5th in the UK
for student satisfaction in the subject area of Archaeology
Complete University Guide Subject League Table 2026
Overview
Get ready with a foundation year and learn the foundational skills and knowledge to complete a full Honours degree. You'll be able to embark on this qualification without meeting the level 3 entry requirements, giving you the opportunity to study at degree level through this four year course.
Explore the past and prepare for your future with a BA (Hons) Archaeology degree at Canterbury Christ Church University. Study archaeology across a range of time periods and places, whilst developing the practical skills and critical thinking needed to work in today's professional archaeology and heritage sectors.
Based in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll learn in one of the UK’s most historically rich locations. From prehistoric artefacts to 20th-century sites, you’ll explore the full scope of human history through theory and hands-on experience.
You'll gain in-depth knowledge of how archaeological evidence is discovered, analysed, and interpreted, and understand the legal and ethical responsibilities involved in working with the past.
What you’ll learn
- Study archaeology across multiple historical periods and global locations.
- Analyse evidence using lab techniques, excavation, and remote surveys.
- Learn how archaeological research contributes to understanding today's world.
- Train with industry-standard methods that reflect professional standards set by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.
- Delve into deep research and become an expert in your chosen topic in your final year.
What's more, you'll have the opportunity to spend up to eight weeks of active fieldwork at our field school Culver Archaeological Project in East Sussex.
This fully-funded trip will allow you to put knowledge into practice as you gain first-hand excavation experience, setting you up for graduate roles in the heritage sector and beyond.
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UCAS Tariff Points
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Accepted qualifications
We accept a wide range of general qualifications that attract UCAS Tariff points either on their own or in combination with others. Below are some common examples.
| Qualification | Grades |
|---|---|
| A Levels | DDE |
| BTEC | MPP |
| Access | Pass 45 Credits |
| International Baccalaureate | TBC |
Extra information
We also welcome applications from students with few or no formal Level 3 qualifications who wish to return to education.
You may be asked to attend an interview.
More information
Contact us
Module information
Core/optional modules
How you’ll learn
You’ll learn through a mix of academic and hands-on experiences, both on campus and in the field. While some modules focus on lectures and seminars, much of your practical learning takes place in labs and on archaeological sites—where you could spend up to 8 weeks developing key techniques.
You’ll also benefit from one-to-one support, small group tutorials, and field trips, with around 12 contact hours per week.
Outside of lectures, seminars, and workshops, you’ll continue learning through independent study—reading, researching, visiting museums or heritage sites, and preparing for assessments.
Tutors will guide you with recommended readings and tasks to complete ahead of classes.
You’ll typically have around 12 contact hours per week during term time, depending on your chosen modules, plus 13–15 hours of independent study.
Field trips are scheduled in some weeks, and your fieldwork placement runs full-time over a month in the summer, giving you immersive, real-world experience.
You’ll learn from research-active academics who bring their latest findings directly into the classroom, making your learning experience current and relevant.
Our teaching team holds advanced academic and professional qualifications, with many staff recognised by the Higher Education Academy and the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists—ensuring you’re supported by experts committed to both scholarship and teaching excellence.
Our degree is built on complete transparency—what you see is what you get: exceptional hands-on training, small class sizes, a field school experience at no extra cost, and a dedicated teaching team who are passionate about your success.Jay IngateCourse Director
How you’ll be assessed
You'll be assessed through a variety of methods, including essays, reports, lab work, field exercises, and presentations or mock interviews—with less emphasis on exams.
We focus on ‘assessment for learning,’ meaning you’ll receive regular feedback and support to help you build both academic and transferable skills throughout your degree.
Your future career
Our degree in Archaeology equips you with valuable skills in critical thinking, data analysis, research, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—opening doors to a wide range of careers both within and beyond the discipline. As Kent’s only single-honours Archaeology course, we offer leading training in the region and maintain strong links with commercial archaeology firms and heritage organisations.
Our graduates have gone on to roles in commercial archaeology, museums, education, local government, and consultancy. Employers include Wessex Archaeology, Museum of London Archaeology, English Heritage, the National Trust, and Canterbury and York Archaeological Trusts.
Many also pursue further postgraduate qualifications in specialist fields, including bioarchaeology, forensic osteology, United Nations and diplomatic studies, heritage, archaeological computing, and urban planning.
The Archaeology degree at CCCU has a great balance between theory and practical skills, and laid the foundation for me to become a Project Archaeologist for Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA).Ed Project Archaeologist Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA)
Students on a dig at the Culver Archaeological Project
Related courses
Fees
Tuition Fees for 2026/27 have not yet been finalised. These course web pages will be updated with Tuition Fee information once they have been agreed.
- Read advice about funding your degree
- See information about the financial support available for undergraduate studies
- If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact accounts.receivable@canterbury.ac.uk
- For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk
Accreditation
Our degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Archaeologists.
Industry links
As a student, you’ll benefit from our strong partnerships with leading organisations in Kent and beyond. Our close relationship with Canterbury Archaeological Trust offers valuable opportunities for volunteering and hands-on experience during your degree, and many of our graduates have gone on to work there. You'll also have access to networks with respected institutions such as English Heritage, Wessex Archaeology, and the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA)—helping you build your career from day one.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) regulates Canterbury Christ Church University. The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. It aims to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. Further details about its work are available on the OfS website.
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Duration:
4 yearsUCAS code:
V402Location(s):
CanterburyAny questions?
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