CIfA and UAUK announce the accreditation of degree programmes at the Universities of Cardiff and Newcastle

CIfA and University Archaeology UK (UAUK) have announced the accreditation of single and joint honours archaeology degree programmes at the universities of Cardiff and Newcastle.  Accreditation recognises undergraduate and masters degrees that provide skills relevant to a career in the historic environment. Cardiff and Newcastle join the following universities already offering accredited programmes:

Bournemouth University
Queens University Belfast
University of Aberdeen
University of Bradford
University of Bristol
University of Cambridge
University of Canterbury Christ Church
University of Central Lancashire
University of Chester
University of Edinburgh
University College London
University of Durham
University of Leicester
University of Reading
University of Winchester
University of York

A full list of the accredited programmes can be found at https://www.archaeologists.net/careers/degrees

Further applications are currently being assessed and newly accredited programmes will be announced in due course.  The next application deadline is 1 June 2023, see https://www.archaeologists.net/careers/info-for-training-providers/accredited-degrees for details.

Students in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales now have the opportunity to choose a degree programme that will support them to develop a career in the historic environment.

The accreditation was developed to provide a career route for the historic environment as well as fostering strong relations between industry and academia.

“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.  Both departments deserve congratulations for achieving accreditation and it is excellent to see the first Welsh department programmes recognised, ensuring that students across the United Kingdom are able to benefit from this scheme”
Vicki Cummings and Andrew Gardner, Joint chairs of University Archaeology UK (UAUK)

CIfA Chief Executive, Peter Hinton said “We are delighted to be able to accredit programmes from Cardiff and Newcastle giving a second department in the north-east of England and the first department in Wales where students can study accredited degrees. Accreditation of degree programmes by CIfA and UAUK provides an invaluable way for students to identify those courses which should provide them with the skills that the profession and employers value.”

“Having recently celebrated our centenary, achieving CIfA and UAUK accreditation for our BA and BSc degrees confirms that our schemes provide students with key skills and training for a career within the historic environment.  At Cardiff, practical and professional skills are central to our research-led teaching and our students gain extensive placement experiences as well as classroom and lab-based teaching. This partnership with the leading UK professional body recognises and confirms that our graduates are equipped to engage with the future of the past.”
Professor Jacqui Mulville, Head of Archaeology and Conservation, Cardiff University

“We are delighted that CIfA panel has approved the Archaeology programmes at Newcastle University and recognised the "quality and quantity of material covered in the degree modules. That our modules have been seen to "give the best outcome for students whatever their choice of career path, but especially towards working in the archaeological sector” is a great endorsement of the hard work we have put into ensuring our programmes prepare students with excellent graduate skills. The recognition of the “high regard” in which staff are held by students taking Archaeology programmes at Newcastle University is especially important to us. CIfA Accreditation will help us to strengthen our provision further as we look to the future”.
Dr Mark Jackson, Head of Archaeology, Newcastle University