Undergraduate Diploma in Archaeology

Course structure

Year 1

This module explores landscapes and environments as dynamic elements in the human story, which have shaped the development of livelihoods and settlements, and the spread of ideas, technologies and people. You’ll be introduced to the evidence, methods and theories that inform archaeological approaches to landscapes and environments, while also reflecting on the cultural assumptions that underpin their interpretation. Through comparative case studies spanning different regions, time periods, and scales of analysis, you will develop a critical understanding of how the study of landscapes and environments helps us make sense of the past, as well as providing important perspectives on contemporary and future challenges.

Year 2

This module explores personhood as a physical and embodied experience, in which interactions with objects and the material world form a window onto our shared human past. You will examine how archaeologists study material culture and society, and how different approaches have produced diverse understandings of everyday life, identity, status, memory, and religion. The module provides you with essential tools and theoretical frameworks for interpreting material evidence across a wide variety of contexts, using case studies from different regions and time periods. You will also reflect critically on multiple perspectives of the past and engage with contemporary debates around ethics, heritage, and colonialism.

Are you fascinated by new archaeological discoveries? Do you want to explore how archaeology differs across countries, or grapple with the ethical dilemmas faced by archaeologists today? If so, this course could be your next step.

Taught at second-year undergraduate level (FHEQ Level 5), the Diploma in Archaeology is designed for students who have either completed, or are due to complete, our Undergraduate Certificate in Archaeology, the Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education (with archaeology courses), or another course at first-year undergraduate level (FHEQ Level 4).

We also welcome applications from those who have taken a short course in archaeology – such as a weekly class or online programme – and gained relevant practical experience.

• Gain a truly global and interdisciplinary perspective of archaeology: critically investigate archaeological evidence and the varied interpretations that have shaped our understanding of the past.
• Engage with the latest research and debates in archaeology as you explore topics within the key themes of material culture and society, and landscape and environment.
• Exchange ideas and develop questions with a group of like-minded peers sharing experience and knowledge from a range of archaeological contexts.
• Learn from our research-active team of expert archaeologists who are recognised for their scholarship and engaged in the latest archaeological discoveries, research and debate.

In-person elements

Students will meet once every fortnight during term, on Thursday evenings (7-9 pm). In-person sessions will provide an opportunity for collaborative and student-led learning, including group discussion and practical exercises. In total, there will be 10 hours of in-person teaching per term, plus one field trip or workshop which will take place on a Friday or Saturday. Dates will be published at the start of the academic year.

The in-person elements of the course will be held at Rewley House, 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JA. For fieldtrips that take place outside of Oxford, transport will be provided to and from Rewley House.

Online elements

Online learning will help students prepare for the in-person sessions and reflect on what they’ve learned. The online, asynchronous (self-paced) instruction will include reading materials (materials in the Virtual Learning Environment and set texts from journal articles, textbooks etc.), videos, audio, forum activities and online exercises. Students will work through five online units per term (one every two week). Additional online units will help students develop their study skills (e.g. academic writing, interpreting feedback).

You will need to spend about 10-12 hours in home study per week in term time.

The Course Director is Dr Jade Whitlam.

Along with Dr Whitlam, the teaching panel includes a number of experienced tutors – not only in their subject but in teaching adult students. They understand the learning needs of students returning to education and will be able to advise you on subject-based study skills throughout the course.

In addition, there are academic literacy and academic English courses available to help you develop and improve the academic skills needed for effective study.

Most assessments will take the form of written work and are designed to reflect professional practice in archaeology. Formative assessment is embedded in the new course and will provide you with opportunities for feedback throughout the year.

Annual schedule of assessment (provisional)

Term 1

• Formative assignment (1,500 words)
• Summative assignment (3,000 words)

Term 2

• Formative group project presentation (15-20 minutes)
• Summative assignment (3,000 words)

Term 3

• Formative data analysis summary (TBC)
• Summative research report (6,000 words)

Entry requirements

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.

Fees information for 2027-28 entry will be released when applications open in September 2026.

Please be aware that fees will usually increase annually.

Information for applicants from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

On 11 May 2021 the UK Council for International Student Affairs published new regulations and guidance to be used in assessing the fee status of students commencing courses in August 2021 and later. We will be using this guidance to carry out fee status assessments for students commencing courses in 2026/27 and later, including students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland.

If you are an EU national and do not live in the UK then you are likely to be charged Overseas fees. Students with settled and pre-settled status in the UK and some other categories of students who work in the UK can qualify for Home fee status as long as they meet the residence criteria.

Students from outside the UK/Republic of Ireland

If you are from outside the UK/Republic of Ireland, you will be classed either as an ‘Overseas’ or ‘Islands’ student.

Information on financial support can be found on our website here.

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 then be asked to submit a completed Financial Declaration Form. The form demonstrates that you can, or are likely to be able to, afford the course and it is necessary for this to be accepted before you can be considered to have met the conditions of your offer.

Applications for 2027 entry will open in September 2026.

You will need to upload the following documents as part of your application:

• a statement of 300 words outlining your previous experience of the subject (if any) and your reasons for wishing to enrol on the course.
• contact details for one referee
• proof of English language ability if a non-native English speaker. Further information on English language requirements can be found here. Please note that candidates are required to have the higher-level score.

Referees

If possible, your referee should be able to comment on your academic ability and background, but where this is not appropriate, please choose a referee who can vouch for your motivation, commitment and potential. References from friends or family members cannot be accepted.

Admissions decisions will be based on an assessment of knowledge, relevant experience, academic ability, potential and suitability for a course of study. We welcome applicants who may not hold traditional qualifications but can demonstrate relevant career experience or life skills.

Selection criteria

Even if a course has no specific academic entry requirements then: (a) assessment of an applicant’s academic ability and suitability for the course of study will still take place and (b) since applications for many courses often significantly exceed places available, each application will be judged against the gathered field of applicants for each course, each year.

The University is committed to promoting diversity, equality, inclusion, and widening access, including during the admissions process. We fully endorse the Equality Policy and our admissions procedures are kept under regular review to ensure compliance with this policy.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an online interview.

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