Course summary

A Combined Honours degree at Chester gives you the opportunity to study two subjects. You will spend a fairly even amount of time studying each subject area, with possible opportunities to declare a major – minor towards the end of your studies. Archaeology Explore the richness and diversity of the human past, from the hunter-gatherers of Ice Age Europe to the inhabitants of modern cities, developing the skills that will lead to success in your future career. Work on excavations, carry out scientific studies of archaeological materials, visit heritage sites to reflect on the way the past is presented, and discuss and debate different interpretations of the past. Learn to collect, analyse and interpret data, and to think critically, evaluating different sources of evidence and drawing conclusions from them. Our course balances the practical aspects of archaeology, such as fieldwork and laboratory analysis, with teaching that spans much of the human past, with a geographic scope that includes Northwest Europe, the Baltic, Russia and Siberia, and continental North America, all supported by our purpose-built archaeology laboratory and our artefact workroom. Our Single Honours Archaeology course is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK). This recognises that it provides skills relevant to a career in the historic environment. It also underlines the strong practical, and range of applied training in Archaeology we provide, how we prepare our students for future success, and our commitment to developing the professional and transferable skills of all of our students. Combined Honours students have full access to the accredited programme. Forensic Biology Explore the fast-moving and exciting science behind criminal investigation through the study of biology and practical forensic applications. This course offers a combination of forensic aspects with a thorough grounding in the traditional science of biology, in particular the molecular biology techniques and DNA profiling. The techniques you will learn are transferable to other biological disciplines and provide a solid foundation for a wide range of graduate employment. You will gain practical experience in teaching laboratories and crime scene sites, and you will work on projects independently and as part of a team to encourage exploration of cooperation. Teaching is delivered by an experienced and committed team of lecturers, supported by practising experts from many forensic disciplines, and you will have the opportunity to involve yourself in a range of practices, from crime scene to court. Emphasis is placed on the development of key broad skills, equipping you with the necessary theoretical basis and practical experience to enter many areas of employment in both forensic and biological sciences.