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Heritage and Archaeology

BA (Hons)

Typical offer for 2025
Duration
UCAS code

Suitable for applications.

Overview

Heritage past, present and future - sharing narratives and recognising identity to achieve cultural understanding.

The study of heritage is vital for understanding our sense of identity and place. Heritage has widespread meaning; past, present and future narratives are interwoven with both physical features (landscapes, buildings, structures, monuments and objects), and more intangible practices based on oral traditions and living memory that enliven and enrich cultural experience (stories, traditions, crafts, food, dance, music and poetry).

Our BA (Hons) in Heritage and Archaeology draws on the University of Bradford's cutting-edge archaeological research, where we are driving an understanding of heritage, archaeology and wellbeing, as well using innovative technologies to contribute to our understanding of the past and its value today.

The programme will span local, regional and global heritage, investigating new methods, and the value of heritage and for contemporary society across many cultural contexts. The programme is at the forefront of initiatives that recognise the importance of heritage and culture to future social cohesion and economic success by building a meaningful understanding of our diverse pasts.

In addition to vocational skills, studying Heritage and Archaeology will give you a broad range of transferable skills including problem solving, team working, and independent research, preparing you for a wide variety of careers, future study and research. We have over 40 years of success in delivering placements and employment with a very wide range of commercial and public sector partners.

Entry requirements

Typical offer - 112 UCAS tariff points.

 

A levels

BBC - There are no specific subject requirements.

T levels

Merit - there are no specific subject requirements.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DMM - there are no specific subject requirements.

Applicants on Access Programmes

112 UCAS tariff points from an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

International Baccalaureate Requirements

112 UCAS tariff points.

Plus Higher Level grade 3 or Standard Level grade 4 in English Language and Literature A or English B.

Plus minimum of

GCSE English at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).

English language requirements

Minimum IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent.

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, and you have a UKVI approved IELTS, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details. For further information on English Language requirements please see the dedicated international entry requirements page.

Foundation Year entry

If you are a UK student and do not meet the entry requirements for this course, our Foundation Year has a route to Heritage and Archaeology BA (Hons).

Foundation Year entry requirements

72 UCAS points or equivalent plus an English Language qualification equivalent to GCSE Grade 4.

Study and progression requirements

Pass each module and achieve a programme average of at least 40%.

You will study the relevant core modules plus five optional modules.

If you are an international student and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto this course, you may be interested in our International College.

Transferring from another university

If you are currently studying at another university and would like to transfer to the University of Bradford, this course accepts students into the second or third year. This is called advanced entry.

Applications for advanced entry will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must include an official transcript (not a screenshot of a portal), all module descriptors, and relevant qualifications. Module descriptors must include learning outcomes.

Applications must be submitted through UCAS and the required documents emailed along with your UCAS Personal ID no later than 31 August prior to the course starting in September. Relevant documents should be emailed to [email protected]

What you will study

All module information is for 2023 entry, and is subject to change.

Learning and assessment

The School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences has developed its programmes around the principles of inclusivity and diversity, offering student choice and direction in learning, and development of autonomous skills.

Our programmes integrate assessment for learning, in which learning sessions, assessment activities, intended outcomes and employability relevance are closely correlated and supported by formative feedback, aimed at student development. Teaching on programmes across the School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences incorporates innovative practice and technologies. We undergo regular formal review both by the University of Bradford and our professional accrediting bodies to assure high standards in our teaching quality and maintain relevancy in our subject material and professional context.

Our teaching occurs on a foundation of trust and expectation; we expect and trust that students participate and engage with all learning and teaching activities, whether they occur on campus or online, and students can expect and trust that staff will create engaging and productive learning and teaching environments. The learning and teaching strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes, progression through the levels of study, the nature of the subject and the student intake, and the need for students to take greater responsibility for their own learning as they progress through the programme.

A wide range of assessment methods are used, including essays, portfolios, worksheets, critiques, laboratory reports, group work, poster (in the placement year), oral presentations, research designs, reflective journals and examinations.

Official programme specification

Our facilities

Our human remains lab is equipped with plastazote foam tables to lay out skeletons for observation, a photography rig, and an interactive touchscreen for exploring 3D anatomical and skeletal models.

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee 2025

  • UK: £9,250

  • International: £24,456

Additional costs

As part of this course you will be required to purchase:

  • a lab coat for working with human remains and artefacts worth £10,
  • outdoor waterproof work clothing (personal asset around £50) and outdoor waterproof safety work shoes (personal asset around £30)
  • tool kit (can be accumulated over time, personal asset around £50) 

There may also be costs associated with summer field work and field trips costing around £70.

There may be additional costs that you may incur as a student. Though these are not essential to your programme of study you need to be aware of them as a student of the University. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Financial support

See our fees and financial support section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

A scholarship for this course is available to international students.

University of Bradford honoured with Queen’s Anniversary Prize for outstanding archaeology

We have been awarded a 2021 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for our world-leading work in developing archaeological technology and techniques and its influence on practice, policy and society.

The prestigious accolade, which honours world-class excellence and achievement, is the highest form of national recognition that UK higher education institutions can achieve. The University has been honoured for its leadership and innovation in pioneering the techniques, technology and practices of archaeology both in the UK and worldwide.

logo for the queens anniversary prize 2021

Career prospects

There is national and international demand for highly-trained heritage professionals. For instance, in the UK heritage professionals are in demand due to HS2 and the recent ‘new deal’ on infrastructure projects announced by Government to boost the economy post-COVID19. Internationally, heritage, and cultural resource management are growing sectors, particularly in the US and the developing world – notably in respect of GCRF development, particularly around climate change and palaeolandscapes.

The University of Bradford is a trusted brand in archaeology and heritage with our graduates in senior positions in the heritage sector, including:

  • Science Advisors with Historic England
  • Conservation and Scientific Research at The British Museum
  • Digital Documentation Manager with Historic Environment Scotland’s Conservation Directorate
  • Head of Archaeology at the National Trust and a senior heritage advisor with Natural England
  • Roles within Archaeology and Civil Engineering consultancies, as well as with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Study support

Our comprehensive support services will help you to achieve your full potential – both academically and personally.

We provide all you need to make the very best of your time with us, and successfully progress through your studies and on into the world of graduate employment.

Our support services include:

  • Personal tutors
  • Disability services
  • Counselling services
  • MyBradford student support centres
  • The Students’ Union
  • Chaplaincy and faith advisers
  • An on-campus nursery
  • Halls wardens

We have well-stocked libraries and excellent IT facilities across campus. These facilities are open 24 hours a day during term time, meaning you’ll always find a place to get things done on campus.

Our Academic Skills Advice Service will work with you to develop your academic, interpersonal and transferable skills.

Research

The University of Bradford has well-established international expertise in the field of Heritage and Archaeology.

The School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences brings together academic experts from both Humanities and Science backgrounds within a single centre, creating a powerful and distinctive research identity which blends cultural archaeology with cutting edge science.

Examples of our recent work include:

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.