Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree brings together archaeological methods and anthropological perspectives. You will learn to read material culture, landscapes and human remains, and to interpret social behaviour, belief systems and identity in both past and present contexts. Core learning includes excavation and field recording, artefact analysis, archaeological science (including stratigraphy, conservation and basic palaeoenvironmental techniques), theoretical approaches in archaeology and anthropology, ethnographic methods, and the ethics of heritage practice.

• Fieldwork and excavation techniques with practical training in survey, recording and sampling strategies
• Material culture studies covering lithics, ceramics, metalwork and conservation issues
• Landscape and settlement archaeology, including use of GIS and remote sensing
• Bioarchaeology and osteoarchaeology basics for understanding human remains
• Anthropological theory and ethnographic methods, including participant observation and qualitative analysis
• Museology and heritage management, public archaeology and community engagement
• Research methods and a final-year independent dissertation or project

Teaching typically combines lectures, small-group seminars, laboratory practicals and field-based residentials. Assessment methods include practical reports, artefact analysis portfolios, essays, presentations and the dissertation.

Entry requirements

Entry is usually based on successful completion of a recognised secondary education qualification (for example A-levels, BTEC, Scottish Highers or an International Baccalaureate diploma) or an equivalent international qualification. Applicants are expected to demonstrate an ability to study across both sciences and social sciences; relevant subjects include history, geography, anthropology, biology, classics or social studies, though no single subject is essential.

Bournemouth University welcomes mature students and those with relevant work or voluntary experience in heritage, museums or community projects. Typical offers may also ask for GCSE-level English and mathematics (or recognised equivalents). International applicants should hold qualifications recognised as comparable to UK entry standards; English language requirements apply for those whose first language is not English.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles in the heritage and cultural sectors, as well as broader social science and research careers. Common destinations include:

• Field archaeologist or site supervisor with commercial units and contracting organisations
• Museum curator, collections manager or outreach and learning officer
• Heritage and conservation roles in public bodies, trusts and NGOs
• Community archaeology, public engagement and education posts
• Heritage consultancy, archaeological assessment and cultural resource management
• Further study and research (MA/MSc and PhD) in archaeology, anthropology, heritage or allied disciplines
• Related careers in archives, planning, GIS analysis, and cultural policy

Practical skills acquired on the degree — fieldwork, artefact analysis, report writing and public communication — are highly valued by employers in both commercial and public sectors.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers an applied, skills‑focused approach to archaeology and anthropology with substantial hands‑on field training and laboratory work. The University’s location on the south coast provides convenient access to rich archaeological landscapes and coastal sites in Dorset and neighbouring counties, enabling regular local field visits and practical projects.

Students benefit from dedicated teaching facilities, specialist equipment for artefact and environmental analysis, and opportunities to undertake placements and collaborative projects with local museums, heritage organisations and commercial archaeology providers. The course emphasises employability through professional skills modules, public engagement work and options for work placements or live projects that build a portfolio of practical experience.