Undergraduate degrees in archaeology

Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/archaeology/study/undergraduate/ Parent: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/subject-explorer/

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Explore the material culture of the past, from the earliest humans to contemporary societies. Our courses cover archaeological theory and practice, with specialisms including heritage and bioarchaeology.

Why study archaeology at York?

When you study with us, you'll cover the breadth of archaeological theory and practice - from ancient DNA to recording historic buildings, modern innovations in digital heritage and so much more.

You'll benefit from small-group teaching, allowing you to flourish in a supportive environment. Our range of option modules, practical sessions and placement opportunities give you the freedom to explore topics you're passionate about.

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Our courses

Cross-faculty courses

Liberal Arts (BA)

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Course options

There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course.

If you're studying at a university outside the UK, you may be able to spend up to a year in York as a visiting student.

Scholarships and funding

Find out about scholarships and studentships that are available to students in the Department of Archaeology.

Undergraduate funding

York is a city of history and heritage

with buildings and significant remains from the Roman, Viking and Medieval periods. Our beautiful architecture, museums and galleries make it the ideal place to study, with work experience opportunities across the city and surrounding area.

6th in the UK

Complete University Guide (2026) and =25th in the world for Archaeology, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025.

Accredited courses

Our undergraduate courses are accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), the leading professional body representing archaeologists working in the UK and overseas.

Our facilities

We have facilities on Campus West that include teaching rooms, a lecture theatre and study spaces. The YEAR Centre is a unique outdoor learning environment where you'll learn about past technologies and material culture by trying to replicate parts of the process or the objects themselves. You’ll have access to bespoke laboratory facilities with specialist equipment covering artefacts analysis, bioarchaeology and zooarchaeology, ancient DNA, and more. Explore pioneering techniques in digital archaeology and heritage.

You'll also have access to the library and other University resources, including the Borthwick Institute for Archives and the Archaeology Data Service.

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Careers

You'll develop critical thinking, communication and analysis skills, creativity and innovation, all of which are valued by employers.
You'll have access to our Careers and Placements team who can help you devise a tailored career plan. They can also alert you to various internship opportunities.
Our graduates have gone on to be successful in a wide range of careers - listen to their experiences (youtube.com).

Learn more about careers and employability

Find your career advantage: Turn ambition into achievement with our expert guidance and connections. From your first day here to life after graduation, we’ll help you succeed.

Student and graduate stories

Hear what our students and graduates have to say about studying with us.

The excavation has been the highlight of my year at York. As a heritage student, I spend a lot of time working with the public. Everyone who came to the site agreed that it was amazing and it’s so fulfilling to be able to share this history with the people closest to it.

Amy, BA Archaeology and Heritage. Read Amy's blog post.

As part of my first year, I learned practical field skills, which enabled me to go into working on excavations in the summer. Archaeology degrees at York are CIfA (Chartered Institute for Archaeologists) accredited. The skills I had learned transferred into hands-on experience, including a field trip to Romania!

Alex, BA Archaeology. Read Alex's blog post.

Free online courses

Further your interest in the past through a deep dive into a single case study. Star Carr is famous in the archaeological world, and on this course you'll examine some of the amazing discoveries made there.