Introduction
Archaeology is a diverse and wide-ranging discipline that spans the humanities and physical sciences and is unique in exploring the human past in its entirety. In seeking to understand how ancient people lived their lives, structured their world, and engaged with their environment, archaeologists ask the big questions that can provide us with the tools to tackle global challenges in the present.
Ranked 3rd in the UK for Archaeology and Anthropology, Guardian 2025
Our Degrees
We offer a range of Archaeology degrees which you can read more about below.
View available degree programmesPathway Programmes
The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for progression to undergraduate degree study at the university.
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Archaeology is a subject that actively shapes our understanding of human development through fieldwork and discovery, and a degree at Aberdeen will provide you with the skills to work in archaeology or a range of other professions. Aberdeen is set amongst some of the richest archaeological remains in the UK and opportunities will be available to experience and get involved in discovering more about this resource and our shared human past.
In your first year, archaeology will occupy one quarter of your curriculum, and in second year it will occupy one half. You can then choose to specialise in archaeology in your third and fourth years undertaking a Single Honours degree or you can continue studying archaeology and another subject in a Joint Honours degree.
You can either take an MA, focusing on the humanities and social science side of archaeology, or a BSc, focusing on the science side of archaeology.
Available Programmes of Study
Single Honours Degrees
Joint Honours Degrees
Non-Honours Degrees
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Joint Honours Degrees
Why Study Archaeology at Aberdeen?
- Aberdeen is ranked 3rd in the UK for Anthropology and Archaeology (Guardian University Guide 2025) and is in the Global Top 100 for Archaeology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
- Aberdeen is 1st in Scotland for Overall Student Satisfaction in Forensic and Archaeological Sciences (National Student Survey 2024).
- The research of the department at Aberdeen builds on existing strengths within the University studying the cultures and environment of the North, focusing on the archaeology of Northern Europe, the North Atlantic, Siberia and North America.
- Our staff are actively engaged in field projects in the north, including in Scotland itself, answering questions about the human past from the earliest colonisation of the north to later expansions.
- Aberdeen is set amongst some of the richest archaeological sites in the UK. Recent examples, associated with the University include The Rhynie Man and amazing Pictish forts at Tap O' Noth and Burghead.
- The department also draws on world leading research and expertise in archaeology undertaken in related subjects such as anthropology and geography.
- The modular degree system run at Aberdeen allows joint degrees in these subjects and choice and flexibility in your programme of study, allowing you to follow your own particular interests and enthusiasms.
- Students have the opportunity to get involved with the Archaeological Society, which is a tremendous network of like-minded students that hosts a range of events, talks, trips and more.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.
View the Aberdeen Global ScholarshipGet in Touch
Contact Details
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Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX