students from sanctuary backgrounds
Check eligibility →
University of Leicester · Undergraduate
DipHE Archaeology Foundation degree at the University of Leicester
DipHE Archaeology at University of Leicester. You'll explore both the theory and methods that underpin archaeological practice, and examine how archaeological evidence illuminates human history across millions of years.
DipHE
Award
2
Years
Full-time
Study mode
UK
Location
About this course
Can’t make it to campus? In this distance learning degree, you can still learn about the theory and practice of archaeology, and how it can be used to make sense of millions of years of human history. From the provider’s course page.
DipHE Archaeology is a Foundation degree (DipHE) at the University of Leicester. It runs 2 years, studied full-time.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for History, see the sections below.
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Level 1 4 modules
- Aims and Methods in ArchaeologyCore
- Archaeology BCECore
- Introduction to Classical ArchaeologyCore
- Archaeology CECore
Level 2 8 modules
- Archaeological TheoryCore
- Interpreting Archaeological EvidenceCore
- Fieldschool (UoL)Core
- Fieldschool (Self-organised)Core
- Archaeology of Human EvolutionOptional
- Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age Britain and IrelandOptional
- Archaeology of the Roman WorldOptional
- Medieval MediterraneanOptional
Level 3 7 modules
- Research Bootcamp (on campus)Core
- Research Bootcamp (online)Core
- UrbanismsOptional
- Archaeology of Religion and BeliefOptional
- Archaeology and HeritageOptional
- Britain and the Roman WorldOptional
- DissertationCore
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This distance learning degree offers you the chance to study archaeology theory and practice without attending campus. You'll begin with foundations in how historians work with sources and archives, then move through surveys of medieval, early modern and modern worlds. As you progress into Year 2, you'll undertake focused study of specific periods and themes using primary sources, whilst exploring historiography and how historical interpretations develop. You'll also examine public history, including how archaeology is presented in museums and heritage contexts. A typical course like this normally offers specialisations such as modern history, medieval studies, global and imperial history, social and cultural history, public history and heritage, and archival research. You'll usually complete your studies with advanced project work drawing on original research.
Who it's for
You're drawn to understanding how humans lived in the past and how archaeologists piece together that evidence. You have curiosity about material culture, landscapes, and long-term change, and you're comfortable with both analysing written sources and interpreting physical remains. This course suits you if you juggle other commitments and need study that fits your schedule; distance learning requires self-direction, but you'll have structured guidance and access to university support. Whether you're exploring archaeology as a first step towards further study or building knowledge alongside work, you'll find a rigorous, vocational foundation here.
Careers & job market
Across History graduates nationally, 85% are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those in work, 55% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. Graduate earnings nationally range from £23,500 to £31,000 at the start of your career, rising to £25,500–£36,000 after five years. Your options will vary depending on specialisation, experience, and sector; some graduates move into heritage management, museum work, academic research, or cultural sectors, whilst others use archaeological training in fields from education to consultancy.
University & format
The University of Leicester, founded in 1921, offers this DipHE (Foundation degree) in Archaeology over 2 years of full-time distance learning, taught in English. The university is recognised as a UK degree-awarding body, so your degree will be nationally recognised. Leicester holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Entry & how to get in
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Leicester's official course page for the current offer.
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Offer-based entry
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask University of Leicester whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£21,945 / yr
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Leicester →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 2 years
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Funding matched to this course
All University of Leicester funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
StudyKit · free
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What History graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in history · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs History nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£23,500 – £31,000
After 3 years LEO
£20,400 – £28,800
After 5 years LEO
£25,500 – £36,000
national rangeaxis £19,000 – £37,500
National figures for History graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
Job market & outlook
How History graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across History courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes55%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where History graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Museums & archives
- Heritage bodies
- Schools
- Civil service & media
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit History graduates.
History & Humanities Lead, Flexible, Impactful TeachingChartereastdulwichHistory & Humanities Lead, Flexible, Impactful TeachingThe Charter Schools Educational TrustHistory Teachers in Kirklees and HalifaxCV-LibraryHistory TeachersSABIS NETWORK SCHOOLSLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Leicester
All students18,990
International19.3%
Aged 25+17.1%
Historical, philosophical and religious studies across the UK
Students76,495
Aged 25+26.6%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Is History right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Leicester from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £21,945 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Leicester’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Leicester and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Leicester
BA (Hons) Ancient History and ArchaeologyBA (Hons) · University of LeicesterBA (Hons) Ancient History and Classical ArchaeologyBA (Hons) · University of LeicesterBA (Hons) Ancient History and Classical ArchaeologyBA (Hons) · University of LeicesterBA (Hons) Ancient History and HistoryBA (Hons) · University of Leicester
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
Set by the University of Leicester. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates earn?
See the career and earnings data for History below (national Graduate Outcomes / LEO figures).
What will it cost me?
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
No obligation
Request information about DipHE Archaeology
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.