BA Anthropology and Archaeology

The BA in Anthropology and Archaeology at Durham University offers an interdisciplinary exploration of human societies, cultures, and material remains. This program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human diversity, cultural practices, and historical perspectives through both anthropological and archaeological approaches.

Curriculum: The BA Anthropology and Archaeology curriculum at Durham University integrate courses from both disciplines. Students explore topics such as social anthropology, archaeological methods, cultural heritage, material culture, and historical perspectives, fostering a holistic understanding of human societies and their material remnants.

Research Focus: Durham University emphasizes research within the BA Anthropology and Archaeology program. Students engage in research projects that blend anthropological and archaeological methodologies, exploring diverse aspects of human culture, societies, and material remains.

Industry Engagement: The university promotes industry engagement through internships, fieldwork experiences, or collaborations with heritage organizations, museums, or archaeological sites. These opportunities enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings related to cultural heritage or archaeological research.

Global Perspective: While focusing on core principles, the BA Anthropology and Archaeology program at Durham University also integrates a global perspective. Modules explore cultural practices, societies, and archaeological discoveries across different geographical regions and cultural contexts, fostering a global understanding of human diversity and historical heritage.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall  score of 85% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92, with at least 23 in Listening,  Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
• PTE: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 59.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Durham University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to both domestic and international students.

Durham University Scholarships and Bursaries: These are awarded to both undergraduate and postgraduate students based on academic excellence, financial need, or specific criteria such as subject area or country of origin.

Durham International Scholarships: These are awarded to exceptional international students who are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the university. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees and is renewable for the duration of the course.

Government Scholarships: Durham University participates in a number of government scholarship programs, including the Chevening Scholarship and the Commonwealth Scholarship.

College-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges at Durham University offer scholarships and bursaries to their students, such as the Van Mildert College Music Scholarship and the St. Mary's College Travel Grant.

Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at Durham University offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships may be discipline-specific or focused on supporting students from specific regions or countries. 

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships are prestigious scholarships awarded to exceptional international students across all academic disciplines. These scholarships cover the full tuition fees and provide a generous living allowance for the duration of the program. The selection process is highly competitive and based on academic merit and leadership potential.

Graduates with a BA in Anthropology and Archaeology from Durham University possess a diverse skill set that allows them to pursue various career paths across sectors related to research, cultural heritage, archaeology, museums, and academia.

Archaeologist/Field Archaeologist: Individuals can work as archaeologists, conducting fieldwork, excavations, and analysis of artifacts for archaeological consulting firms, governmental bodies, or cultural heritage organizations.

Cultural Heritage Manager/Curator: Graduates can pursue careers as cultural heritage managers or museum curators, preserving and managing cultural artifacts, exhibitions, and historical sites in museums or cultural institutions.

Researcher/Academia: Professionals can work as researchers or pursue academic careers, contributing to anthropological or archaeological research in universities, research institutions, or think tanks.

Archaeological Consultant/Heritage Advisor: Graduates can become archaeological consultants or heritage advisors, offering expertise in heritage management, conservation, or providing advice to governmental bodies and private organizations.

Cultural Resource Manager/Archivist: Individuals can work as cultural resource managers or archivists, managing cultural resources, documents, and historical records in libraries, archives, or governmental agencies.

Community Engagement Officer/Anthropological Researcher: Professionals can work as community engagement officers or anthropological researchers, conducting research, engaging with communities, and promoting cultural heritage initiatives.