Student dusting off a sarcophagus

Archaeology and conservation

Gain the training, skills and knowledge with us to make your mark in the heritage sector.

Why study with us

Join us on our ever-curious quest about the human experience across millennia. Dive into all kinds of cultures, from prehistoric times to contemporary society and be taught by the very best in archaeological expertise.

Your employability matters most

86% of graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, or doing other activities such as travelling, 15 months after the end of their course. (Graduate Outcomes survey 2022/23).

Internationally-recognised research

We placed 9th in the UK for research in Archaeology and 5th for in the UK for research impact (REF 2021).

Standing the test of time

Over 100 years of pioneering archaeology and conservation expertise means our team continues to make trail-blazing discoveries with the latest techniques and thinking.

Courses

Entry year

Archaeology (BA)

Full time, 3 years

Immerse yourself in the study of the remains of past societies, from the tiny objects worn on the body to monumental complexes such as Stonehenge with our BA in Archaeology.

Archaeology and Heritage Science (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

Study the human past through archaeology, conservation and heritage and gain a solid grounding in the theory and application of scientific principles and practice.

Archaeology and History (BA)

Full time, 3 years

Immerse yourself in the study of the remains of past societies, from the tiny objects worn on the body and monumental complexes to twentieth-century propaganda.

All about archaeology

Studying Archaeology at Cardiff University

Studying Archaeology at Cardiff University

Find out more about the endlessly fascinating world of archaeology and how studying the past can shape your future.

What's it like to work on an archaeological dig site?

What's it like to work on an archaeological dig site?

Some of our students chatted with us about their time working on an archaeological dig site in Ely's Trelai Park.

Why you should become an archaeologist

Why you should become an archaeologist

Professor Vicki Cummings highlights what's so great about studying archaeology and the careers it could lead you to.

The placements are invaluable - I was lucky to go into the field and a major commercial unit, giving me lots of skills for future employment, numerous industry connections, and lasting friendships.

Katie Faillace Archaeology (BSc)

Dig in

Archaeology dig

Get real-world heritage placement, fieldwork or excavation experience

Our hands-on training gives you the opportunity to stand out from the crowd after graduation.

Connect with us

Find out more about us on Instagram and YouTube.

Facilities and location

All facilities Laboratories Specialist facilities Studios

List view
Map view

Osteology laboratory

Osteology laboratory

Located in John Percival Building

Professor Jacqui Mulville shows us around the Osteology Laboratory in the School of History, Archaeology and Religion at Cardiff University.

Biomolecular laboratory

Biomolecular laboratory

Located in John Percival Building

Dr Richard Madgwick shows us around the Biomolecular Archaeology Laboratory in the School of History, Archaeology and Religion at Cardiff University.

Conservation Laboratories

Conservation laboratories

Located in John Percival Building

Phil Parkes and Dr Ashley Lingle show us around the Conservation Laboratories in the School of History, Archaeology and Religion at Cardiff University.

Microscopy and Climate Simulation

Microscopy and climate simulation

Located in John Percival Building

Dr Jerrod Seifert and Johanna Thunberg show us around the Microscopy and Climate Simulation Laboratories in the School of History, Archaeology and Religion at Cardiff University.

Scanning Electron Microscope

Scanning Electron Microscope

Located in John Percival Building

Phil Parkes tells us more about the Scanning Electron Microscope at the School of History, Archaeology and Religion at Cardiff University.

Photographic Studio

Photographic suite

Located in John Percival Building

Mark Lodwick shows us around the Photographic Studio in the School of History, Archaeology and Religion at Cardiff University.

Illustration studio

Located in John Percival Building

Ian Dennis and Kirsty Harding tell us more about illustration in the School of History, Archaeology and Religion at Cardiff University.

Join our internationally recognised centre of excellence

Most lectures, tutorials and practicals take place in our home, the John Percival Building. It includes purpose-designed conservation and archaeological laboratories.

Just next door is the Arts and Social Sciences Library, home to our prestigious Special Collections and archives in archaeology and history.

Explore Cardiff University

Student getting advice

Student support

Get free, impartial and confidential advice on disability and dyslexia, money, careers, counselling and more.

Kitchen (accessible)

Guaranteed accommodation

We can guarantee a place in accommodation with other first year undergraduates, providing certain deadlines are met.

Student life

Learn more about our sport and recreation, free language programmes, living costs, learning support and the Students' Union.

A student shopping in a mini mart

Living costs calculator

See how far your money goes by using our living costs calculator.

Next steps

View our archaeology and conservation undergraduate courses

Explore our courses.

Contact us

Ask a question via our enquiry form, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

How to apply

Everything you need to know about our application process.

*Based on UK-domiciled, full-time graduates who were studying for their first degree. Source: Graduate Outcomes 2022/23 survey results published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Copyright Jisc 2025. Jisc cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.