Archaeology

Archaeology is the discipline that recovers and interprets the human past through its material remains. Where history depends on written records, archaeology can access societies before writing, reconstruct aspects of life that documents ignore, and test the claims of historical sources against physical evidence. It encompasses field excavation, laboratory analysis, environmental archaeology, geoarchaeology, digital survey, artefact study and the theoretical frameworks through which material culture is interpreted.

The discipline addresses questions about human origins, the development of complex societies, the nature of past beliefs and practices, and the relationship between environment and culture across deep time.

At Cardiff, which has well-established strengths in archaeology and a long tradition of fieldwork across Wales and beyond, this three-year programme provides a comprehensive introduction to the discipline. You will study archaeological theory and method, field and laboratory techniques, the archaeology of specific periods and regions, environmental and biological approaches, and the heritage and ethics dimensions of archaeological practice. Cardiff's location in Wales, a region rich in prehistoric and medieval remains, provides excellent fieldwork opportunities, and the university's research connections bring active professional archaeology into the teaching environment.

The typical entry tariff is 120 UCAS points.

Graduates work in professional archaeology units, heritage and conservation organisations, museums, local government archaeology services, environmental consultancy, academic research, education and cultural resource management. The skills of careful observation, evidence analysis and argument construction that archaeology develops also transfer into many professional fields beyond the discipline itself. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in archaeology, heritage management, osteoarchaeology, museum studies or related fields.