V403
Y50
3 years full-time (plus optional placement year)
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2023
QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024
for 'Learning resources' and 3rd for 'Teaching on my course' in forensic and archaeological sciences of universities included in the National Student Survey, 2023.
Bioarchaeology enables us to paint a more vivid picture of the human past.
Our courses appeal to a wide range of students across the Arts and Humanities to the Sciences, and from those who always wanted to be archaeologists to those who have only discovered the subject at university, such as Jess.
Our BSc Bioarchaeology is perfect for students studying a science subject who are interested in history and ancient populations. York is home to BioArCh, a collaborative research facility formed by the Archaeology, Biology and Chemistry departments. The centre is internationally recognised, with a unique concentration of expertise in human palaeoecology and environmental archaeology.
Through isotopic analysis of remains from archaeological sites, we can discover what past diets were like, where people came from and whether they travelled long distances in their lifetimes. We can analyse the proteins in fragments of Viking-Age hair combs to find out which animal they were made from, or examine ancient DNA to better understand our human timeline.
Our department is renowned for being friendly and welcoming, meaning you'll get to know your lecturers, and they'll get to know you. You'll have endless opportunities to get involved, from joining the Archaeology Society to working abroad on a research project. We have bespoke facilities on campus.
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), the leading professional body representing archaeologists working in the UK and overseas. Accreditation recognises the value of knowledge of working practices across the sector. It provides you with the opportunity to join CIfA to support your professional development.
My dissertation involves analysing residues of foods in prehistoric pottery - I get to interpret how some of the world’s earliest pots were used, while also developing advanced Biology and Chemistry laboratory skills.David, BSc Bioarchaeology
Get a taste of university-level study on one of York's free short courses, including our subject course, 'Exploring Stone Age archaeology'.
Our five undergraduate courses all have a common first year, so it's easy to change between them.
We emphasise flexibility - there's very little restriction on the modules you can choose to study. You'll get experience in the lab from your second year onwards.
There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:
CIfA accreditation is not applicable to credit-replacing exchanges abroad where only two years are spent at York. Additional year abroad programmes, where three years are spent at York, are still accredited.
Archaeology also offers plenty of opportunities during vacation breaks to get involved with research abroad.
There are opportunities to spend time in industry as part of this course.
In your first year, your modules will cover:
You'll also take part in an excavation. This will give you hands-on experience in all aspects of assessing, collecting and analysing primary excavation data. It is a unique opportunity to be part of a really exciting phase of a research project.
It is taught during the academic year, so you won't be required to find an excavation placement during the summer vacation. If you are interested in taking part in further excavations during the vacation, we can help you find volunteering and paid opportunities to do further excavations - sometimes abroad!
In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.
This module covers some of the essential skills and knowledge which will help you to study independently and produce work of a high academic standard which is vital for success at York.
This module will:
You will also study two option modules:
You may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language or an interdisciplinary topic.
You'll complete an 8,000-word dissertation on your research.
You will receive support, advice and guidance from your dissertation supervisor throughout your project. The range of expertise of our staff means we can provide you with guidance on a wide range of topics.
You will also study one option module:
The options available to you will be confirmed when you start your course.
You may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language or an interdisciplinary topic.
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
UK (home) | International and EU |
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£9,250 | £23,700 |
The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.
For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2024/25 throughout the year.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
Our teaching, learning and student experience is outstanding, recognised by a Gold rating from the Office for Students in the 2023 national assessment (Teaching Excellence Framework).
You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
You'll be taught through a range of lectures, seminars, workshops, practicals, and independent learning projects. All our teaching is research-led, meaning our lecturers are teaching the subjects they're fascinated about, and ensuring you get the most current and cutting-edge knowledge.
We have always been passionate about small group teaching - we feel it is the best way to learn. You'll start off with a variety of teaching formats and as the course progresses you'll spend more time on intensive small group teaching and individual study.
We provide training in presentation skills throughout your course, helping you to prepare for your Assessed Seminar and Assessed Lecture.
Find out more about our teaching.
