Renewal of CIfA and UAUK accreditation for UCL Institute of Archaeology undergraduate degrees

Accreditation is awarded to those degrees courses that cover a range of National Occupation Standards and provide the skills relevant to a career in the historic environment. This brings archaeology into line with sectors such as engineering, planning and architecture, where choosing an accredited degree is a well-established entry route leading to professional status. 

The UCL Institute of Archaeology was one of 7 universities to be included in the first cohort of archaeology departments to be awarded CIfA accreditation.  At its founding in 1937 the Institute was envisaged as "a laboratory of archaeological science" to train students and develop standards for archaeological fieldwork and conservation.  We remain committed to training future generations of field archaeologists and undertaking collaborative research that includes students within a wide range of field, laboratory and heritage projects.  We seek to support all students in developing their career aspirations whether within or outside archaeology.

As part of the renewal process, the Institute was again assessed by a joint panel from CIfA and UAUK who reviewed the degree structure and content, visited our teaching facilities and a field training programme. The assessment team noted the clear support for students wishing to pursue a career in archaeology and were particularly impressed by the following examples of good practice:

• Clear focus on archaeological skills achieved through collaboration with ASE.
• Careers advice and job interview experience – preparing students for real world encounters
• Student involvement in shaping the Code of Conduct – teaching them ethics and accountability
• The use of Risk Assessments from the outset
• Good pastoral care – positive comments from students
• Innovative assessment in core modules at each level that invite reflection on skills learnt

According to the Institute's Bill Sillar (Professor of Archaeology and Technology in Society):

“The UCL Institute of Archaeology is pleased to retain this important accreditation which recognises how our degrees teach a range of practical and professional skills, helping students to succeed in their chosen careers within and beyond archaeology."  

Undergraduate Degree programmes

• BA Archaeology
• BA Archaeology and Anthropology
• BA Archaeology with a Year Abroad (4 year)
• BA Archaeology with a Placement Year (4 year)
• BA Classical Archaeology and Classical Civilisation
• BSc Archaeology

Accreditation means that students enrolled in any of the above degrees are offered student membership of CIfA, which is recognised as mark of the skills required for employment in archaeology.  Amongst other benefits student members gain access to further e-learning modules and specialist professional networks as well as Jobs Information Service bulletins.

The Institute of Archaeology's Field Unit, Archaeology South East (ASE), is a registered organisation with CIfA. ASE has approximately 140 staff with three offices (in Essex, East Sussex and London) that provide employment opportunities for some UCL students including our BA Archaeology with a year’s placement.

Read more

• Chartered Institute for Archaeologists press release
• University Archaeology UK