Archaeology
With the Department of Archaeology and the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, Cambridge is one of the largest centres of archaeological research in Britain. Archaeology students at Cambridge benefit from hands-on access to world-class collections in Cambridge’s many museums, libraries and research centres, and teaching from world-leading researchers.
Within the course, students have the option to specialise in Archaeology, Assyriology, Biological Anthropology and Egyptology. For more information on course structure and content, please visit the Archaeology course page on the University website.
Overview
Students admitted per year: 2-3
Typical offer:
A Level: A*AA
IB Diploma: 41 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Subject requirements: no subjects required
Useful subjects: humanities, social sciences and science subjects. Ancient and modern languages are particularly useful for applicants interested in Egyptology and Assyriology
Admissions Assessment: n/a
Written work: one piece, of a maximum of 1,500 words
Why choose Newnham for Archaeology?
Newnham has a strong tradition of supporting women archaeologists in Cambridge, and is home to a thriving community of undergraduates, postgraduates, and researchers across the breadth of the subject. Dorothy Garrod of Newnham was the first female professor of Archaeology in the UK (even before Cambridge awarded women degrees), and a series of high-profile archaeologists are current or former members of the college. Newnham was one of the pioneers of the supervision mode of teaching, still the mainstay of any humanities degree, and an important element of the Director of Studies’ job is securing the best supervisors for students.
Newnham has an excellent library, which not only has a very good, and ever expanding, collection of books, but also provides a great study space.
Academic financial support
Newnham is one of the most generous Colleges when it comes to student support. As well as being able to access support for maintenance, opportunity and sports funding, all Newnham undergraduate students can apply for our book grants and research expenses funds each term for essential purchases and expenditure relating to their studies. A proportion of expenditure on books can be reimbursed against receipts (up to a limit of £200 each year), with research expenses assessed on a case-by-case basis. Funds for essential equipment purchases are also available, for example for stethoscopes for medics. We are also fortunate to have very generous funding available for summer research and/or travel. None of these grants are means-tested, so all students can benefit. Students achieving first-class results for their end of year exams will in addition receive at least £400 as a prize or scholarship.
We are fortunate to have dedicated funds to support archaeological fieldwork, which can be combined with departmental funding. Applications should be made via the summer project/travel grants.
