Undergraduate Diploma in Archaeology (2027 entry)

Course details

Unearth humanity's past from a truly global perspective.

Starting in autumn 2027, our part-time Diploma in Archaeology gives you the tools to explore how archaeologists study human history – from our origins to the present and from individuals to empires.  

Through material remains, landscape and scientific data, you will have the opportunity to learn how evidence, methods and ideas come together to shape varied understandings of the past, and engage with contemporary archaeological debates, such as the ethics of excavation and how we share discoveries through museums and publications.  

The Diploma combines in-person teaching with online learning, giving you the flexibility to balance study alongside work and life. You'll be part of a student-focused community designed to support your development as an archaeologist. 

Please note:

This course was previously known as the Undergraduate Diploma in British Archaeology. We’ve updated and improved it to reflect the latest developments in the field, and to offer a more flexible, accessible learning experience for our students. Information on this page is provisional and subject to confirmation, depending on tutor availability.

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Who is this course for?

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.

What will you gain?

  • 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.

How you will study

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 in detail

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. 

Assessment

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) 

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.

Teaching staff

The Course Director is Dr Jade Whitlam. A range of tutors will teach specific topics.

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. 

Contact information

  • If you have a query that is not answered by the information on this page, you may contact the Course Director, 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 270312. 

How to apply

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 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. 

Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. 

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

English language requirements 

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

Award and credit transfer

An Undergraduate 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 second-year undergraduate level (FHEQ Level 5). Students who successfully complete this two-year course will be awarded an Oxford University Undergraduate Diploma in Archaeology, equivalent to 120 CATS points at second-year undergraduate level (FHEQ Level 5) 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). 

Fees

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

Please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. 

Overseas students

As students will need to attend face-to-face classes every fortnight, we do not anticipate having students on the course who reside outside the UK. However, if someone should wish to attend who lives close by in Europe, this would be possible without the requirement of a visa. 

Pathways

We offer many courses in Archaeology, across various study formats and at different levels of study. 

If you are planning on embarking on a new career as a result of your studies, or hope to progress in your current field, you can access help and advice through the University Careers Service.

 

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