Venues

Gilmorehill Campus

Content

Year 1: In the first year, you will take two courses:
The archaeology of Scotland: which provides an understanding of the cultural evolution of Scotland from the end of the last Ice Age until the modern era, material which will enrich your understanding of other aspects of the history and culture of Scotland, and an introduction to the key archaeological methods and techniques.

Archaeology in the modern world: which will help you understand the relevance of archaeology to contemporary society, the issues involved in the preservation and interpretation of the past, and how archaeology has been used as a tool for creating communities, identities and legitimacy.

You will also study two other subjects in year 1 according to your interests: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Year 2: The courses you take in second year explore the archaeology of Europe and the Mediterranean and offer an introduction to current practice, field methods and analytical techniques.

You will also study one or two other subjects in year 2 according to your interests: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Years 3 and 4: If you successfully complete the courses in first and second year, you may progress to Honours (years three and four).

You will have a wide variety of taught courses to choose from at Honours level, but everyone has to take two core courses on archaeological theory and principles in their third year. You will also take other courses from a list that can include: Mediterranean archaeology; Early medieval Britain; Viking studies; Prehistoric Europe; Roman archaeology; Material culture; Landscape studies; Computing applications; The archaeology of religion.

You also have to complete a dissertation based on an original piece of research. Lastly, you will prepare a portfolio of practical work based on your fieldwork and the field course.

Entry Requirements

2025 entry requirements

Standard entry: 5 Highers at AAAAA (by end S6 with min BBBB after S5) including English and a humanities subject.

Entry to year 2 may be possible with 3 Advanced Highers at AAA plus above Highers.

Widening access entry: 4 Highers at AABB or BBBB (by end S6) including English and a humanities subject. Completion of pre-entry programme is necessary.

Subjects may vary depending on combinations taken.