In your first year, you can expect:
Lectures | 2 hours per week |
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Seminars | 2 hours per week |
Workshops | 2 hours per week |
Practicals | 2 hours per week |
Excavation | 2 weeks in Semester 2 |
Field trips | 1 full day and 7 mini trips |
Feedback sessions | 1-2 hours |
These figures are representative of a typical week. Your contact hours will vary throughout the year due to your module choices, non-compulsory classes, exam periods and changes to scheduled activities.
Outside your timetabled hours, you'll study independently. This may include preparation for classes, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.
In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.
At York, you'll have access to a huge range of unique facilities.
In the department we have:
On Campus West, we also have and the York Experimental Archaeology Research (YEAR) Centre. Bioarchaeology facilities include:
You'll have access to the campus library and other University resources, including the Borthwick Institute for Archives. You'll also have access to a wide range of archaeological equipment, including:
You will be based on Campus West. Our BioArCh and Palaeo facilities are located in or near the Environment Building.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.
You'll be assessed using a variety of methods, including essays, exams, assessed presentations and team projects.
During your degree, we'll help you to develop the skills you'll need to approach your assessments, from presentation skills to designing a research study. We'll take the time to provide detailed and personalised feedback on your work, allowing you to improve and refine your work.
Your course will culminate with the exciting challenge of leading and chairing a seminar, organising and presenting a lecture, and researching and writing a dissertation. You'll graduate confident in your ability to cope with challenges and able to apply your skills to many areas of work.
The excavation has been the highlight of my year at York. As a heritage student, I spend a lot of time working with the public. Everyone who came to the site agreed that it was amazing and it’s so fulfilling to be able to share this history with the people closest to it.Amy, BA Archaeology and Heritage
See more student profiles
There has never been a better time to study archaeology. With major new infrastructure projects such as HS2, there is a national shortage of archaeologists in the country.
Our degrees prepare you for a range of careers; the unique combination of humanities and sciences gives you skills in everything from data analysis to essay and report writing.
If you're interested in going into the heritage sector, you'll be able to choose modules which provide you with a solid grounding in heritage studies alongside the practical skills needed to kick-start your career. You’ll be able to connect with museums and heritage organisations through volunteering, internships and placement opportunities.
You'll have lifetime access to subject-specific careers support, and prepare for your future throughout your university journey through our York Futures development plan.
For more on where an archaeology degree could take you, watch our video playlist.
Typical offer | |
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A levels | ABB including a science subject (Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry or Geology) |
Access to Higher Education Diploma | 30 credits at Distinction including science-related credits and 15 credits at Merit or higher. |
BTEC National Extended Diploma | DDM including some science-related modules. |
Cambridge Pre-U | D3, M2, M2 including at least one science subject |
European Baccalaureate | 75% or higher including a science. |
International Baccalaureate | 34 points including a science or mathematics at Higher Level |
T levels | We are currently not accepting T Levels for this course unless an additional A Level (or equivalent qualification) in a science subject has been taken. |
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers | Advanced Highers - B in one science (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Maths or Physics) plus Scottish Highers - BBBC We may also be able to consider other combinations of Highers and Advanced Highers. Please contact us to discuss your qualifications. |
International foundation programme | Foundation Certificate from our International Pathway College or an appropriate alternative. |
Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.
Criteria | Adjustment |
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Widening participation | If you successfully complete one of the following programmes, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to two A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer: Black Access Programme, Next Step York, Realising Opportunities, YESS, YorWay to York. More about widening participation. |
Contextual offers | If you have experience of local authority care or live in an area with low progression to university, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. More about contextual offers. |
EPQ | If you achieve C or higher at EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. |
Core Maths | If you achieve B or higher in Core Maths, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. |
MOOCs | If you successfully complete our online course Exploring Stone Age Archaeology: The Mysteries of Star Carr do let us know, as you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. More about MOOCs. |
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
Minimum requirement | |
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IELTS (Academic) | 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component |
Cambridge CEFR | 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component |
Oxford ELLT | 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component |
Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in each component |
GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) | Grade C / Grade 4 |
LanguageCert SELT | B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component |
LanguageCert Academic | B2 Communicator with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component |
KITE | 459 Main Flight score with 426 in each component |
Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
PTE Academic | 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component |
TOEFL | 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component |
Trinity ISE III | Merit in all components |
For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to premium.
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