Archaeology

Course overview

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. Archaeology and Biological Anthropology are ‘essay’ subjects, but students also need to engage with scientific methods and results (e.g. carbon dating, geophysics, genetics, data analysis, isotope analysis). Within the Archaeology degree, there are four main subjects you can study:

• Archaeology: use material evidence, from molecules to monumental structures, to explore the human past and understand past societies
• Biological Anthropology: investigate human evolution and diversity, biology and behaviour, and the interaction between biology and culture
• Egyptology: study history, languages, society, archaeology and religion of ancient Egypt
• Assyriology: study languages, cultures, history and archaeology of ancient Mesopotamia (Sumer, Babylonia and Assyria)

All first-year students have a two-week training dig and second-year students have a study tour in Europe. Most students will also go on various other digs, field trips and museum visits.

For more information about the course and its modules, visit the University website.

What is it like to study Archaeology at King’s?

King’s has a rich tradition as one of the major Colleges for Archaeology and Anthropology. We have 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 Director of Studies for Archaeology at King’s. The College is located close to the Archaeology Department as well as the Fitzwilliam Museum and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. In addition, students have easy access to the Haddon Library of Archaeology & Anthropology and the Cambridge University Library just a few minutes' walk away. 

First-year students at King’s would usually have around eight lectures, two practical classes, and two supervisions each week during termtime. We usually admit one or two undergraduate students each year. 

What do we look for in an applicant to Archaeology?

We look for ability, motivation, and intellectual curiosity. 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.

Requirements

A Level: A*AA

IB: 41-42 points with 7, 7, 6 at Higher Level

Subject requirements: None required. Since 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.

Admissions assessment: None

Written work: 1 piece. This should be in essay format (not science coursework or a timed exam) with a word limit of up to 1500 words. The work can be taken from an EPQ.

Written work 

Written work should be in essay format (not science coursework or a science timed exam) with a word limit of up to 1,500 words (can be an extract from an EPQ). Archaeology essays are driven by arguments but always backed up with detailed evidence (e.g. about the artefacts, archaeology sites and methods, experimental studies); written work that shows that you can make powerful arguments and back these up with technical details is particularly encouraged.

Careers and graduate opportunities

Our graduates go on to a wide range of roles across many sectors. Specific Archaeology employment can include commercial field units and consultancies, museums and heritage management, national heritage bodies (e.g. Inspectors of Ancient Monuments, field workers, climate change managers), the National Trust, the Churches Conservation Trust, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, National Finds Advisors, and the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Beyond Archaeology, opportunities include business management and administration, education (all levels, many subjects), the Armed Forces, international charities, conservation (ecological and environmental), forensics (including International War Crime investigation), publishing and journalism, media production and research, and law.

What is the best thing about studying Archaeology at King’s?

Archaeology (and Biological Anthropology) is a vocation, not just a subject, so we are a small but committed group! We also have also been conducting archaeological research into ourselves and our buildings at King's. For example, we have been using archaeological science to determine the early medieval neighbourhood that once stood on what is now the back lawn of King’s.

A top tip for applicants to Archaeology at King’s 

Read! For subjects you have studied at school, you can fall back on knowledge from your classes at school at interview. For a subject like Archaeology, applicants most often have not studied the subject at school and so need to rely on what they have read. Experience from visiting museums or attending digs is also useful.