UCAS code V402
Scientific analyses of archaeological remains are today answering some of humankind’s most fundamental questions, from climate change and the origins of agriculture, to the health implications of our ancestors’ diets and the economy of metals in early empires.
If you want to learn the skills required to join this vibrant area of scholarship, the Archaeology BSc will train you in scientific methods used at the forefront of many important discoveries.
Taught by world-leading researchers in materials analysis, bioarchaeology and environmental reconstruction, this degree provides you with experience of the key issues and methods in archaeological science. As with the Archaeology BA, this degree programme will also provide you with a fundamental understanding of archaeological methods and theory combined with the study of the archaeology of specific geographical areas and chronological periods.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one modules provide students with a broad introduction to both archaeological methods and the archaeology of particular times and places around the world (including Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Africa and Europe).
Students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules in each semester.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year Two builds on Year One’s foundation, introducing specialist modules that provide training in key concepts and techniques from the inorganic (eg metals, glass, pottery) and organic (eg human and animal bones, plants, DNA) archaeological evidence.
You will also gain knowledge of key issues and discoveries in the archaeology of many parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. This programme has an archaeological fieldwork (and/or museum-based experience) requirement that totals four weeks. Year One fieldwork usually consists of participation in a department organised training project for two weeks. In Year Two, students are placed on an appropriate excavation or relevant professional experience. Currently there are departmental research projects in Greece, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Zambia as well as the UK.
Students must take 15 credits of required modules and 45 credits of optional modules in Semester 1, and 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in Semester 2.
Optional modules must be chosen from at least TWO pathways:
Pathway 1 – Archaeological Methods and Practice
Pathway 2 – Prehistory
Pathway 3 – Ancient Near East
Pathway 4 – Classical and pre-Classical Mediterranean
Students are required to complete 20 days of archaeological fieldwork training, normally during the summer vacation period at the end of Year 1 and Year 2. 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 wishing to take ALGY285 must have taken ALGY112 in Year 1.
Students may take 15 credits of optional cognate modules outside of their degree programme with permission from the Subject Lead.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTEFACTS AND TECHNOLOGY (ALGY250) | 15 |
| HUMAN OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY (ALGY266) | 15 |
| WORKING WITH THE PAST (ALGY248) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Students take the core modules including the dissertation (equivalent to two modules), which is a subject of the student’s choice researched in depth under the supervision of a staff member.
Students then choose their four remaining modules from the list of selected optional modules. At least two of the chosen modules should be related to the dissertation topic.
Students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules in Semester 1, and 15 credits of required modules and 45 credits of optional modules in Semester 2.
Optional modules must be chosen from at least TWO pathways:
Pathway 1 – Archaeological Methods and Practice
Pathway 2 – Prehistory
Pathway 3 – Ancient Near East
Pathway 4 – Classical and pre-Classical Mediterranean
ALGY450 is a ‘year-long’ module and represents 15 credits in each semester.
Students wishing to take ALGY342 must have taken ALGY106 in Year 1.
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 |
| ANALYTICAL METHODS IN ARCHAEOLOGY (ALGY397) | 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.
Typical forms of assessment include:
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:
With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.
Explore combined degrees for Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology courses
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.
An Archaeology 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: