Archaeology with Foundation Year

CCCU is 2nd in the UK for graduate employment
Among 111 UK higher education institutions with 3,000+ graduates (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2026).

Joint 1st in the UK for graduate prospects in the subject area of Archaeology.
(Complete University Guide 2027)

Study our Humanities Foundation Year and gain the key skills and knowledge needed to complete a full honours degree through this four year course. You’ll be able to begin this qualification without meeting the standard Level 3 entry requirements, learning in a supportive community and gaining the essential skills required to succeed in degree-level education.

Explore the past and prepare for your future with a BA (Hons) Archaeology degree at Canterbury Christ Church University. Study archaeology across a range of time periods and places, whilst developing the practical skills and critical thinking needed to work in today's professional archaeology and heritage sectors.

Based in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll learn in one of the UK’s most historically rich locations. From prehistoric artefacts to 20th-century sites, you’ll explore the full scope of human history through theory and hands-on experience.

You'll gain in-depth knowledge of how archaeological evidence is discovered, analysed, and interpreted, and understand the legal and ethical responsibilities involved in working with the past.

What you’ll learn
• Study archaeology across multiple historical periods and global locations.



• Analyse evidence using lab techniques, excavation, and remote surveys.



• Learn how archaeological research contributes to understanding today's world.



• Train with industry-standard methods that reflect professional standards set by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.



• Delve into deep research and become an expert in your chosen topic in your final year.



What's more, you'll have the opportunity to spend up to eight weeks of active fieldwork at our field school Culver Archaeological Project in East Sussex. This fully-funded trip will allow you to put knowledge into practice as you gain first-hand excavation experience, setting you up for graduate roles in the heritage sector and beyond.

This course also offers the opportunity to study abroad between your second and third years, giving selected students the chance to study at one of our prestigious partner institutions in North America. You’ll immerse yourself in a new culture, experience a different academic environment, broaden your horizons, and help you to stand out to employers in an increasingly global world.

Accreditation
Our Archaeology degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK), ensuring you develop the practical and professional skills needed to succeed in your career and supporting you to take your first steps towards professional status.

University isn't just an education, it's the start of your career. At Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), you'll get to explore a number of exciting career paths, whatever you study.

CCCU is ranked top 5 UK university for employability (Uni Compare Rankings 2026), highlighting its excellent student careers and employability support. The university is home to career-relevant courses and industry-standard facilities. For example, film students can showcase their creativity in the fully equipped film/TV studio, forensics students can test their observational abilities in mock crime scenes, and nursing students can practice their skills in simulated hospital wards.

With a campus in a World Heritage Site, Canterbury is also less than an hour on the train from London and is buzzing with student life. You've got beautiful coast and countryside right on your doorstep, and plenty of opportunities to make friends. With CCCU's range of clubs and societies, including Tennis, Musical Theatre and Dodgeball, you're bound to meet your friends for life.

Click register interest now to secure your place at CCCU this September.