BSc (Hons) Archaeological Science (with a year in industry) at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

A five-year honours degree in archaeological science with a year-long industry placement between the BSc and BSc (Hons) years. It is described as the only archaeology sandwich undergraduate degree in Scotland, with excavation, field school and laboratory training.

Department: Archaeology Institute, UHI Orkney | Duration: Full-time: 5 years (including a year in industry) | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time (placement year) | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1: introduction to archaeology, science in archaeology, Prehistoric Europe plus options. Year 2: Being an archaeologist in Scotland, digital heritage, excavation skills, wetland archaeology. Year 3: theory and interpretation, practical skills for environmental archaeology, skills for professional development, understanding archaeological science. Year 4: 7-12 month work placement. Year 5: dissertation, people, plants and animals, sustainability past and future, plus coastal and island archaeology or landscape archaeology.

Career pathways

Archaeological contract units, archives and museums, consultancy, government agencies and local authorities, media and politics, teaching, tourism and heritage management; progression to MSc Archaeological Practice, MSc Environmental Archaeology, MLitt Archaeological Studies, Viking Studies and related postgraduate courses.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

3 Scottish Highers at BBC or above including 1 science subject, or 2 A levels at BC or above including 1 science subject; alternatively the CPD Award Archaeology and Local Studies (SCQF level 7); other qualifications or experience considered individually. Advanced entry: HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits plus 3 at level 7, with at least grade C in the Graded Unit) or NextGen HNC Social Sciences (15 credits at SCQF level 7) for year 2; HND Social Sciences (30 SQA credits, grades AB in level 8 graded units) or NextGen HND (15 credits at SCQF level 8 with Distinction) for year 3, case by case. PVG Scheme membership may be required for the year in industry (Category 2 PVG course). Not available to international students needing a Student Route visa or studying online from outside the UK.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled students (term-time address in Scotland), full-time. Source

International applicants: GBP 17,970 a year (2026/27). Full-time; only for international students who do not need Student Route visa sponsorship (e.g. existing UK residency) Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full-time: 5 years (including a year in industry)

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