Archaeology is the study of past human societies through surviving sites, buildings, artefacts or texts. Archaeologists look across a time span of hundreds or thousands of years and study the development of society from what is left behind. Students who have a curiosity about how people used to live and what their beliefs were should enjoy our attempts to interpret sometimes bizarre objects, mysterious buildings and even apparently unfathomable sites as we seek to uncover the past.
Archaeology
A-Level
Entry requirements
No previous study is required but an interest in historical and archaeological matters are important. A grade C in GCSE English is required.
What will I study
Archaeology is designed to give students a broad understanding of the skills and techniques used by archaeologists and the possible interpretations offered on past societies. You will cover a range of surviving sites, artefacts, buildings and will study a range of techniques associated with modern archaeological research.
In year one (AS), the course focuses on Religion & Ritual in Roman Europe and tries to find out exactly what people believed in through the interpretation of 5 key sites. In addition, the course covers many aspects of World Archaeology as we look further into the past as well as beyond Europe to offer a broad understanding of what archaeology is. Further depth is added by focussing on the skills and techniques that the archaeologist can use to excavate, record and interpret sites which will offer excellent preparation for Year two.
In Year two (A2) students will have the opportunity to produce a coursework based on a real excavation that they have been on. Alternatively, students can choose an area of archaeology they wish to study further and in greater depth for their coursework. In addition, the taught element will focus on three themes which are:- Economics, People and the Landscape and Society in the Past. This will be applied to topics ranging from human evolution to Viking societies.
Which subjects complement this
- Geology
- Geography
- History
- Modern Languages
- ICT
- Religious Studies & Philosophy
Assessment
Year one:
There are two examined units to be taken in the summer:
- Unit One Religion & Ritual in Roman Europe (1 hour 15 minutes)
- Unit Two Archaeological Techniques (1 hour 45 minutes)
Year two:
- Unit Three Examined
- Unit Four Coursework
Progression
You can apply for degree courses in Archaeology, Ancient or Modern History, Earth Sciences (Geology) and Religious Studies amongst others. Students can progress into careers in archaeology, higher education or museum curatorship as well as a huge range of other careers in the Humanities field.