Course summary

From the first hunter-gatherers to the rise of modern societies, this Archaeology and History degree offers a unique blend of studying the past through not just texts and images but also material remains. You will explore the broadest range of periods through complementary disciplines. By combining the scientific study of material remains with historical research, writing and debate, you will cover the key ways in which we study the past. You will also deepen your knowledge of history through theory and practice, covering a range of periods from the Palaeolithic to the recent past. The geographic scope of this degree stretches from Britain to the Far East and North America, covering themes such as race, rights and propaganda and historical periods such as the Middle Ages. You’ll also cover topics like evolution and culture through the study of bones, and dive into personal histories via letters. Practical fieldwork and archaeological research in the UK and abroad, as well as visits to archaeological sites and museums, will complement your academic studies. As a joint honours student, you'll benefit from the diverse skills and assessment methods of both disciplines. Why choose this course? 1. Top 20 for Archaeology and Forensic Science in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024) 2. Student satisfaction – 95% of students from the Department of History said the teaching staff were excellent at explaining things (NSS 2024) 3. Nottingham Museum – Gain practical and professional experience in our on-campus museum 4. Specialist facilities – You will have access to six specialist teaching and research laboratories and our Manuscripts and Special Collections to support your studies to support your studies 5. Breadth of topics – Study periods, themes and events from human prehistory to the present day 6. Through the Schools Volunteering Project, students get the opportunity to volunteer annually, delivering history lessons and after-school clubs in Nottingham’s primary and secondary schools 7. Freedom to explore – following an introductory programme in year one, deepen your knowledge of your favourite topics and explore new ones through a wide range of modules 8. You have the option to do 10 days of archaeological fieldwork, gaining real-world experience while balancing both theory and practice 9. Work with our dedicated Faculty of Arts Placements Team to assist with your employability skills development via a range of placements, internships and volunteering opportunities 10. Explore real-world challenges across interdisciplinary themes with our ‘Engaged Arts’ optional modules You can also access this course through a Foundation Year. This may be suitable if you have faced educational barriers and do not expect to meet the entry requirements for direct entry to a degree course. Please see the UCAS page for the relevant Foundation Year course for further information. Engaged Arts All students within the Faculty of Arts can select ‘Engaged Arts’ modules where you’ll approach real-world challenges across contemporary themes such as sustainability or equity and justice. These modules have been newly designed to help you gain the skills and analytical abilities that employers are looking for.