Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in Archaeology

This course is well suited to those with prior study in archaeology or a related discipline who are ready to progress to more advanced, independent work. Taught at third-year undergraduate level, it offers the opportunity to develop research skills, critical thinking and intellectual confidence.

Delivered primarily online, the programme enables you to study flexibly from anywhere in the world while remaining part of a supportive and engaged academic community.

As a part-time course, it has been designed with adult learners in mind, making it possible to pursue serious academic study alongside professional, personal and family commitments.

This course is delivered primarily online through a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Live online group tutorials provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration and peer learning with fellow students, alongside course materials and activities that can be completed at a time that suits you.

During the programme, you will attend a three-day intensive study school in Oxford, which includes field trips, practical classes and collaborative learning activities.

As you develop your dissertation project, you will receive individual supervision to support the planning, research and writing process. These one-to-one supervision sessions can be arranged either online or in person.

Award and credit transfer

An Undergraduate Advanced Diploma will be awarded on completion of the course. You will be invited to celebrate at the annual Awards Ceremony, held at Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre.

The syllabus and teaching of the course are aimed at third-year undergraduate level (FHEQ Level 6). Students who successfully complete this one-year course will be awarded an Oxford University Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in Archaeology, equivalent to 60 CATS points at third-year undergraduate level (FHEQ Level 6) in the Department’s Qualifications and Credit Framework. Outstanding performance will qualify for a Distinction.

Opportunities vary for the transfer of credit, so students who are considering taking this course in order to transfer credit are advised to discuss the possibilities with the Course Administrator on undergraduate@conted.ox.ac.uk.

Learn more about the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS points).

The Course Director is Dr Jade Whitlam.

Alongside Dr Whitlam, the teaching team includes a number of experienced tutors with expertise both in their subject areas and in teaching adult learners. They understand the needs of students returning to education and can provide guidance on subject-specific study skills throughout the programme.

In addition, academic literacy and academic English courses are available to help you develop and strengthen the academic skills needed for successful study at this level.

Most assessments take the form of written work and are designed to reflect professional practice in archaeology. Formative assessment is embedded throughout the course, providing regular opportunities to receive feedback and develop your skills before completing summative work.

Annual Schedule of Assessment (Provisional)

Term 1

• Formative assignment (details to be confirmed)
• Summative assignment (details to be confirmed)

Term 2

• Formative assignment (details to be confirmed)
• Summative assignment (details to be confirmed)

Term 3

• Dissertation research project (10,000 words)

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, but we would expect students to have some level of prior experience studying archaeology (or a related discipline) in an academic context or relevant practical experience.

IT requirements

Students are expected to have some IT skills, and access to a computer and the internet. IT skills related to archaeology are built into the programme using exercises to build and test your skills. The computer you use should meet our recommended minimum computer specification.

English language requirements 

Please check the information on the specific English language requirements for this course. Applicants are required to have higher-level scores. 

Fee information for 2027–28 entry will be published when applications open in September 2026.

Please note that course fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year.

Information for Applicants from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

On 11 May 2021, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) published new regulations and guidance for assessing student fee status for courses commencing from August 2021 onwards. The University will use this guidance when assessing fee status for students starting courses in 2027–28 and later, including applicants from the EU, EEA and Switzerland.

If you are an EU national and do not live in the UK, you are likely to be charged Overseas fees. Students with settled or pre-settled status in the UK, and certain other categories of students working in the UK, may qualify for Home fee status provided they meet the relevant residence requirements.

Students from Outside the UK and Republic of Ireland

If you are from outside the UK or Republic of Ireland, you will normally be classified as either an Overseas or Islands student for fee purposes.

Information about financial support and funding opportunities can be found on our funding page.

Financial Declaration

All undergraduate offer holders are required to complete a Financial Declaration Form (FDF) to demonstrate how they will meet the financial conditions of admission.

If you are offered a place on this course, you will be asked to submit a completed Financial Declaration Form. The form demonstrates that you can, or are likely to be able to, meet the costs associated with your studies. The Financial Declaration Form must be approved before you can be considered to have met the conditions of your offer.

Applications for 2027 entry will open in September 2026.

As part of your application, you will need to submit the following documents:

• a statement of approximately 300 words outlining any previous experience of archaeology or a related subject, together with your reasons for wishing to enrol on the course;
• contact details for one referee;
• evidence of English language proficiency if English is not your first language. Further information on the University’s English language requirements can be found online. Please note that applicants are required to meet the higher-level English language standard.

Referees

Where possible, your referee should be able to comment on your academic background and ability. If this is not appropriate, you should nominate someone who can provide evidence of your motivation, commitment and potential to succeed on the course. References from friends or family members cannot be accepted.

Admissions decisions are based on an assessment of your knowledge, relevant experience, academic ability, potential and suitability for study. We welcome applications from candidates who may not hold traditional qualifications but can demonstrate relevant professional experience or transferable skills.

Selection Criteria

Even where a course has no formal academic entry requirements:

• each applicant’s academic ability and suitability for the course will be assessed; and
• where applications exceed the number of places available, all applications will be considered competitively against the wider applicant pool for that year.

The University is committed to promoting diversity, equality, inclusion and widening participation. We fully endorse the Equality Policy, and admissions procedures are reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with these principles.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an online interview.

The final decision on admission to the course rests with the Department.

Contact us

If you have unanswered questions or would like an informal discussion on academic matters before applying, you may contact: 

• Course Director, Dr Jade Whitlam:  jade.whitlam@conted.ox.ac.uk 

• For general guidance, application and admissions advice, course specific information, or credit transfer: undergraduate@conted.ox.ac.uk, +44 (0)1865 280882. 

• For information about disability support or sources of funding: student.support@conted.ox.ac.uk, +44 (0)1865 280355.