Undergraduate
Archaeology
-
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
-
- Peterborough
-
- Paid Co-op Available
-
- Fall & Winter & Summer
- Humanities & Social Sciences (Arts)
At a glance:
- Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Campus Peterborough
- Work Experience Paid Co-op Available
- Program is Offered Fall & Winter & Summer
- Study Options Part time/Full time
- OUAC Codes RAB - Peterborough B.A. RFV - Peterborough co-op B.A. RAF - Peterborough B.Sc. RFS - Peterborough co-op B.Sc.
- Apply Now Stay in Touch
The Trent Advantage
Study the past in one of Canada's most diverse and respected undergraduate archaeology programs, gaining hands-on fieldwork and specialized lab training while learning from renowned researchers.
Unearth the past through hands-on research and fieldwork, investigating human cultures through artifacts, architecture, and ancient environments. Drawing on environmental science, biology, geography, economics and material science, you'll build the interdisciplinary expertise to understand and interpret the past.
- Choose your path with a B.A. or B.Sc. in Archaeology.
- Learn by doing through field schools, intensive lab courses and specialized facilities for bioarchaeology, forensic anthropology, human osteology, GIS and remote sensing, archaeozoology, and artifact analysis.
- Learn from leading experts in one of Canada’s largest archaeology departments, including award-winning faculty and the Canada Research Chair in Environmental Archaeology.
- Build technical expertise and analytical skills through independent research, field and lab training or choose the paid co-op stream to gain valuable work experience preparing you for careers in archaeology, cultural heritage, research and beyond.
Accelerated Masters
Fast-track your education and earn an M.A. or M.Sc. in Anthropology only 16-20 months after graduating with your Honours B.A. or B.Sc.
Program Possibilites
Specialize your studies in Archaeology with a focus on a specific field within your degree
-
Bioarchaeology
Archaeological remains of biological materials (humans, animals, and plants) can offer key insights into the ecology, culture, and lived experiences of people, animals, and communities in the past. This hands-on specialization features a strong lab and applied learning component, equipping you with a practical skill set in the study, identification, and characterization of human and other biological samples from archaeological contexts.
-
Biological Anthropology
This specialization is focused on understanding the human condition through both a biological and cultural lens to better understand why people look and behave the way they do. Biological Anthropology features a strong laboratory component and diverse courses to give you specific skills in the study of human osteology as well as a broad understanding of topics such as disease, nutrition, and evolution.
-
Environmental Archaeology
Develop your expertise in reconstructing the relationship between past humans and their environment. In this one-of-a-kind specialization, you’ll gain valuable skills and hands-on experience applying geological, biological, and physical sciences concepts to advanced lab projects and archaeological field studies.
-
Mediterranean Archaeology
Take your learning beyond the traditional study of early Greece and Rome and study how the modern Mediterranean is influenced by its ancient remains. This distinctive specialization offers unrivaled opportunities to examine the complexities of the art, architecture, and cultures of an area steeped in antiquity.
Add an Option to your Archaeology degree to explore an additional area of interest
-
Linguistics
Embrace your love for communication. This option enables students to focus on courses designed specifically to complement your studies in a language or languages. Following an introductory course in linguistics, students may choose from a variety of courses across a number of departments, including French & Francophone Studies, English Literature, Anthropology, and Ancient Greek & Roman Studies. You can tailor this option to your specific interests in language and linguistics.
-
Pre-Modern Studies
Enhance your understanding of the thought, literature, and history of the pre-industrial (pre-1800) world. The study of historical culture in world civilizations from antiquity through early modernity will allow you to better understand the origins and development of culture informing modern global society.
-
Languages
As the world becomes increasingly connected, knowing how to communicate in multiple languages can be a valuable asset, opening professional opportunities across the globe. Through this option, students can select a series of engaging courses within a wide variety of languages. Chinese, French, German, Spanish – at Trent you can study them all.
