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The AA Tripos is being discontinued in its current form.
A similar course, but with more options, is taking its place, please see the following page:
Human, Social, and Political Sciences Tripos
The page below is being retained for reference only.
Dr Simon Stoddart
Fellow and University Senior Lecturer
Dr John Patterson (Roman Ancient History)
We typically admit 3 undergraduates each year.
We expect about 3-4 applicants per place.
Part I Archaeology and Anthropology offers the opportunity to study the broad range of the subject as a foundation before further specialisation in the second and third years. Part I is designed to emphasise the scope of the subject, from the molecular to the social, the methodologies underlying the study of humans from the different perspectives, and the major issues in understanding of the human condition from earliest times to the present day. Part I students have the choice of pursuing interdisciplinary topics within Archaeology and Anthropology, investigating Egypt and Mesopotamia in more detail, or exploring further areas of the social sciences.
The examination in Part I consists of four papers, taken at the end of the year. The basic structure consists of one paper in each of the component subjects (Archaeology, Social Anthropology and Biological Anthropology) and a choice for the fourth paper of either the integrated course in Archaeology and Anthropology (Paper 4a), an introduction to the Ancient Near East (Paper 5), or a paper in Social and Political Sciences (Papers 4b, 4c or 4d).
Part I is followed by a two year course with examinations at the end of each year. These are currently divided into Part IIA (second year) and Part IIB (third and final year). At Part IIA the course divides into the three disciplines - Archaeology, Biological Anthropology and Social Anthropology which allow more intensive specialisation in the student's chosen area of study, whilst offering an opportunity to take one paper from another speciality. The final year (Part IIB) covers topics within the core discipline in greater detail, focusing on the methodological, theoretical and practical skills necessary to understand and pursue the chosen subject. The basic outline of second and third year courses are given below for each discipline.
The emphasis of the course in both Part IIA and Part IIB years is approximately evenly split between lectures and practical work in the method and theory of archaeology, and substantive studies of archaeology of a particular region of the world or time period. The rich archaeological Museums of Cambridge are extensively used in teaching. The Part IIA field trip explores the archaeology of a region usually abroad (e.g. Malta, Central Italy, Dordogne, Czech Republic, Croatia). Archaeological field work is a requirement of the course, and is usually done in the summer of the second year. Many other opportunities for practical excavation are offered by the Department, including experience with the University field unit. Special opportunities for Magdalene students to undertake fieldwork, currently in Italy, are offered by our Director of studies, Dr. Stoddart. In the second year, one paper from social anthropology or alternatively one from biological anthropology may be taken in addition to two core papers and one special area paper in archaeology. In the final year there are two core theory and practice papers, and either two special area papers and a dissertation or three area options.
The new Ancient Near East courses offer the opportunity to learn ancient languages (Middle Egyptian and/or Akkadian) from the first year, together with a broad introduction to the history and cultures of Egypt and Mesopotamia. In the second and third years, students will combine advanced language learning with in-depth study of archaeology and history. Opportunities for fieldwork and museum projects will provide practical experience.
At Part IIA and IIB the important mechanisms for adaptation - physiological, genetic, nutritional and reproductive - are stressed in interaction with human behavioural responses, while how and when these human patterns arose is covered from an evolutionary perspective. Biological Anthropology as a discipline thus ranges from the non-human primate biology and behaviour to modern human lifestyles, and builds from the level of the molecule to that of the organism behaving in its normal environment. The course includes training in biostatistics and research methods. Part IIA consists of methods evolutionary theory and ecology, with a choice between a special seminar paper or one paper from either Archaeology or Social Anthropology. Part IIB covers four major areas of Biological Anthropology plus a dissertation on a special topic chosen by the candidate.
The Part IIA and IIB in Social Anthropology are designed to depend and extend an understanding of one's own and other cultures through the comparative, integrated and intensive methods of Social Anthropology. The second year introduces central problems and theories in Social Anthropology in three papers, with a further choice between one paper in Biological Anthropology, in Archaeology or a special topic in Social Anthropology. The final year provides detailed insight into a range of contemporary issues in Social Anthropology in three papers and allows for intensive exploration of the anthropology of specific regions or issues in two further papers or one paper and a dissertation.
A popular choice for medics, vets and natural scientists is to chose to take a one year Part II in one of the three subjects. Biological Anthropology Part IIB is particularly suitable as an extension of scientific interests.
The Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology (http://www.archanth.cam.ac.uk/) at Cambridge is the longest established and one of the most respected in the country. It also has one of the largest teaching establishments in the field within the UK, large numbers of staff, wide-ranging teaching interests, and strong teaching support in terms of the Faculty Library (Haddon Library) and the University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. In contrast to most universities where either Archaeology or Anthropology is taught, at Cambridge they are integrated into a single course in the first foundation year, allowing students uncommon scope for combining work across the three different disciplines. Subsequent years offer the opportunity to develop a professional identity in one of the three subjects: Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, or Social Anthropology.
A*AA at A2 Level, (assuming A/S Levels already taken). IB candidates are also welcome. There are no specific subjects required, although candidates hoping to specialise in Biological Anthropology will find Biology useful. Decisions will be made on the overall profile of each candidate.
Admissions Process Candidates are invited to submit an essay which maybe used in one or more of the interviews as a starting point for discussion. The essay should be a school essay from any subject already assessed by your teachers. Applicants each receive two interviews; one technical interview with the Director of Studies in Archaeology and Anthropology and a colleague; a second interview with someone less familiar with the subject, such as an Admissions Tutor and/or fellow in a related discipline.
GAP years are encouraged where the time will be spent gaining relevant experience. However, we are happy to admit candidates straight from school. It's your choice!
Mature students are admitted from time to time, and usually find that they are successful and happy in their course. If you wish to be considered as a mature applicant for Archaeology and Anthropology you should be engaged on or have recently completed a course such as A-Level, OU or an Access course. If you are in any doubt about your preparation for a university course, or your choice of College, you are advised to contact us to discuss your individual circumstances before making your application. Candidates with the Certificate of Archaeology of the University of Cambridge Extra Mural Department have been admitted in the past.
We encourage applicants from all types of school and college background and although the information about offers given above indicates a typical requirement, each candidate is considered in the light of his or her individual circumstances.
Both the University and the College have prizes, travel grants and hardship funds. The College also awards scholarships on the basis of outstanding results in University exams. An Ancient World fund is currently being established in the college to support student activities.
Overseas candidates will be invited for interview. Those unable to attend will be asked to submit an essay.
"Arch and Anth" graduates from the university as a whole go on to follow a diverse range of different career paths, becoming poets (Ted Hughes), sculptors (Anthony Gormley), comedians (Hugh Laurie), novelists (Tom Sharpe), financiers, diplomats and politicians (Nick Clegg). A significant number go into academic research and teaching, while many go into related fields such as museum work, librarianship and journalism. A number also go into the professions such as law, accountancy and the civil service.
These three web sites advertise opportunities in local archaeological societies and in archaeological fieldwork:
January 2010
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©2012 Magdalene College, Cambridge, CB3 0AG
Registered Charity Number 1137542