERITAGE HAPPEN (HLAC315)	15
THE ROMAN EXPERIENCE: HISTORY, ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE (CLAH369)	15

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

More information coming soon.

How you're assessed

More information coming soon.

Liverpool Learning Framework

At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.

You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:

Digital fluency
Confidence
Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

Research-connected teaching - learning informed by the latest ideas and discoveries
Active learning - taking part, applying knowledge and learning by doing
Authentic assessment - assessments designed around real-world tasks and challenges

We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.

We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

Learn Chinese
Study in a bustling world heritage city
Improve employment prospects
Study Chinese culture
30 minutes from Shanghai
Learn new skills

Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?

Australia
Canada
Hong Kong
Malaysia
Singapore
South Korea
USA

More about taking a year abroad

Semester abroad

Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

Inspire your future career or studies
Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
More likely to earn higher salary
More likely to be employed after graduating

More about taking a semester abroad

Summer abroad

Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
Study abroad without adding an extra year
Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline

Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?

Hong Kong
Japan
South Korea

More about taking a summer abroad

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

A dedicated languages degree
A language as a joint or major/minor degree
Language modules (selected degrees)
Language classes alongside your studies

Your experience

The Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures. Teaching takes place across campus, including in specialist facilities in the Central Teaching Hub.

Explore where you'll study

Photograph of the Victoria Gallery and Museum from across University Square — Victoria Gallery and Museum

Photograph of a reading room within the Harold Cohen Library — Harold Cohen Library

Two students checking books out of the Sydney Jones Library — Sydney Jones Library

A day in the life of Historical and Classic Studies student Amy

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.

Why Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology at University of Liverpool?

Fantastic on-campus facilities such as the Garstang Museum with its outstanding archaeological collections and GIS suite for archaeological drawing
Our extensive laboratories used for conservation, lithics, geomagnetism, stable isotope, trace elements, finds processing and sample preparation
An enviable library which has been built up since the Ancient World and Archaeology has been studied at Liverpool since the 1880s
Opportunities to learn ancient languages such as Greek, Latin, Akkadian, Sumerian, Egyptian and Coptic
Archaeological projects based internationally, in Egypt, Greece, Bulgaria, Jordan, Turkey, Italy, Zambia, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa, as well as in the British Isles

Chat with our students

Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

Match with an ambassador

A day in the life of Historical and Classic Studies student Amy

Careers and employability

An Archaeological Science degree from Liverpool provides you with a rigorous training experience that produces graduates with an exceptional breadth of knowledge.

Our graduates are well-equipped for a wide variety of private or public sector careers, including in finance, journalism, teaching, law, the police or Civil Service, tourism, and heritage management, where knowledge of archaeology is a specific advantage.

Past students have successfully gained employment in universities and major museums, locally, nationally, and internationally.

Recent employers include:

The National Trust
English Heritage
Civil Service
Archaeology South East.

88% of students go on to work or further study within 15 months of graduation.

(Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.)

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £10,050
Year in industry fee - £2,010
Year abroad fee - £1,505 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £27,000
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £13,500 (applies to year in China)

The UK fees shown are for the academic year 2027/28. The international fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27 and will be subject for change for the academic year 2027/28. Please be advised that tuition fees may increase each year for both UK and international students. For UK students, this will be subject to the government’s regulated fee limits.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.

We’re showing the scholarships available to students from United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

The Bloomberg Scholarship

4 scholarships are available each year to support undergraduate applicants from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds who permanently reside in the Liverpool City Region. Successful applicants will receive a stipend of £5,000 per year for 3 years. Applications open in August 2026.

Ruth Cannell Scholarship Fund

This scholarship will support undergraduate students from widening participation backgrounds in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film with their year abroad.

Whiteley Award

This award offers £3,000 per year for a UK undergraduate student from an under-represented background who has successfully completed the Liverpool Scholars or Pathways to Medicine programme.

The Liverpool Bursary

If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Asylum Seekers Scholarship

Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.

Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary

If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Estranged Students Bursary

If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship

Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.

Nolan Scholarships

Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.

Rigby Enterprise Award

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a household income of £26,500 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship

Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

Qualification	Details
A levels	BBB Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBC from A levels, with B in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.
T levels	T levels considered in a relevant subject. Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism.
GCSE	4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma	BTEC applications are encouraged. We evaluate each BTEC application on its merits and may make offers at DDM.
International Baccalaureate	30 points overall with no score less than 4 or pass the IB Diploma plus 5,5,5 in 3 HL subjects.
Irish Leaving Certificate	H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher	BBB in Advanced Highers, combinations of Advanced Highers and Scottish Highers are welcome
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced	B in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BB at A level.
Access	Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma(Humanities/Social Science) with 45 Level 3 credits with 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit.
International qualifications	If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.

Alternative entry requirements

If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
If you are returning to learning, have had a disrupted education or are switching career pathways, the one-year Go Higher diploma qualifies you to apply for University of Liverpool arts, humanities and social sciences programmes
Applications from mature students are welcome.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

Pre-sessional English

Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

Send us a message Phone: +44 (0) 151 794 5927

Last updated 10 August 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions