Gain a broad knowledge of past human societies and their development, and the varied methods of archaeological data recovery, analysis and interpretation. The UCL Institute of Archaeology is a lively and exciting place in which to study. It hosts numerous lectures by visiting archaeologists, and has a strong sense of community. The institute is home to one of the best archaeology libraries in the world and has its own teaching collections, including the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology. The opportunity to participate in staff-led research projects in the UK and many parts of the world, together with other field projects, thanks to UCL's fieldwork grants. The Archaeology BA and BSc share many of the same core courses in your first and second year. The routes then differ in the focus of optional courses as you choose courses with a greater (BSc) or lesser (BA) concentration on the scientific analysis of findings. The first year provides a solid grounding in archaeological and anthropological concepts, practical methods in archaeology and an introduction to major issues in world prehistory. The second and third years provide a more advanced understanding of archaeology and theoretical approaches, and allow you to develop your own specialised interests by choosing options in particular subject areas. In the third year you are given the chance to reflect critically on your fieldwork experience during the degree through a fieldwork portfolio, and write a 10,000-word dissertation on a detailed subject that you will choose, research and write up with the help of a supervisor.

At the end of the programme, you will possess invaluable transferable skills such as working as part of a team, analysing and interpreting complex data, organising your time and resources, and structuring and communicating your ideas verbally and in writing. The extensive 70-day fieldwork component of the programme gives our graduates a real advantage in seeking a career in archaeology, with many of our graduates gaining employment within archaeological field units or going on to pursue a further qualification in a specialised aspect of the discipline. Archaeology requires detailed recording. As well as the teamwork and discipline of structured fieldwork, this helps to develop a range of transferable skills recognised by many employers. Recent students have used this to develop careers in law, business, the civil service, accountancy, teaching, film, and a range of other fields.