BSc Archaeology-Palaeoecology at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

Single Honours degree examining the human past from a scientific perspective, combining Archaeology with Palaeoecology, the study of environmental evidence for the impact of natural events and human activity on landscapes and climate. Students gain hands-on experience with archaeological material and fieldwork. The pathway is accredited by CIfA and UAUK.

Department: School of Natural and Built Environment | Duration: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time | Intake: 2027/28 entry (UCAS) | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules: Environmental Change: past, present and future, Introduction to World Archaeology, Archaeological Excavation and Earth Systems (20 credits each). Options include Europe in Prehistory and Themes in Historical Archaeology. Study draws on excavation, fieldwork, overseas field trips and laboratory work.

Career pathways

Careers in commercial archaeology, survey and heritage management, both within and beyond the heritage sector.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB plus GCSE Mathematics grade C/4. Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H4H4 / H3H3H3H3H3, plus Ordinary Level O4 in Mathematics if not offered at Higher Level. IB Diploma: 32 points including 6,5,5 at Higher Level, plus Standard Level grade 4 in Mathematics if not offered at Higher Level/GCSE. BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD plus GCSE Mathematics C/4. Access course: average 65% plus GCSE Mathematics C/4 or equivalent. Graduate entry: minimum 2:2 Honours degree plus GCSE Mathematics C/4. No specific A-level subjects are required. All applicants need GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent. Typical offers are based on three A-levels; a maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate counts (Distinction* equated to A, Distinction to B). Applicants are not normally interviewed. Applications are made through UCAS. Applicants need a minimum of five GCSEs at C/4 or above including English Language and Mathematics (last year's profile). International applicants: IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent accepted qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 28,500 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other rate (annual), for 2027/28 entry. Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

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