BSc (Hons) Archaeological Science Bachelor's degree at UHI
BSc (Hons) Archaeological Science at UHI. The course, established in 2011, integrates core theory with research methods, applied practice, and specialist options.
About this course
Course type: BSc (Hons) International: Available to study on-campus or online Study at: Argyll; HTC; Inverness; Moray; North, West and Hebrides; Orkney; Perth; Shetland Start in: September Learning mode: On campus (in person) You attend classes in person at the local campus or learning centre. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Archaeological Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at UHI, based in UHI Argyll,Highland Theological College UHI,UHI Inverness,UHI Moray,UHI North West Hebrides,UHI Orkney,UHI Perth,UHI Shetland. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For General, applied and forensic sciences graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £25,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
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.
Year 1 - CertHE 3 modules
- Introduction to archaeology: approaches and methodsCore
- Introduction to science in archaeologyCore
- Prehistoric Europe: Neanderthals to the Iron AgeCore
Year 2 - DipHE 4 modules
- Being an archaeologist in ScotlandCore
- Digital heritageCore
- Excavation skills (residential)Core
Module details
should be taken in semester 2 of year 2, as well as a compulsory field school in the summer, at a site location off-campus
- Wetland archaeologyCore
Year 3 - BSc 5 modules
- Archaeological projectCore
- Archaeological theory and interpretationCore
- Practical skills for environmental archaeologistsCore
- Public archaeology and cultural heritage managementCore
- Understanding archaeological scienceCore
Year 4 - BSc (Hons) 5 modules
- Archaeological science dissertationCore
Module details
double-credit
- Biomolecular archaeologyCore
- Landscape archaeologyCore
- People, plants and animalsCore
- Sustainability past and futureCore
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 course focuses on archaeological science applied to historical inquiry. You'll usually begin with foundations in historical sources and method, learning how historians and archaeologists build arguments from archives and material evidence, alongside broad surveys of medieval, early modern and modern periods. In Year 2, you'll move to focused study of specific periods or themes through primary sources, whilst gaining grounding in historiography and public history practice in museums and heritage settings. By Year 3, you'll undertake advanced specialist study, choose from options such as modern history, medieval studies, global and imperial history, social and cultural history, public history and heritage, and archival research, and complete an original dissertation based on your own research. Throughout, the course emphasises how historical interpretation develops and how history operates beyond the university.
Who it's for
This course suits those with a genuine interest in archaeological science and its practical applications. You should be prepared for rigorous study combining theoretical foundations with hands-on research and fieldwork. The programme is designed for students committed to understanding archaeological methods and their real-world use in heritage and scientific contexts.
University & format
The University of the Highlands and Islands is a university based across multiple campuses and learning centres in Scotland: Argyll, Inverness, Moray, Orkney, Perth, Shetland, and the North West Hebrides, plus Highland Theological College UHI. This full-time BSc (Hons) lasts 4 years and is taught in English through on-campus, in-person instruction at your local centre. The University of the Highlands and Islands is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and its degrees are nationally recognised.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 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.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Entry & how to get in
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
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.
- 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.
Fees & funding
UHI publishes tuition by domicile, award level, study mode and delivery. Use the individual course page for the exact year-by-year fee.
Published UHI fee framework
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.
Careers & earnings
What History graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £25,500 | £24,000 – £30,000 | 110 |
| 3 years after | £23,000 | £18,000 – £27,000 | 20 |
| 5 years after | £30,000 | £24,500 – £35,500 | 15 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 110. Cohort 2021-22.
- 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
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.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with History courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,423 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
Job market & outlook
How History graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How 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 SCHOOLSIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Fees and funding
UHI publishes tuition by domicile, award level, study mode and delivery. Use the individual course page for the exact year-by-year fee.
Where graduates go
Most graduates were in work or further study, with a median salary of £25,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of the Highlands and Islands
Historical, philosophical and religious studies across the UK
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 eligibility
The provider publishes this course-specific status:
Available to study on-campus or online
Eligibility depends on the programme, study mode, delivery and approved study location. No visa or online-study eligibility is inferred beyond the provider statement.
Related courses
More at UHI
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
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