Archaeology

Archaeology is the discipline that investigates the human past through its physical remains, using artefacts, structures, landscapes, and biological material to reconstruct the lives, societies, and environments of people who lived before the written record or who were not captured by it. It is both a science and a humanity, combining fieldwork and laboratory analysis with interpretation and historical argument, and it requires practitioners who are equally comfortable digging in the field, analysing finds in the laboratory, and writing for both academic and public audiences.

At the University of Exeter, this three-year, full-time degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists and University Archaeology UK as meeting the National Occupational Standards for Archaeology, which means it aligns directly with what the professional sector requires of its practitioners. You will develop skills in excavation, field survey, artefact analysis, environmental archaeology, and the theoretical frameworks that guide interpretation, alongside the research and writing skills that archaeological practice demands. A sandwich year is incorporated into the programme, providing a substantial professional placement in an archaeological context, and work placements are embedded throughout the course.

A year abroad is also available, giving you the opportunity to work or study in a different archaeological environment. A typical entry tariff of 120 points reflects the accessible standard of entry.

Graduates go on to work as professional archaeologists in excavation units, heritage management, environmental consultancies, museum curation, and education. The CIfA accreditation of this degree provides a direct route into professional membership. Many also pursue postgraduate study in archaeology, heritage management, or a specialist area such as environmental, maritime, or digital archaeology.