Archaeology covers a huge range of topics, spanning the evolution of humans through the development of farming, ancient civilisations and world empires, as well as the role of material culture in human life and of heritage in modern societies. The Archaeology Department at Cambridge is the oldest of its kind in the UK, and along with the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, Cambridge is one of the largest centres of archaeological research in Britain. Students also benefit from hands-on access to world-class collections in Cambridge’s many museums, libraries and research centres.
Course Structure
Students can follow several streams – Archaeology (covering all world cultures), Biological Anthropology (humans in an evolutionary, ecological and biological perspective), Egyptology and Assyriology (the languages and cultures of two ancient civilisations). Whatever interests you pursue and develop, Archaeology will refine your existing skills and build new ones, making you an informed and intelligent analyst of past societies and cultures, as well as a critical thinker, and an articulate presenter and writer of your ideas.
Archaeology at King's
King’s has a rich tradition as one of the major Colleges for Archaeology and Anthropology. Prominent alumni of King's have included Sir John Marshall, a pioneer in the archaeology of India, and Charles McBurney, a leading figure in development of archaeology in Africa. More recently, the College has had particular research strength in the study of human evolution, with two biological anthropologists as Fellows of King’s: Prof Robert Foley, who is Leverhulme Professor of Human Evolution Emeritus, and Dr Mark Dyble, who is the current Director of Studies for Archaeology at King’s. King’s is also very strong in social anthropology, the study of contemporary human cultures, societies and behaviour, and there are opportunities to study this alongside archaeology and biological anthropology. The College is located close to the Archaeology Department as well as the Fitzwilliam Museum and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, which holds many open sessions for Archaeology students throughout the year. In addition, students have easy access to the Haddon Library of Archaeology & Anthropology and Cambridge University Library just a few minutes walk away.
Fellows at King's in Archaeology
Human evolutionary processes; evolutionary theory and biology; evolutionary ecology; African prehistory.
Greek political, social, economic and cultural history; the history of Greek art; classical archaeology.
Applying for Archaeology at King's
We welcome applications from suitably qualified students at any kind of school, all over the world.
Subject Requirements
To apply to study Archaeology at King’s, you do not need to have studied any particular subjects at school. While we certainly welcome applicants who have done A-Level Archaeology or equivalent, this is by no means necessary or expected.
What we look for in applicants is ability, motivation, and intellectual curiosity; because Archaeology is such a broad field, we welcome applications from those who have backgrounds in everything from History to Biology, English to Physics, Philosophy to Geography.
Various things are useful but not required: knowledge of history, current and international affairs, philosophy, economics, or biology; also helpful is aptitude with languages or mathematics. We will be impressed if you have had a sustained interest in archaeology or a related discipline (have you read any anthropology books, participated in an archaeological dig, etc?), but we also welcome students who are just developing a new interest. All the first-year courses start without assuming prior knowledge.
Written Assessments
There are no assessments required for applicants to Archaeology at King's.
Written Work
Students are required to submit one piece of written work as part of their application to King's. Written work should be in essay format (not science coursework or timed exam) with a word limit of up to 1500 words (can be an extract from an EPQ).
Interviews
Most (but not all) candidates are invited for two interviews.
Reading, Resources and Events
The Department of Archaeology provides a suggested reading list for prospective students: https://www.arch.cam.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduates/online-resources-prospective-archaeology-students
