Newcastle University

Archaeology BA Honours
UCAS Code: V400 (3 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

Studying archaeology at Newcastle means a hands-on experience of the past. You’ll have a chance to take part in excavations, contribute directly to cutting-edge research, make discoveries, and learn about past societies.

This degree is influenced by an enormous range of subjects:

• history
• art history
• maths
• sociology
• anthropology
• biology
• geography
• geology

This makes the potential for study as big as your imagination. So if you have an enquiring mind, an eye for detail, and a passion for the past, archaeology provides a fascinating way for you to apply your interests in a subject that is both practical and academic.

Teaching and assessment

Research-informed teaching shapes the content of our undergraduate degrees and makes sure that you have chance to cover the most up-to-date theories and discoveries.

We specialise in Later European and Mediterranean Prehistory; Greek, Roman and Late Antique archaeology; as well as Medieval, Byzantine and historical archaeology (1492-present). Key strands in our research include:

• bodies and identities
• landscapes and monuments
• material culture

You will have chance to design and conduct your own research project in a topic of your choice by undertaking a dissertation in Stage 3.

Teaching is primarily lecture based, but seminars, tutorials and workshops are also used to replace or support lectures. You will take part in site visits and fieldwork accounts and a considerable amount of independent study is also required.

Further information can be found on our undergraduate web pages about the approach to teaching and learning at Newcastle University.

Assessment is by written examinations and the continuous assessment of essays, projects, reports and other written work such as fieldwork diaries. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module, more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Flexibility

In Stage 1 we place a strong emphasis on the archaeology of Britain, from the Stone Age to the recent past. As the course progresses, we extend the geographical range of your studies to the rest of Europe.

You can choose the periods of history that interest you the most, from prehistory up to the present day.

You can also tailor your choice of source material to your personal interests: for example, if you are interested in art you can study classical buildings; if you enjoy geography, you can learn to use GIS techniques and Ordnance Survey maps to understand the development of British landscapes.

Fieldwork

Training in fieldwork methods, artefact handling and archaeological recording techniques forms an important part of your programme, equipping you with the field skills required by professional archaeologists.

We expect all our students on Single and Joint Honours Archaeology degrees to complete a minimum of four weeks’ field placement on an approved project in the summer vacations at the end of Stages 1 and 2.

Work experience in a museum or other heritage organisation may also be possible in Stage 2. Find out more about the fieldwork opportunities available at Newcastle on the School of History, Classics and Archaeology's website.

Study abroad

UK and EU students have the opportunity to broaden their academic experience by taking part in a study abroad exchange.

Historically rich location

There can be no better place to study history and archaeology than in the North East of England, home to one of the highest concentrations of World Heritage Sites. Follow in Hadrian’s footsteps and retrace the Romans’ campaigns in Britain; venture into the past before history in prehistoric landscapes rich in rock art, burial cairns, hillforts and other monuments; or encounter the Golden Age of the Venerable Bede.  

We organise regular one-day study visits and field trips across the archaeological landscape of northern England, including:

• Mayburgh Henge
• Castlerigg
• Long Meg and her Daughters
• Gibside
• Bede's early medieval monastery at Jarrow
• Vindolanda
• Housesteads
• Chesters
• Corbridge

Facilities

Newcastle has access to exceptional resources and facilities to make your study experience second to none:

• Dedicated archaeology laboratory with petrology microscopes and stereo-microscopes for artefact analysis, and permanent collections including bones, Roman pottery and post-medieval metalwork and ceramics
• Centre for Interdisciplinary Artefact Studies, delivering professional training in handling artefacts using the extensive collections in the University-led Great North Museum, adjacent to campus

School of History, Classics and Archaeology

Study at Newcastle and you will join a community of professionals, academics and students in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology.

We have a thriving Archaeology society, and our staff go above and beyond to ensure that you feel welcomed both academically and socially.

We also have very close links with local heritage organisations, and many of our students find (usually unpaid) volunteering opportunities with them, gaining valuable work experience.

Visit the School's website to find out more about:

• Our teaching and learning methods
• Read what our current students have to say about their experience at Newcastle