History and Archaeology, BA (Hons)

The course encourages you to critically evaluate historical sources and archaeological information and assess their value to our understanding of the past. In the first academic year, you examine the theory and practice of archaeology; the archaeology of the historic and prehistoric periods; the methods and nature of history as a discipline in small groups. You gain an introduction to a variety of historical periods and cultures through introductory studies. In the second academic year, 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 develop an understanding of research skills and knowledge to prepare for undertaking research in the final academic year. During the final academic year, you may focus your studies on topics, periods or themes from previous years or broaden your studies to examine the archaeology/history of the Mediterranean, the Americas, Africa or the Near East. In this phase of learning, topics are covered more intensively (students with a focus on History typically work in one area through a year-long Depth Study). You also carry out an independent piece of research on a subject of your choice in either Archaeology or History or across both disciplines. As part of the course, there are opportunities for you to visit archaeological sites and get involved in departmental research, which also allows you to work in new laboratories and use a range of specialist surveying equipment.