Venues

Old Aberdeen Campus

Content

The BSc route focuses on the science side of archaeology. Courses will cover subjects such as the origins of modern humans, ancient environments, bioarchaeology, Scottish archaeology and excavation and research skills.

In seeking to understand how ancient people lived their lives, structured their world, and engaged with their environment, archaeologists ask the big questions that can provide us with the tools to tackle modern day issues such the effects of climate change, designing the ‘perfect’ diet, or investigating the spread of epidemics.

You will develop the practical and research skills required to work as a professional archaeologist or heritage specialist, taught and inspired by experts who are internationally recognised leaders in their fields, with many links and projects in areas of special interest overseas, such as Alaska.

Year 1: Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen; Archaeology in Action; Caves to Kingdoms: an Introduction to Prehistoric Archaeology.

Year 2: Prehistoric Britain: from Boxgrove to Bede; Test Tubes and Trowels: an Introduction to Archaeological Science; Past Lives; The Archaeology of The North: Lifeways & Cultural Change.

Year 3: Advanced Archaeological Science; Professional Archaeology i: Field Methods; Archaeological Research Project Part 1; Professional Archaeology II: Post - Excavation Analysis and Employment;
Archaeological Fieldwork Portfolio.

Year 4: Archaeological Research Project Part 2; Bioarchaeology: Biological Approaches in Archaeology; Current Issues in Archaeology.

Entry Requirements

2026 entry requirements:

Standard entry:
4 Highers at BBBB including 2 maths or science subjects plus English, Maths and Chemistry or Physics at National 5.

For second year entry you would require the above plus 2 Advanced Highers at AB including Biology.

Widening access entry:
3 Highers at BBC including 2 maths or science subjects plus English, Maths and Chemistry or Physics at National 5.

1 Foundation Apprenticeship is accepted in place of a non-essential Higher.