Archaeology

Canterbury is one of the most significant historical and cultural centres in Britain. Our Canterbury Campus is itself situated in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching from the cathedral through the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey to St Martin’s Church.

Archaeology is both practical and academic and draws upon natural and social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Our expert staff will support and inspire you in your academic journey as we explore the past, from the earliest human origins through to the present day.

You’ll study the theories, methods and practice of archaeology, including laboratory analysis of artefacts and skeletal remains, survey, excavation and computing techniques, and contemporary debates in archaeological thought. Alongside modules focusing on archaeological theories, methods and practice, you can explore the prehistoric, classical, and medieval worlds.

We have a fully funded archaeological field-school in East Sussex, The Culver Archaeological Project. As a core part of the degree, you can take up to eight weeks of direct training on site and gain hands-on experience of all aspects of archaeological investigation. This on-going excavation has featured on the BBC’s 'Digging for Britain' and will give you a chance to be involved in shaping the interpretation of an exceptional Roman settlement.

Top reasons to study with us

- We have some remarkable archaeological exhibits and sites on our doorstep and in recent years have organised fieldtrips to Dover Bronze Age Boat exhibit, Bodiam Castle, Richborough Roman Fort, and Reculver Towers and Roman Fort.

- You’ll be encouraged to undertake work experience and volunteering positions. Students have worked with local heritage organisations, museums, and specialist groups, including English Heritage, Historic England and the Museum of London Archaeology.

- We are ranked 11th in the UK for student satisfaction with the quality of teaching in the subject area of Archaeology. Complete University Guide Subject League Table 2023

Professional accreditation
Our Archaeology single honours degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK).

Specialist facilities
Our Verena Holmes building, at the heart of our Canterbury Campus, houses impressive lab equipment and an excellent team of highly qualified technicians to support you.

Location
This course is run at our Canterbury Campus in Kent. Canterbury is just 50 miles south-east of London and less than an hour by high-speed train from St Pancras. Located on a UNESCO World Heritage Site the campus offers state-of-the-art buildings, right in the centre of a vibrant and world-famous cathedral city. You’ll benefit from a campus with excellent learning and teaching resources, music venues, a superb sports centre, a well-stocked bookshop and plenty of coffee bars and places to eat. A short walk away is Augustine House our award-winning library and home to a vast range of learning resources and student support teams.

Modules
For a list of core and likely optional modules, please visit our website.