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    Study archaeology abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying archaeology as an international student.

    Find archaeology programs

    Explore archaeology programs abroad

    See other programs in archaeology

    Archaeology degrees abroad

    Archaeology is the fascinating study of history through the excavation of artefacts and other physical remains. It combines history and elements of science and engineering, and is the ideal program if you have a passion for the past and want to get your hands dirty.

    As an archaeology student you’ll study historical sites, structural remains, bones, tools and other artefacts. Many programs involve field trips and practical work, and choosing to study archaeology abroad means you could be in touching distance of some of the world’s most interesting archaeological sites.

    Studying archaeology abroad also means you will be able to choose from a much bigger range of programs, and access to state-of-the-art facilities and technology you might not get at home. It’s also a great opportunity to broaden your personal horizons, experience a new culture and improve your language skills, all while gaining a world class education.

    Archaeology program structure

    Archaeology degree program content will differ depending on the university you choose to study at. Some universities tailor the curriculum around the history and archaeology of the local area, so you can work on real world issues and sites.

    At undergraduate level, Archaeology degrees usually take three or four years to complete, and can be offered as BSc or BA degrees. BA degrees tend to focus more on humanities, while the BSc might concentrate more on the scientific techniques involved in archaeology. Although the two are slightly different, both will combine elements of humanities and science.

    Programs are taught through lectures, group tutorials and practical classes. Most courses offer the chance to study a year abroad where you can visit archaeological sites. Some also offer work placements at local museums where you can get real world experience.

    At postgraduate level you can study an MA or MSc, and often you can choose to study a specific area of archaeology, like forensic archaeology, historical archaeology or digital archaeology. Most master’s programs are taught over one or two years.

    It’s also possible to study for a research degree in archaeology as a PhD or MPhil. This type of terminal degree can take up to five years to complete, and will involve the completion of a substantial research thesis.

    Some of the modules and subjects you can expect to study on an archaeology program include:

    • Practical archaeology skills
    • History and prehistory
    • Technology in archaeology
    • Forensic archaeology
    • Analysis of artefacts
    • Archaeology research
    • Ancient civilizations
    Archaeology program structure

    Archaeology degree program content will differ depending on the university you choose to study at. Some universities tailor the curriculum around the history and archaeology of the local area, so you can work on real world issues and sites.

    At undergraduate level, Archaeology degrees usually take three or four years to complete, and can be offered as BSc or BA degrees. BA degrees tend to focus more on humanities, while the BSc might concentrate more on the scientific techniques involved in archaeology. Although the two are slightly different, both will combine elements of humanities and science.

    Programs are taught through lectures, group tutorials and practical classes. Most courses offer the chance to study a year abroad where you can visit archaeological sites. Some also offer work placements at local museums where you can get real world experience.

    At postgraduate level you can study an MA or MSc, and often you can choose to study a specific area of archaeology, like forensic archaeology, historical archaeology or digital archaeology. Most master’s programs are taught over one or two years.

    It’s also possible to study for a research degree in archaeology as a PhD or MPhil. This type of terminal degree can take up to five years to complete, and will involve the completion of a substantial research thesis.

    Some of the modules and subjects you can expect to study on an archaeology program include:

    • Practical archaeology skills
    • History and prehistory
    • Technology in archaeology
    • Forensic archaeology
    • Analysis of artefacts
    • Archaeology research
    • Ancient civilizations

    Best countries to study archaeology

    Best universities to study archaeology

    See all universities offering archaeology programs

    How to study archaeology abroad

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    Archaeology study abroad programs

    Archaeology undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in archaeology

    • false

      Ancient History and Archaeology and History of Art and Architecture - Dual BA (Hons) Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      20,609 EUR

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Ancient History and Archaeology and History of Art and Architecture
    • false

      Anthropology and Archaeology - BA University of Otago, New Zealand

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      21,055 NZD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      July, February
      Show program overview about Anthropology and Archaeology
    • false

      Anthropology, emphasis in archaeology - BSc/BA Eastern New Mexico University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      8,128 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Anthropology, emphasis in archaeology
    • false

      Anthropology—Archaeology - BA Western Washington University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      24,690 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Anthropology—Archaeology
    • false

      Anthropology: Archaeology and Biological Anthropology - BA California State University, East Bay, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,499 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Anthropology: Archaeology and Biological Anthropology
    See all bachelor's degrees in archaeology

    Associate in archaeology

    • false

      Archaeological & Cultural Resource Management Specialization - AA Coast Mountain College, Canada

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      12,794 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Archaeological & Cultural Resource Management Specialization
    See all associate degrees in archaeology

    Diploma in archaeology

    • false

      Archaeology - UGDip Northern Lights College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,320 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Archaeology
    See all undergraduate diplomas in archaeology

    Archaeology graduate programs

    Master's in archaeology

    • false

      Anthropology (Archaeology) - MA Texas State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,034 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Anthropology (Archaeology)
    • false

      Archaeological & Heritage Practice - MSc Royal Agricultural University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      12,240 GBP

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Archaeological & Heritage Practice
    • false

      Archaeology - MA American University of Beirut, Lebanon

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,902 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Archaeology
    • false

      Earth and Environmental Sciences: Archaeology - MSc Murray State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,200 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Earth and Environmental Sciences: Archaeology
    • false

      Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology - MSc Bournemouth University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      15,000 GBP

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology
    See all master's degrees in archaeology

    Future archaeology careers

    Most archaeology graduates will look for employment in history and heritage related roles, but the skills you’ll learn are transferable to a wide range of careers. Popular jobs for archaeology graduates include:

    • Archaeologist
    • Museum curator
    • Heritage site manager
    • Historic building inspector
    • Conservation manager
    • Higher education researcher
    • Lecturer

    As well as jobs closely linked to archaeology fields, many graduates use the skills they’ve learnt to work in finance, media, law and many other fields.