Archaeological Science (with a year in industry) BSc (Hons)

What is special about this course?

Are you fascinated by the past and curious about the science that helps uncover it? Do you want to dig deeper into archaeology using real scientific tools and techniques? If you're ready to explore the ancient world through cutting-edge scientific methods and turn your curiosity into expertise, the BSc (Hons) Archaeological Science is designed for you.

This innovative programme builds on our established archaeology courses by diving into the science-based techniques that drive archaeological discovery, from archaeobotany and geoarchaeology to zooarchaeology and beyond.

You’ll receive expert, research-led teaching from staff involved in world-class archaeological projects around the globe. Through hands-on modules and practical training, you’ll gain a strong foundation in scientific methods and their application in uncovering the past.

Your studies will include participation in major excavations, field schools, and laboratory work. You'll also enhance your employability through our dedicated archaeological placement module, giving you real-world experience and professional skills that are highly valued in both academic and commercial settings.

Become part of a vibrant academic community, with the flexibility to study at one or more campuses across the region, as you progress through your degree and into your future in archaeology.

Special features

• Develop practical environmental archaeology skills
• Take part and gain skills in excavation at one of our research excavations
• The only Archaeology sandwich undergraduate degree available in Scotland 
• Take part in a work placement to gain real-world experience of archaeological sciences

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.

Entry requirements

• 3 Scottish Highers at grades BBC or above including one science subject* OR
• 2 A levels at grades BC or above including one science subject*
• Alternatively, CPD Award Archaeology and Local Studies (SCQF level 7)
• PVG scheme membership may be required to undertake the year in industry, therefore this course is determined to be a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/units, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional modules/units, but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage

Advanced entry

• HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits) with 3 additional SQA credits at level 7, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit, will be considered for direct entry to year two

*Recommended science subjects (Highers/A levels):

• Applications of Mathematics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Cruinn-eolas
• Computing science
• Design and Manufacture
• Engineering Science
• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Geology
• Gniomhachas Matamataigs
• Human Biology
• Matamataig
• Mathematics
• Physics

Year 1 - CertHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Introduction to archaeology: approaches and methods
• Introduction to science in archaeology  
• Prehistoric Europe: neanderthals to the iron age

You will also study 3 modules from the following options:

• Reading the landscape through time
• World archaeology, politics and perspectives
• Any of the L7 modules from the UHI Humanities Scheme

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Being an archaeologist in Scotland
• Digital heritage
• Excavation skills
• Wetland archaeology

You will also study any 2 of the level 8 modules from the UHI Humanities Scheme.

Year 3 - BSc

You will study the following core modules:

• Archaeological theory and interpretation 
• Practical skills for environmental archaeology
• Skills for professional development
• Understanding archaeological science

You will also study 1 module from the following options:

• Public archaeology and cultural heritage management
• Any of the L9 modules from the UHI Humanities Scheme

Year 4 - Year in industry

You may have the opportunity to undertake an optional year-long work placement between your BSc and BSc (Hons) years. We will support you to find a suitable placement, however if a placement is not found, you will have the opportunity to transfer to the standard four year course.

Year 5 - BSc (Hons)

You will study the following core modules:

• Dissertation
• People, plants and animals
• Sustainability past and future

You will also study 1 of the following optional modules:

• Coastal and island archaeology
• Landscape archaeology

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

• EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
• EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
• EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term-time address in Scotland, studying full time, the following fees apply:

4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying (see the Funding section opposite).

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes.  Students will get an automatic scholarship of £4,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Further information on international course fees.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

Additional costs

This course includes several field trips, including residentials and an optional international field trip module to Iceland. You will be required to pay a contribution towards the cost of the residentials and international trips. The module option for Iceland trip may also require a visa: it will be your responsibility to research and secure your visa to travel to Iceland if needed. 

Financing of your year in industry will depend on individual arrangements with placement hosts, but you will need to cover the cost of travel to and from your placement during this period.