Archaeology BA (Hons)

What is special about this course?

With world-renowned archaeological heritage sites such as Skara Brae, Maeshowe, the Camster Cairns and Mousa Broch, what better place could there be to study archaeology than in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland?

Our BA (Hons) Archaeology* is closely linked to the distinctive cultural heritage of Scotland, but also places all of that within a much broader global context. 

The degree will provide you with a detailed understanding of the practice of archaeology. You will also develop your own practical skills in archaeology through hands on experience and archaeological placements.

You will receive research-led teaching from lecturers engaged in world-class research on projects from the Scottish Islands, the UK and Ireland, to the Atlantic region and Polynesia.

There is a strong emphasis on developing archaeological skills in a number of areas including: field archaeology (for example, excavation and survey); environmental archaeology (for example, zooarchaeology, archaeobotany and osteoarchaeology), together with digital archaeology, such as photogrammetry; and archaeological illustration.

Dig in deep to discover more….

Please see our FAQ sheet for further information on this course.

*subject to revalidation

Special features

• A highly practical course focusing on necessary ‘on-the-job’ skills such as surveying, fieldwork and post-excavation practices
• Our studies are linked to the distinctive cultural heritage of Scotland – what learning experience could be richer?
• You can study full-time or part-time to suit your personal circumstances
• You can study individual modules for personal or professional development

Entry requirements

Entry to year one:

• 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, or
• 2 A levels at grade BC or above
• At least two should be from the list of relevant academic subjects.
• Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis

Advanced entry to year two:

• HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits) with 3 additional SQA credits at level 7, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit, will be considered for direct entry to year two

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.

• Alternatively, the satisfactory completion of our Archaeology and Local Studies access course

Year 1 - CertHE

Core modules are:  

• Archaeological theory and method
• World archaeology
• Historic landscapes

You will also choose three option modules which may include:

• Science and archaeology
• European prehistories
• One module from our range of humanities subjects

Year 2 - DipHE

Core modules are:

• Excavation skills (residential): should be taken in semester 2 of year 2, as well as a compulsory field school in the summer, at a site location off-campus
• Scottish archaeology
• Digital heritage
• Managing archaeology for contemporary society

You will also choose two option modules which may include: wetland archaeology; and one from our range of humanities subjects

Year 3 - BA

Core modules are:

• Archaeology and interpretation
• Archaeology project
• Archaeological sciences

You will also choose:

• One or both from: pre-history of the Highlands and Islands; and historical archaeology of the Highlands and Islands
• Plus further option modules from either archaeology or our range of humanities subjects

Year 4 - BA (Hons)

Core modules are:

• Sustainability past and present
• Dissertation (archaeology)

You will study an additional three modules from the list of options below; availability rotates each year and is dependent on minimum numbers:

• Funerary and burial archaeology
• Maritime archaeology and heritage of Northern Scotland
• The Iron Age of Scotland c800BC-800AD
• Peoples, plants and animals
• Vikings and Norse archaeology
• Neolithic Scotland
• Landscape archaeology

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.

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 this course 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) - £1,542

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK 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 confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship of £3,000 per annum and the 4^th 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.

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.

Rest of the UK, EU/EEA and international students studying online

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland), EU/EEA or Switzerland and international students, without a term-time address in Scotland, ie studying from their home country, the following fees apply:

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

Additional costs

This course includes several field trips, including residentials and an optional international field trip module to Iceland. You will be required to pay a contribution towards the cost of the residentials and international trips.  The module option for Iceland trip may also require a visa; it will be your responsibility to research and secure your visa to travel to Iceland if necessary.