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

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Note: The Scottish Government set this fee which has not yet been confirmed for 2021-22 so may be subject to change.

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:

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 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.

Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study on 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:

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.