Archaeology and History (BA Hons)
The Archaeology and History degree programme offers students the chance to dive deep into the human past, learning both in the classroom and out in the field. This exciting course is designed to develop your skills in exploring historical evidence and archaeological evidence from ancient times to the modern day. You will gain hands-on experience through field research and practical skills as you examine material remains like stone tools, pottery, and bones. These artefacts tell the story of how past societies lived, worked, and interacted with their environments.
In Archaeology, you will focus on exploring the past through the physical evidence left behind by humans. You will study the material remains of past cultures, learning how these objects can reveal important insights into social organisation, technology, and daily life. You will also explore how human development has shaped the world we live in today. Historic buildings, monuments, and landscapes all play a part in this exploration, helping you understand the larger context in which these artefacts were created. By studying the way people used the land, how they adapted to environmental change, and how their beliefs influenced their actions, you will develop a more complete picture of human history.
This programme also explores the role of technology in archaeology. You will learn about modern technology, including the use of digital applications, ancient DNA, and advanced laboratory techniques to help study artefacts and better understand ancient societies. These tools are essential for uncovering new insights into the human body evolution and the cultural development of past communities.
In addition to the hands-on practical learning, you will engage with the theoretical and ethical questions that shape the study of the past. Issues like heritage, representation, and the impact of technology on archaeological research are critical areas of discussion. You will learn to think critically and explore these questions through both interdisciplinary approaches and the study of prehistoric to modern history.
Alongside Archaeology, this degree also offers a thorough exploration of History, from ancient history to global history. The course will teach you how to critically engage with a wide range of historical narratives, from political history to cultural history and social history. By examining primary sources and historiographical evidence, you will learn how to analyse past events and form evidence-based interpretations. You will also gain valuable communication skills, learning how to present your findings clearly and persuasively.
By the end of the course, you will have developed a range of skills that are not only useful for further study but also highly valued by employers. You will be prepared to take on a variety of exciting careers in archaeology, history, or related fields. This degree provides a solid foundation for those interested in exploring the past through both archaeological methods and historical research. It offers a unique opportunity to understand the development of human societies, and to contribute to debates about how we interpret and preserve the past for future generations.
Course details
- Full-time
- On-campus
- English
Tuition Fees 25/26
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our Archaeology and History joint honours degree is built around hands-on learning, critical inquiry, and interdisciplinary study. You will develop the skills to analyse historical and archaeological evidence, gaining insights into how past societies shaped the world we live in today.
120 credits per year. Joint Honours students normally split the credits equally between their two subjects, studying 60 credits of Archaeology modules and 60 credits in History modules.
In your first year, you will be introduced to the foundations of archaeology and history. You will study the basics of material remains, including artefacts, stone tools, and bones, and learn how to approach historical evidence through primary sources. A focus on critical thinking will be central as you start exploring ancient history, global history, and key archaeological methods.
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In your second year, you will deepen your understanding of both archaeological methods and historical analysis. You will engage in field research to explore the application of your studies in real-world settings, focusing on specific regions such as the Mediterranean, Greece, and Rome. You will also examine social history and cultural history, developing your ability to interpret complex sources and refine your research skills.
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In your final year, you will specialise in areas that interest you, such as prehistoric studies or historic landscapes. You will have the opportunity to explore advanced archaeological techniques, including the study of ancient DNA and digital applications. As a history student, you will refine your ability to analyse and communicate historical narratives through independent research and the presentation of evidence-based conclusions.
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Optional
Please note: Some modules may run on alternate years. Also, students may not take a Level 6 version of a module that has been taken at Level 5.
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Course Page Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
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Further information
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96-112 UCAS Tariff Points - e.g. A-levels: CCC-BBC, BTEC: MMM-DMM, IB: 30-32 or Professional experience
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh OpportunitiesThere are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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The programme is assessed in a variety of ways and will include several of the following type of assessment: essays of 1,000 to 4,000 words in length, document analysis, book/ journal reviews, short reports and reflective journals, time tests, seen and unseen tests, field journals, posters, group and individual presentations, dissertations of 10,000 words, commentaries and film evaluations. Students will engage in both directed and independent learning.
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The Faculty has estimated on the assumption that students buy new copies of the books. Students may also choose to spend money on printing drafts of work.
Students may spend up to £300 per year on books and additional related materials.
Students are expected to submit 2 hard copies of their final project, the estimated cost for binding these is £20.
Optional Field trip:
The faculty works to ensure that there is a range of fieldwork and field trip options available both locally and internationally. Thus students can opt to take either more expensive or less expensive placements. The Faculty subsidises these but the cost each year is dependent on airfare, location, and currency exchange rates. Below are the upper end of expected costs based on where students have currently done placements.
Fieldwork (depending on where the student decides to do fieldwork): c. £500 - £1,500
Individual trips: c. £5 - £50 -
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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Career and employment opportunities include:
- Museum, Heritage sectors
- Leisure and Tourism sectors
- Research and further educational study
- Teaching and educational professionals