Career experience while you learn
Every Archaeology student has a guaranteed route to paid, credited experience before they graduate.
Paid Co-op Available
- Graduate with paid work experience completing three 12–16-week work terms in the summer of years two and three, and the fall of year four, all as part of your four-year degree.
- Explore careers and build your professional network through roles in archaeology, arts and culture, community heritage, tourism, environmental planning, education and research, including opportunities as an archaeological field technician or laboratory technician.
Research Opportunities
- Explore archaeological research through the Trent University Archaeological Research Centre (TUARC), building skills in the Trent Environmental Archaeology Lab, Forensic Anthropology & Bioarchaeology Lab, Trent Human Bioarchaeology Research Lab and Kidd Archaeological Research Lab, gaining experience in GIS, remote sensing, archaeozoology, and lithic and ceramic analysis.
- Conduct research alongside internationally recognized faculty on projects across Canada and around the world through volunteer and paid summer opportunities.
Field Schools and Hands-On Courses
- Gain intensive field experience through archaeology field schools in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Greece, and Belize, developing skills in excavation, survey, mapping, artifact analysis, and field documentation.
- Work at significant archaeological sites, including the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site with Parks Canada and the ancient Maya site of Ka’Kabish in Belize.
Study Abroad
- Trent students can participate in archaeological fieldwork in Greece, including excavation and research at ancient sites while earning academic credit.
Career Paths
- Archaeological Field Technician
- Archaeologist
- Achaeotourism Professional
- Archivist
- Cultural Resource Manager
In Their Own Words
On an excavation in Belize, I was able to immerse myself in a different culture and excavate things no one has ever seen before.
Kaitlyn McMullen
Admissions
Whether you're graduating from an Ontario high school, looking to study in Canada, or training for a second career, Trent has clear pathways for students to apply and be admitted to study at either of our campuses.
Requirements
If you are coming straight from high school in Ontario or are a recent grad, the general admission requirements are:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program-specific prerequisites
- ENG4U with a minimum of 60%
| Admission Requirements | Recommended Admission Requirements | Estimated Admission Average | Co-op Admission Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG4U | 4U Math (B.Sc) | 70-75% | 80-85% |
Requirements
Students from across Canada can use their grades from their home province to apply to Trent.
Requirements
International students from outside Canada can apply based on the curriculum of their home country.
Requirements
Mature students can apply to Trent based on previous education and professional or volunteer experience.
Requirements
With many transfer agreements and flexible pathway options, Trent University makes it easy for students to make the most of the credits you have already earned.
Tuition Estimate
Estimate your tuition, ancillary fees, and potential entrance scholarships based on your program, residency status, and academic average.
Tuition
Base Tuition Fee
$6,240.85
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary Fees (non-tuition costs supporting student services, such as athletics, campus safety, college fees, etc.)
$2,122.22
Total:
$ 8,363.07
* The tuition details and scholarships listed are for domestic students only. International applicants should contact the financial aid office directly for equivalent guidance.
Scholarships
If you’re a top scholar with an average of 80% or higher, you qualify to automatically receive an entrance scholarship to Trent. Scholars with 95% or higher? You earn free first-year tuition – no application required.
| Entrance Average | Maximum Scholarship Potential | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 95%+ | $18,241 | $6,241 first year Full Tuition + $4,000 x 3 years |
| 90-94.9% | $12,000 | $3,000 x 4 years |
| 85-89.9% | $8,000 | $2,000 x 4 years |
| 80-84.9% | $6,000 | $1,500 x 4 years |
* Available to Domestic students only. Based on 2026/27 tuition for a general arts and science program
Explore additional funding for domestic and international students
- Anthony Lieb Scholarship in the Classics
- Bagnani Anthropology, Archaeology & Classics Fund
- Anne Keenleyside Anthropology Prize
- Norma Miller Prizes
- Bagnani Undergraduate Awards