Archaeological Science BSc (Hons)
Course code F420
What is special about this course?
Are you interested in archaeology but wish to focus on the scientific elements of this field of study? If so, the BSc (Hons) Archaeological Science could be perfect for you.
This exciting new degree complements our existing archaeology programmes by exploring the range of science-based methods that form an integral part of archaeological research, from archaeobotany to zooarchaeology.
On this course, you will receive high-quality, research-led teaching from staff engaged in world-class research on projects from various locations. Through this, you will develop scientific skills and knowledge through a range of science-orientate modules. You will participate in a range of activities during your degree studies including: taking part in world-renowned archaeological excavations, laboratory-based study, field schools, and actively engaging in research.
You will have the opportunity to gain invaluable workplace experience through participation in our archaeological placement module, which will aid you in developing key real-world skills for life after your degree, whether in postgraduate research, archaeology or another chosen profession.
In choosing to study at UHI, you will experience a vibrant and active learning environment and have the flexibility to study at one or more campuses throughout the region as you progress through your degree.
Special features
- Develop practical environmental archaeology skills
- Take part in a work placement to gain real-world experience of archaeological sciences
- Take part and gain skills in excavation at one of our research excavations
- You can study full-time or part-time to suit your personal circumstances
- Flexible study through learning at one or more of our campuses
- You can study individual modules for personal or professional development
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above OR
- 2 A levels at grade BC or above
- These must include a science subject at grade C or above
- Applicants with other qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
Access routes
SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.
Year 1 - CertHE
Core modules are:
- Archaeology theory and method
- Science and archaeology
You will also choose two option modules which may include:
- World archaeology
- Historic landscapes
- European pre-histories
You will also choose a further two option modules from other humanities or social science degrees.
Year 2 - DipHE
Core modules are:
- Excavation skills (residential): should be taken in semester 2 of year 2, as well as a compulsory field school in the summer, at a site location off-campus
- Digital heritage
- Wetland archaeology
You will also choose one option module which may include:
- Managing archaeology for contemporary society
- Scottish archaeology
You will also choose a further two option modules from other humanities or social science degrees.
Year 3 - BSc
Core modules are:
- Archaeological science
- Archaeology project
- Archaeology and interpretation
- Practical environmental archaeology (should be taken in the summer between years two and three)
You will also choose two option modules which may include:
- Pre-history of the Highlands and Islands
- Historical archaeology of the Highlands and Islands
- Archaeology placements
Year 4 - BSc (Hons)
Core modules are:
- Archaeological science dissertation (double-credit)
- Sustainability, past and present
- Biomolecular archaeology
- People, plants and animals.
You will also choose one option module which may include:
- Funerary and burial archaeology
- Neolithic Scotland
- Landscape archaeology
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time
- Part-time modular (standalone modules)
- This course is mainly delivered in-person, on campus, by Archaeology Institute staff at UHI Orkney, via scheduled sessions and tutorials - these can also be accessed online as needed
- Additional scheduled sessions and tutorials from other Humanities scheme subjects are delivered online across the UHI Network
- Online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- You will take part in a mandatory online induction in August prior to your course beginning; this can also be attended in-person, at UHI Orkney
- You will undertake two mandatory 2-week residentials, an excavation field school (between years 2 and 3) and a residential lab class (between years 3 and 4):
- for the excavation skills module you will be expected to join a summer field-school in Orkney between the first and second year of your studies
- for the practical environmental archaeology module you will also be expected to travel to Orkney between your second and third year to undertake practical, laboratory-based work in our labs at UHI Orkney
- travel, accommodation and subsistence costs will be self-funded
- You may also have the opportunity to undertake an optional 2-week work placement in year 3
- International students requiring a Student Route visa to study in the UK should apply to UHI Orkney and must be based there during your studies
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years @ 48 hours per week
- Part-time: 8 years @ 24 hours per week
- Part-time modular: 13 weeks @ 15 hours per week (per module)
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- Argyll
- HTC
- Inverness
- Moray
- North, West and Hebrides
- Orkney
- Perth
- Shetland
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Study Mode | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £915 | £915 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £305 | £305 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term-time address in Scotland, studying full time, the following fees apply:
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | 2025-26 Full-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 4 | Honours | free | free |
4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying (see the Funding section opposite).
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship of £4,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | With scholarship | 2025-26 Full-time | With scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £15,996 | £11,996 | £16,950 | £12,950 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £15,996 | £11,996 | £16,950 | £12,950 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £15,996 | £11,996 | £16,950 | £12,950 |
| Year 4 | Honours | £15,996 | Free | £16,950 | Free |
Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Study Mode | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year (120 credit modules) per year | £15,996 | £16,950 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £7,998 | £8,475 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £2,666 | £2,825 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Further information on international course fees.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
Additional costs
You will be responsible for covering the costs of any travel and accommodation associated in your participation in the field schools.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed your degree, you may consider careers in:
- Archaeological contract units
- Consultancy
- Archives and museums
- Government agencies and local authorities
- Media and politics
- Teaching
- Research
Can I progress into further study?
You may progress from the BSc (Hons) Archaeological Science to a range of postgraduate courses offered by the university or to postgraduate research:
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Archaeological Science BSc (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.