Program Overview

 Our committed team of expert historians and archaeologists are passionate about their subjects, which cover a broad range of past cultures and traditions. They will help you to mine the past seeking answers to pressing questions from the prehistoric to the modern period in Britain, mainland Europe, and beyond.

This dynamic, multidisciplinary course encourages you to critically evaluate historical sources and archaeological information and assess their value to our understanding of the past.

In Year 1, you examine the theory and practice of archaeology. You study the archaeology of the historic and prehistoric periods; the methods and nature of history as a discipline in small groups, and gain an insight into a variety of historical periods and cultures. You will visit historical and archaeological sites and museums as part of your modules.

In Year 2, you may choose to focus your studies on a range of historical themes or societies, while also studying the archaeology of one or more European archaeological periods. You will undertake four weeks of archaeological fieldwork and develop your archaeological field skills. You develop an understanding of research skills, theoretical approaches and knowledge in preparation for Year 3.

In Year 3, you will undertake a depth study in History and can choose either an Extended Independent Study in Archaeology or to write a History dissertation based on a topic of your choice. Optional modules in this year cover topics from religion, human conflict, contested history, heritage, abuses of history in the public sphere and histories on screen.

As part of the course, there are opportunities for you to visit archaeological sites and get involved in departmental research, which allows you to work in new laboratories and use a range of specialist surveying equipment.

You are required to attend a two-week period of archaeological fieldwork during the first summer vacation, which can be on any of the department’s projects. In recent years these have included projects in Hampshire and the South West, as well as international research projects in Barbados, Georgia, Belgium, Germany and Greece.

It is the complementary, yet different, nature of these disciplines that makes this degree so challenging and exciting. It gives you excellent research, analysis and creative presentation skills and demonstrates that you can work collaboratively.