Archaeology Cardiff University

Overview

Archaeology at Cardiff University enables all of us to better understand what it is to be human and explore the richness of the human experience.

Key facts

Blending the sciences, social sciences and humanities, the Archaeology degree from Cardiff University will equip you with the skills you’ll need to study the past through material evidence and will introduce you to the archaeology of Britain and the Mediterranean World. 

Building on your passions and curiosity, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise in the study of the periods and regions which interest you, ranging from the prehistoric to post-medieval periods. In addition to developing an understanding of specific archaeological contexts, we’ll also ensure you can place this research and knowledge into a contemporary context including how archaeology can inform debates in today’s society and how heritage sites and collections are managed.

You will be introduced to a variety of key archaeological skills relating to the study of artefacts and environmental evidence and help you develop your field skills with eight weeks of placement, typically on an archaeological excavation, developing your skills in an authentic context. These memorable placements take place in the summers following Year One and Year Two, in the UK and overseas.

As well as practical skills, honed in the field and in our excellent facilities, you’ll gain and develop special research skills through a second-year independent study module. Supported by one of our expert staff, you’ll plan and undertake an archaeological research project on a topic of your choice. The optionality and increased specialisation as you progress through your degree means you will enjoy a programme of high integrity, tailored to furnishing you with skills of value within and beyond the heritage sector.

The Archaeology program provides the ultimate all round degree and is an excellent way to develop a range of skills valued by employers, for example through developing teamworking and leadership skills in the field and learning how to analyse evidence and communicate complex stories about the past to a range of audiences.

Career prospects

Graduating with a range of academic and practical skills – including teamworking, leadership and communication –the confidence to deploy them and the ability to see the big picture, you’ll be valued by employers and ideally placed to progress into a range of careers. Our graduates progress into a wide range of careers using the skills gained throughout their degrees. Some choose to pursue professions making direct use of their discipline expertise, whilst others enter the public or private sectors, from teaching to graduate-level management.

Recent graduates from the school have gone on to roles in archaeology, the heritage sector, teaching and education, the civil service, the military, banking and insurance, the law, human resources and the charity sector, with employers ranging from the Museum Wales and Oxford Archaeology East, to County Council authorities and schools. Those who have followed a path into archaeology and heritage are working in roles such as field archaeologists undertaking excavations, surveys or post-excavation work, as heritage consultants, local authority archaeological advisors and museum curators.

During your degree you can take full advantage of opportunities provided by university's Student Futures services, enhanced by the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences’ Employment Officer.

Graduate careers

• Field Archaeologist
• Lecturer
• Heritage Conservationist

Accreditation

• Chartered Institute for Archaeologists