Course summary

Aristotle said it best: the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. By studying history and archaeology side by side, you’ll dig deeper into the sources and material evidence of the past. The History and Archaeology BA will give you the chance to combine two disciplines that enhance our understanding of human societies and cultures in the past. This degree has particular emphasis on the medieval and modern periods, although you will also have the opportunity to study the deep past. You will examine both historical texts and material remains and consider the relationship between the two. You will have the opportunity to take part in fieldwork and to develop a wide range of practical skills. We have specialist facilities and an outstanding range of equipment for hands-on teaching and research in science-based analytical techniques. You’ll benefit from our excellent facilities and nine specialist laboratories, including our refitted Osteology, Zooarchaeology, and Materials labs. You will have the opportunity to gain experience with local heritage organisations, schools and our professional archaeological unit through Year 2 and 3 module placements, and our accredited internship programme. In the first two years of this degree you will split your time equally between the study of archaeology and history. In your third year your dissertation can be in either history or archaeology. This course draws on the expertise and experience of our Centre for Historical Archaeology, the UK’s only research institution dedicated to the archaeological study of the past 500 years.