BSc (Hons) Archaeological Science at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

A four-year honours degree exploring the science-based methods of archaeology, from archaeobotany to zooarchaeology, with research-led teaching, laboratory work, excavation and field schools. It can be studied at several UHI campuses or online.

Department: Archaeology Institute, UHI Orkney | Duration: Full-time: 4 years; part-time: 8 years | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1: introduction to archaeology, science in archaeology, Prehistoric Europe. Year 2: Being an archaeologist in Scotland, digital heritage, excavation skills (residential), wetland archaeology. Year 3: archaeological project, theory and interpretation, practical skills for environmental archaeologists, public archaeology, understanding archaeological science. Year 4: dissertation, biomolecular archaeology, landscape archaeology, people, plants and animals, sustainability past and future.

Career pathways

Archaeological contract units, consultancy, archives and museums, government agencies and local authorities, media and politics, teaching and research; progression to MSc Archaeological Practice, MLitt Archaeological Studies or other postgraduate study.

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 (e.g. biology, chemistry, geography, geology, maths, physics, environmental science, computing); alternatively the CPD Award Archaeology and Local Studies (SCQF level 7); other qualifications or experience considered individually; SWAP access courses accepted. 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. International applicants (non-majority English-speaking countries): IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no element below 5.5, or an approved equivalent test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled students (term-time address in Scotland), full-time. Full-time, 120 credits Source

International applicants: GBP 17,970 a year (2026/27). Full-time on-campus, term-time address in Scotland; Student Route visa applicants must study at UHI Orkney Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full-time: 4 years; part-time: 8 years

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