In Year 1, you examine the theory and practice of archaeology, including an introduction to fieldwork. 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.

 

‘Building on the firm foundation laid in the first year, 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 develop an understanding of research skills, theoretical approaches, and knowledge in preparation for Year 3. Year 2 periods covered may include late prehistoric Europe, the Greek world, Roman to Medieval Britain, classical Rome, the Vikings, Muslim Iberia, the Hundred Years War, the golden age of Spain, the Victorians, and the Nazis; themes may include the anthropology and archaeology of death, the archaeology of religion, the Crusades, or slavery; technical modules include human bioarchaeology; there are also fieldtrip modules in both history and archaeology.

 

In Year 3, you will undertake a dissertation which may include both archaeological and historical evidence. Public Archaeology and Careers is concerned with the wider role of heritage and archaeology in the world and how graduates fit in to it. In Puzzling the Past you will consider archaeological debates. Other Year 3 modules may include the Celts, gladiators and the Roman games, Alfred the Great, the English Civil War, battlefield archaeology, Minoans and Mycenaeans, the USA, and Japan. Comparative studies may cover topics such as witchcraft, chivalry, computer games, medieval warfare, communism, war crimes and the classical world on film.

 

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.