Archaeology explores a wide range of evidence that documents the human past - from artefacts, monuments and settlements to entire landscapes - and from these interprets how societies have adapted and developed. Modules focus on different periods of World, European and Irish/British archaeology, from human origins to modern times and heritage. Queen's University Belfast is one of the best places to study Archaeology in the UK, having recently been ranked joint-first in the National Student Surveys 2017 and 2018, and first in the University.
In addition to progressively developing general and specific knowledge and skills in Archaeology, through excavation, fieldwork, overseas fieldtrips, laboratory and practical work, students on the Archaeology with Spanish degree develop linguistic proficiency in Spanish and analyse Hispanophone cultures (literature, cinema, linguistics, art, history) in the broadest sense. Between Stages 2 and 4, students on this degree programme spend a year abroad in a Hispanophone country, studying Archaeology at one of QUB's Hispanophone partner institutions. At present, for Archaeology these are the Autónoma University of Madrid and the University of Granada.
Different Spanish-language entry level options are available on this course, from beginners to students who hold Spanish A-Levels. A wide range of career options are available to our graduates, including careers in commercial archaeology, survey, heritage management and many more, both within and beyond the heritage sector.
As well as the BA degree programme in Archaeology with Spanish, Queen's offers Single Honours degrees in Archaeology (BA) and Archaeology-Palaeoecology (BSc) as well as other degree programmes which combine Archaeology (the study of past human activities) with other subjects (Languages, Geography and History).
The School has an outstanding reputation for teaching and research. Archaeology at Queen’s ranked 7th overall in the UK (Guardian University League Table 2019) and joint-first for student satisfaction in the National Student surveys 2017 and 2018
Information on the implications of Brexit for prospective students.
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Course content
| Introduction | All students on this degree programme normally take five courses per stage (a stage equals one academic year of full-time study), each covering a distinct theme, and one of which will be a double-weighted Spanish-language module. During their year abroad, students will normally study the equivalent of six QUB Archaeology modules at a Hispanophone partner institution. Note: some modules may be subject to change |
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| Stage 1 | Themes covered in Stage 1, apart from Spanish language and Hispanophone culture, include an introduction to world archaeology and to archaeological fieldwork techniques, as well as overviews of European prehistory and the historic archaeology of Europe. |
| Stage 2 | At Stage 2, students explore in more detail the themes introduced at Stage 1 and develop their linguistic skills in Spanish as well as their theoretical background knowledge and practical skills in Archaeology, with some scope for specialisation. In particular, Stage 2 courses provide competencies and concepts necessary for the dissertation that is normally taken at Stage 4, and for future employment in Archaeology and a wide range of other fields. |
| Stage 2 Optional Courses | Optional courses at Stage 2 focus on the archaeology of Ireland and of other specific geographical areas, as well as on archaeological and geospatial techniques. |
| Stage 3 | Year Abroad |
| Stage 4 | At Stage 4, students further hone their linguistic skills and dedicate a substantial part of their time to their chosen dissertation project, building on the knowledge and skills they have acquired through Stages 1 to 3. |
| Stage 4 Optional Courses | Students at Stage 4 have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of optional courses focusing on specialist themes, ranging in time from the evolution of early humans to the Middle Ages, and covering fields as diverse as population studies, ritual and religion, prehistoric monuments and advanced GIS skills. |
Natural and Built Environment
Dirk is a Lecturer in Archaeology. He specialized in the Bronze Age and Iron Age Archaeology of western Europe, and his teaching is focused on both practical skills and the theoretical backdrop to archaeological practice.
| Large Group Teaching | 6 (hours maximum) 6 hours of lectures |
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| Medium Group Teaching | 6 (hours maximum) 6 hours of practical classes, workshops or seminars each week, some weeks will have additional field classes |
| Personal Study | 24 (hours maximum) 22-24 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities etc |
| Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial | 2 (hours maximum) 2 hours of tutorials (or individual project supervision) each week |
At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable each student to achieve their full academic potential.
Within Archaeology and Spanish we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module.
As students progress through their degree course at Queen's they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and their peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
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Overview
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Entry Requirements
In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.
Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Natural and Built Environment. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.
Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form, which is considered by the Selector for the School of Natural and Built Environment along with a member of administrative staff from the Admissions and Access Service. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.
For last year's intake, applicants for this BA programme must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of 5 GCSE passes at grade C or better (to include English Language), though this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.
Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered. The minimum acceptable is two subjects at A-level plus one at AS though candidates offering this combination will be considered on an individual basis depending on the degree for which they have applied. The offer for repeat candidates may be one grade higher than for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.
Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification), or one A-level and a BTEC Diploma/National Diploma (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of performance in individual BTEC units rather than the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.
Applicants offering other qualifications, such as BTEC Extended Diplomas and Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, the International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate or an Access course, will also be considered.
The current entrance requirements for applicants offering a BTEC Extended Diploma are successful completion of the BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3) with 100 credits at Distinction grade and 80 credits at Merit grade. The same GCSE profile is usually expected of those candidates taking an Extended Diploma qualification. Applicants must also have an appropriate language qualification to fulfil the entry requirements.
Those offering a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Diploma (HND) are considered individually on their own merits for entry to Stage 1. For applicants offering a HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with 1 Distinction and remainder Merits. For those offering a HND, at least one first year unit must be at Merit grade. Where offers are made students would be expected to achieve Merits in all units assessed in final year. For those offering a HNC or HND, some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile. Applicants must also have an appropriate language qualification to fulfil the entry requirements.
Candidates offering Access/Certificate in Foundation Studies courses will be considered individually on their own merits.
The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of degree courses in the School of Natural and Built Environment, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.
A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.
Candidates are not normally asked to attend for interview.
If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.
If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.
These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.
INTO - English Language Course(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
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Course content
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Careers
Introduction
Studying for an Archaeology with Spanish degree at Queen’s will assist students in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including Archaeology with Spanish.
Although the majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in archaeology-related areas (town and country planning, environmental impact, Land and Property Services [formerly Ordnance Survey]) significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors.
Employment Links
We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers including, for example, the Historic Environment Division at the Department for Communities, National Trust, Ulster Wildlife Trust, who provide both snapshot advice on their work, as well as run more in-depth advice sessions, the latter often at taught Masters level. We also run a careers seminar programme with guest speaker employers and further-study coordinators (teacher training, Masters and PhD degrees).
We benefit greatly from housing the Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork in the School. This self-funded private unit obtains commercial work from the Department for Communities, the police and civil engineering companies, thus exposing students to employers, but also providing the teaching with information on what the current employment market requires from Archaeology with Spanish graduates.
Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
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Entry requirements
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Fees and Funding
| Northern Ireland (NI) | £4,395 |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) | £9,250 |
| Other (non-UK) EU * | £4,395 |
| International | £16,900 |
Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.
* The tuition fees that EU students starting courses at UK universities following the agreed transition period are required to pay will depend on what is agreed as part of the UK's exit negotiations. Please refer to www.qub.ac.uk/brexit
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library.
If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. A programme may have up to 6 modules per year, each with a recommended text.
Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a final year includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Archaeology with Spanish costs
The cost of travel and entrance fees for one-day or half-day field trips across all academic years is included in the course fee, but students are expected to pay for subsistence costs.
Participation in a four-week field excavation module at Stage 1 is a requirement of the programme. The School will cover the cost of transport to the site from the University, and will provide all necessary equipment for the excavation. Students are expected to supply their own waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear.
At Stage 2 students may choose optional modules that have associated field trips costs ranging from £50 - £500. Alternative non-field based options are available at no cost.
At Stage 3 students are required to spend a year abroad studying archaeology in their chosen language, normally through the Erasmus programme. Students who undertake a period of study abroad, are responsible for travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs will vary depending on the location and duration of the placement.
If the placement is undertaken under the European Erasmus programme, students are normally eligible to receive a top-up grant to contribute towards these costs of approximately €300 per month. A limited number of Erasmus grants are available.
There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.
Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.
Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.
Information on scholarships for international students, is available at http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/International-scholarships/.
How to Apply
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.
When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2020 from 1 September 2019.
Advisory closing date: 15 January 2020 (18:00).
Late applications are, in practice, accepted by UCAS throughout the remainder of the application cycle, but you should understand that they are considered by institutions at their discretion, and there can be no guarantee that they will be given the same full level of consideration as applications received by the advisory closing date.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.
The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.
Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/
After an offer is made this will be notified to applicants through UCAS. Confirmation will be emailed by the Admissions and Access Service and this communication will also include Terms and Conditions (www.qub.ac.uk/Study/TermsandConditions) which applicants should read carefully in advance of replying to their offer(s) on UCAS Track.
The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.
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Fees and Funding
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For more information please read our Equality and Diversity Policy.
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