Archaeological Science BSc (Hons)
UCAS code F420
What is special about this course?
Are you interested in archaeology but wish to focus on the scientific elements of this field of study? If so, the BSc (Hons) Archaeological Science could be perfect for you.
This exciting new degree complements our existing archaeology programmes by exploring the range of science-based methods that form an integral part of archaeological research, from archaeobotany to zooarchaeology.
On this course, you will receive high-quality, research-led teaching from staff engaged in world-class research on projects from various locations. Through this, you will develop scientific skills and knowledge through a range of science-orientate modules. You will participate in a range of activities during your degree studies including: taking part in world-ronowened archaeological excavations, laboratory-based study, fieldschools, and actively engaging in research. There are also options ot study abroad in your third year of study at one of our academic partner in Canada or the USA.
You will have the opportunity to gain invaluable workplace experience through participation in our archaeological placement module, which will aid you in developing key real-world skills for life after your degree, whether in postgraduate research, archaeology or another chosen profession.
In choosing to study at the University of the Highland and Islands, you will experience a vibrant and active learning environment and have the flexibility to study at one or more campuses throughout the region as you progress through your degree.
Special features
- Develop practical environmental archaeology skills
- Take part in a work placement to gain real-world experience of archaeological sciences
- Take part and gain skills in excavation at one of our research excavations
- You can study full-time or part-time to suit your personal circumstances
- Study abroad in your third year in Canada or America
- Flexible study through learning at one or more of our campuses
- You can study individual modules for personal or professional development
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above OR
- 2 A levels at grade BC or above
- These must include a science subject at grade C or above
- Applicants with other qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
Access routes
SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.
Year 1 - CertHE
Core modules are:
- Archaeology theory and method
- Science and archaeology
You will also choose two option modules which may include:
- World archaeology
- Historic landscapes
- European pre-histories
You will also choose a further two option modules from other humanities or social science degrees.
Year 2 - DipHE
Core modules are:
- Excavation skills (should be taken in the summer between the first and second year)
- Digital heritage
- Wetland archaeology
You will also choose one option module which may include:
- Managing archaeology for contemporary society
- Scottish archaeology
You will also choose a further two option modules from other humanities or social science degrees.
Year 3 - BSc
Core modules are:
- Archaeological science
- Archaeology project
- Archaeology and interpretation
- Practical environmental archaeology (should be taken in the summer between years two and three)
You will also choose two option modules which may include:
- Pre-history of the Highlands and Islands
- Historical archaeology of the Highlands and Islands
- Archaeology placements
Year 4 - BSc (Hons)
Core modules are:
- Archaeological science dissertation (double-credit)
- Sustainability, past and present
- Biomolecular archaeology
- People, plants and animals.
You will also choose one option module which may include:
- Funerary and burial archaeology
- Neolithic Scotland
- Landscape archaeology
How will I study my course?
Additional information for course delivery in 2021-22
From September 2021, it is our intention that physical campuses will be open to all students for access to study facilities, support services and social activities, subject to Scottish Government guidance. Our priority is to provide a safe learning environment for all students and staff. We will continue to review government guidance as restrictions shift and will inform you of any further changes to the information provided below about your course. You will study the course through our blended learning approach. From September, where practical and safe to do so, on-campus practical delivery will be prioritised and modules involving practical activity will be introduced in line with the Scottish Government guidance, including social distancing. Where this is not possible alternative options will be available. The theory elements may be delivered online through a combination of tutor-supported study, video-based seminars and self-directed study using the university's virtual learning environment. You can access your online and video-based classes from home however it is our intention to provide on-campus space for individual students where required as far as possible. Further information will be provided by your home campus. You will have an opportunity to attend an online, face to face or blended induction at the start of the course. International students requiring a Student Route visa to study with us must access scheduled classes on-campus.- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
- Part -time (unstructured)
- You will learn through a combination of face-to-face and/or video conference lectures and tutorials, and online study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- You will be required to attend 2 x two-week summer residential modules as part of this course. For the excavation skills module you will be expected to join a summer field-school in Orkney between the first and second year of your studies. For the practical environmental archaeology module you will also be expected to travel to Orkney between your second and third year to undertake practical laboratory based work in our labs at Orkney College UHI. Travel, accommodation and subsistence costs will be self-funded.
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years @ 40 hours per week
- Part-time: 8 years @ 20 hours per week
Where can I study my course?
- Argyll College UHI
- Highland Theological College UHI
- Inverness College UHI
- Lews Castle College UHI
- Moray College UHI
- North Highland College UHI
- Orkney College UHI
- Perth College UHI
- Shetland UHI
- West Highland College UHI
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Study Mode | 2020-21 | 2021-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £645 | £645 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £215 | £215 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term-time address in Scotland, studying full time, the following fees apply:
| Year | Level | 2020-21 Full-time | 2021-22 Full-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £9,000 | £9,000 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £9,000 | £9,000 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £9,000 | £9,000 |
| Year 4 | Honours | free | free |
4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,500.
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government has confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals starting their study in Scotland from academic year 2021-22, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. For 2021-22, students will get an automatic scholarship of £4,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Year | Level | 2021-22 Full-time | With scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £13.620 | £9,620 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £13.620 | £9,620 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £13.620 | £9,620 |
| Year 4 | Honours | Free | Free |
Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Study Mode | 2020-21 | 2021-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year (120 credit modules) per year | £13,200 | £13,620 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £6,600 | £6,810 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £2,200 | £2,270 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Further information on international course fees.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
External scholarships and financial support may be available. Contact the relevant UHI partner college for more information.
Additional costs
- There are two 2-week residentials in Orkney for the excavation skills module and practical environmental archaeology module where you will take part in a summer field school and laboratory-based work. Students are required to self-fund their travel to Orkney and cover accommodation and subsistence costs.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed your degree, you may consider careers in:
- Archaeological contract units
- Consultancy
- Archives and museums
- Government agencies and local authorities
- Media and politics
- Teaching
- Research
Can I progress into further study?
You may progress from the BSc (Hons) Archaeological Science to a range of postgraduate courses offered by the university or to postgraduate research:
MSc Archaeological Practice
MLitt Archaeological Studies
MLitt History of the Highlands and Islands
MLitt History and Archaeology of the Highlands and Islands
MLitt Orkney and Shetland Studies
MLitt Viking Studies
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Archaeological Science BSc (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.