UCAS code V4B1
Evolutionary Anthropology represents the deep time perspective of anthropology in the broadest sense. Anthropology encompasses the biological and social study of humans as complex organisms with the capacity for language, thought, and culture.
This unique multidisciplinary programme is the only one of its kind available in the UK and offers an opportunity to study an in-depth programme that explores what it is to be human.
This is based on the study of three major areas of evolutionary anthropology: the archaeology of human evolution, palaeoanthropology, and primatology. You can choose to study all three elements or focus on two areas and add modules in life sciences and earth sciences.
You will be required to complete four weeks of fieldwork including two weeks on our department field school at the end of year one. In year two, many students work on overseas staff research excavations, currently these are based in Zambia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Greece, Egypt as well as the UK.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one modules introduce the archaeology of human origins, archaeological techniques and methods, human anatomy, evolutionary psychology and human and animal behaviour.
Students take 45 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in semester 1. Students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional in semester 2.
Students taking LIFE modules must have A-level Biology.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| BRONZE AGE CIVILIZATIONS: MESOPOTAMIA AND THE MEDITERRANEAN (ALGY106) | 15 |
| LIVING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE (ENVS119) | 15 |
| ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION (ENVS157) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two advances on the topics covered in year one via core and optional modules in early technology, art and language, extinction and migration events and responses to climate change.
Students take 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in Semester ONE, and 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in semester two.
Students must 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.
Students taking LIFE modules must have A-level Biology.
LIFE211 and LIFE213 are only available on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with Life Sciences, and subject to previously undertaken suitable modules.
Students may take appropriate level 4 modules up to a total of 30 credits with prior approval from the subject lead.
Registration onto HLAC220 is only for students planning to undertake a Work Placement Year.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In year three you will continue to develop your expertise through the detailed study of early human ancestors and evolution, and increase your breadth of knowledge through modules such as primate biology and African archaeology.
Students take 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in semester one. Students take 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.
Students wishing to take LIFE322 must have taken LIFE211 as a pre-requisite.
Students wishing to take LIFE324 must have taken LIFE213 as a pre-requisite.
LIFE322, LIFE335, and LIFE364 are only available on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with Life Sciences and subject to previously undertaken suitable modules.
Students wishing to take ALGY342 must have taken ALGY106 in year one.
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.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (ALGY450) | 30 |
| ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY: ETHICAL AND POLITICAL ISSUES (ALGY399) | 15 |
| PALAEOLITHIC ART IN EUROPE (ALGY361) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Modules are delivered by a mixture of lectures and seminars in year one, in year two the lecture element within modules is complemented by student led seminars. Finally, in year three, most modules are delivered by a short series of lectures with a focus on student-led seminars thereafter. Self-directed study is also expected through the course reading list and conducting research for your essays and projects. Academic staff area regularly available via their office hours for one-to-one feedback and support. Course material is available 24-hours a day on Canvas, our online learning platform, and study support is available from our dedicated student services team.
Evolutionary Anthropology is assessed in a variety of ways.
Examination: learning outcomes are demonstrated in student performance through preparation for and the sitting of an examination. Such examinations may cover essay-based work (usually by selection of a set number of questions), source analysis (usually by selection of questions or a commentary on an ancient source) or language work (mostly translation and commentary of set passages).
Assessed coursework, including essays, commentaries, posters, and projects: learning outcomes are demonstrated in student performance through the preparation and delivery of a piece of work as an act of self-directed learning with full access to all the relevant learning and research tools and supports.
Portfolio: a critical summary of seminars presented by students reflecting on the material discussed in seminars and subsequently researched and presented as a discussion of the topic or theme.
Class tests, primarily in language modules: learning outcomes are demonstrated with regards to understanding, analysing and applying structures and concepts of grammar and syntax.
Oral presentations: modules assess presentation skills and several modules require the use of Microsoft PowerPoint.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
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.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
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.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Students who graduate from Evolutionary Anthropology are equipped with skills required for employment or advanced study in archaeology or anthropology. In addition to the subject-specific career pathways, graduates have also gone on to careers in a range of public service and private industry, for example the police, science journalism or financial services. Many past students have progressed through doctoral studies.
Recent employers include:
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Jack graduated BSc Hons Evolutionary Anthropology in 2019 and is graduating MRes Palaeoanthropology degree from the University of Liverpool in 2020. He has received an offer to undertake a unique 19-month programme of language study, work placement and homestay in Japan with Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)
Full-time place, per year - £24,100
Year abroad fee - £12,050 (applies to year in China)
The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
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.
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. This includes specialist equipment and fieldwork costs.
Students will be required to cover the costs listed below for year one compulsory fieldwork- two weeks in Penycloddiau, North Wales:
In year two, those who must complete a further two weeks of fieldwork have several options with varying costs. Some options are based in the UK and have no additional costs, others are based abroad. For those choosing to join a site abroad, students will be expected to pay for their own flights, accommodation, and sustenance. The costs for this vary from site to site.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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. |
| International Baccalaureate | 30 points, with no score less than 4 |
| 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 | Accepted including BB at A level |
| Access | 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits at Merit in a Humanities/Social Science based Access Diploma |
| 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. |
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| TOEFL Paper | Grade 7 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 60 |
| Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 | Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate. |
| Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 | Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening |
| Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 | 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall. |
| Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 | 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall. |
| Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced | 176 overall, with no paper below 162 |
| LanguageCert | Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level |
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.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 27 September 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions