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UCAS code V400
Studying Archaeology gives you a means to investigate the past, and an opportunity to study the major developments in human society - from the origins of humans to the development of the great civilisations.
Studying human, animal and plant remains, artefacts and art, you will learn how to reconstruct the past from its material remains. You will investigate the major social, economic, religious and technological developments in long-term human history, from Britain to South Africa and Spain to China, and learn how to carry out archaeological excavation and survey.
Optional modules will allow you to explore specific cultural areas, time periods, analytical methods or interpretive themes from an archaeological perspective.
This programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA).
Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) is the leading professional body representing archaeologists working in the UK and overseas. We promote high professional standards and strong ethics in archaeological practice, to maximise the benefits that archaeologists bring to society. We are the authoritative and effective voice for archaeologists, bringing recognition and respect to our profession.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one modules provide students with a broad introduction to both archaeological methods and the archaeology of particular times and places around the world (including Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Africa and Europe).
All year one modules are required.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
Year two builds on the foundational modules of year one, introducing specialist modules that provide training in key concepts and techniques from the inorganic (eg metals, glass, pottery) and organic (eg human bones, plants, DNA) archaeological evidence.
Students take 15 credits of required modules and 45 credits of optional modules in semester one.
Students take 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in semester two.
Optional modules must be chosen from at least TWO pathways:
Pathway 1 – Archaeological Methods and Practice
Pathway 2 – Prehistory
Pathway 3 – Ancient Near East
Pathway 4 – Classical and pre-Classical Mediterranean
Students are required to complete 20 days of archaeological fieldwork training, normally during the summer vacation period at the end of year one and year two. The fieldwork is assessed on ALGY248.
Registration onto HLAC220 is only for students planning to undertake a Work Placement Year.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| WORKING WITH THE PAST (ALGY248) | 15 |
| ARTEFACTS AND TECHNOLOGY (ALGY250) | 15 |
| RETHINKING STONEHENGE (BRITISH AND IRISH PREHISTORY) (ALGY283) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
Students take the core modules listed below including a compulsory dissertation (equivalent to two 15 credit modules), which is a subject of the student’s choice researched in depth under the guidance of a staff member.
Students take 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in semester one, and 15 credits of required modules and 45 credits of optional modules in semester two.
Optional modules must be chosen from at least TWO pathways:
Pathway 1 – Archaeological Methods and Practice
Pathway 2 – Prehistory
Pathway 3 – Ancient Near East
Pathway 4 – Classical and pre-Classical Mediterranean
ALGY450 is a ‘year-long’ module and represents 15 credits in each semester.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY: ETHICAL AND POLITICAL ISSUES (ALGY399) | 15 |
| DISSERTATION (ALGY450) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
Year one modules provide you with a broad introduction to both archaeological methods and the archaeology of particular times and places around the world. Years two and three build on this foundation through a range of lecture, laboratory and practical skills-based modules. Students studying Archaeology as a joint degree can participate in additional, overseas research excavations. These are currently in Sicily, Bulgaria, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Southern Africa and Ireland as well as the UK.
Modules are delivered by a mixture of lectures and seminars in Year One, in Year Two the lecture element within modules is complemented by student led seminars. Finally, in Year Three, most modules are delivered by a short series of lectures with a focus on student-led seminars thereafter. Self-directed study is also expected through the course reading list and conducting research for your essays and projects. Academic staff area regularly available via their office hours for one-to-one feedback and support. Course material is available 24-hours a day on Canvas, our online learning platform, and study support is available from our dedicated student services team.
Typical forms of assessment include:
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.
Explore combined degrees for Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology courses
The Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures. Teaching takes place across campus, including in specialist facilities in the Central Teaching Hub.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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An Archaeology degree from Liverpool provides you with a rigorous training experience that produces graduates with an exceptional breadth of knowledge.
Our graduates are well-equipped for a wide variety of private or public sector careers, including in finance, journalism, teaching, law, the police or Civil Service, tourism, and heritage management where knowledge of archaeology is a specific advantage.
Past students have successfully gained employment in universities and major museums, locally, nationally, and internationally.
Recent employers include: