Degree structure
BA Degree Structure
Classes at UCL take the form of lectures and small-group seminars, as well as laboratory sessions. Most of the degree is structured around a combination of core courses, which are fixed by us, and optional courses chosen by you from a wide range of possibilities.
Year 1
In your first year, you will receive a solid grounding in the both practical and theoretical methods in archaeology, as well as an introduction to major issues in world prehistory. All students take the following six core courses:
- Introduction to Archaeology (ARCL1014, 0.5 course unit, 11 weeks)
- Field Methods (ARCL1015, 0.5 course unit, 11 weeks)
- Sites and Artefacts (ARCL1016, 0.5 course unit, 11 weeks)
- People and Environments (ARCL1017, 0.5 course unit, 11 weeks)
- World Archaeology: the deep history of human societies (ARCL1003, 1 course unit, 22 weeks)
- Introduction to Social Anthropology (ARCL1008, 0.5 course unit, 11 weeks)
You are also asked to choose a 'World Archaeology' (regional/period based) 0.5 course unit option from the list of available courses here»
Year 2
The second year provides you with a more advanced understanding of archaeology and allows you to develop your own specialised interests by choosing options. All students take the following four core courses:
- Interpreting Archaeological Evidence (ARCL2037; 0.5 course unit, 11 weeks)
- Research and Presentation Skills (ARCL2038; 0.5 course unit, 11 weeks)
- Public Archaeology (ARCL2019; 0.5 course unit, 11 weeks)
- Current Issues in Archaeological Theory (ARCL2028; 0.5 course unit, 11 weeks)
You are also asked to choose several option courses to
the value of 2 course units from the wide range of 2nd and 3rd year
courses available each year which should include a 'World Archaeology' regional/period based option (0.5 course unit) and a 'Science/Skills' option (0.5 course unit) (further details)
Year 3
In your third and final year, you continue to develop knowledge of particular subject areas through a choices of many course options, but are also given the chance to reflect critically on your fieldwork experience during the degree (see below) and to write a 10,000 word dissertation on a detailed subject that you will choose with the help of a supervisor. More precisely, all students do the following:
- a Fieldwork Portfolio (ARCL3056; 0.5 course unit)
- a Dissertation (ARCL3024; 1 course unit)
- Archaeology in the World (ARCL3097, 0.5 course unit, 11 weeks) *New course currently being developed*
You are also asked to choose several option courses to the value of 2.0 course units from the wide range of 2nd and 3rd year courses available each year which should include a 'World Archaeology' regional/period based option (0.5 course unit) and a 'Science/Skills' option (0.5 course unit) (further details).
