Archaeology

With our Archaeology BSc, you will gain knowledge of the professional archaeological sector, and receive exceptional training in professional archaeological skills from our in-house archaeological unit ULAS, who made the world-famous discovery of Richard III.

Leicester is one of a few universities in the country to have an Archaeology BSc accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK). This means you’ll graduate with a qualification widely recognised as the first step on a career pathway leading to professional status.

Practical experience is a key part of the course. You will participate in excavation and various forms of fieldwork throughout your degree to ensure that your skills are continually used and developed. You’ll benefit from our excellent facilities and nine specialist laboratories, including our refitted Osteology, Zooarchaeology, and Materials labs.

You will have the chance to study many periods, regions and techniques during your time here. Our staff have particular expertise in Roman archaeology, prehistory, historical archaeology, commercial archaeology, archaeological theory, and the archaeological sciences, as well as all aspects of Classical (Greek and Roman) history.

At the end of your first year you can choose to transfer to the Archaeology BA.

What's the difference between the BSc and the BA?
In year one, our BA and BSc follow the same structure, providing you with a broad introduction to archaeology. You then specialise in the second and the third year. This means that there is flexibility to change course at the end of the first year if you change your mind about which is best for you.

The Archaeology BSc has an emphasis on training as a professional archaeologist
The Archaeology BA has an emphasis on heritage and the heritage sector