The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has become one of the first universities in the country to receive national accreditation for its archaeology and anthropology courses. 

The prestigious recognition has been made by University Archaeology UK (UAUK) and the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA). UCLan is the only university in the North West of England to receive the award.

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Nationally UCLan is one of just seven universities, including University College London, to receive the new accreditation. It will mean that students at UCLan will now be able to study for undergraduate and masters degrees which will give them officially recognised skills suitable for a career working in archaeology and the heritage environment.

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In awarding accreditation status to UCLan, both UAUK and CIfA praised the university’s focus on excavation and field archaeology, as well as the range of opportunities it provides to students to work on excavations and other projects.

As part of their studies. UCLan’s undergraduate archaeologists have the chance to attend excavations on campus and work on prehistoric sites in locations as far afield as the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire, Anglesey, The Orkneys and California. There are also opportunities to work with museums and other heritage organisations on outreach and communication projects. 

In addition UAUK and CifA highlighted the support provided by the department and staff at UCLan which meant that students ”clearly feel very well supported both professionally and personally”.

UCLan’s course leader for Archaeology, Dr James Morris, said: “We are pleased that our commitment to align the course content with professional practice and the unparalleled fieldwork opportunities we offer our students have been recognised. This accreditation will further enhance our students’ employability in the heritage sector.’

Choosing an accredited undergraduate or Masters degree in archaeology is a well-established entry route in many career sectors including engineering, planning and architecture, and is widely recognised as the first step on a career pathway leading to professional status.

Chris Gerrard, Chair of University Archaeology UK (UAUK), commented “Accreditation is an exciting new initiative for students taking archaeology courses at universities and for the profession more widely. It recognises the value of real knowledge of working practices across the sector by students across the UK.”

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What a fantastic achievement for UCLan. Are you on this course or are thinking of taking the course in the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.