Newcastle University

History and Archaeology BA Honours
UCAS Code: VV41 (3 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
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Studying History and 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This degree combines the study of historical documents and archaeological remains to understand how past communities lived. We focus principally on the period of 400 CE to the present day, with a strong emphasis on artefact handling and analysis.

Quality and ranking

History at Newcastle is highly regarded for, ranking in the top ten nationally for overall student satisfaction with a 96% satisfaction score in the 2012 National Student Survey.

Teaching and assessment

History at Newcastle has an international reputation for its research which feeds directly into your teaching. The geographical range of our research encompasses Asia, the Americas, Europe and the British Isles. This allows us to offer you a really broad study programme that spans a wide range of times and places.

Teaching is a balance of lectures and seminars in Stages 1 and 2 then in Stage 3 the emphasis is almost entirely on seminars. Further information can be found on our undergraduate web pages about the approach to teaching and learning at Newcastle University.

Assessment involves a range of forms of course work, such as documentary commentaries, group presentations, literature reviews and essays, as well as written examinations. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module, more information can be found in our individual module listings.

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:

• Bede's early medieval monastery at Jarrow
• Gibside
• Beamish Museum
• Derwentcote Steel Works

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

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

We have thriving student-led Archaeology and History societies, 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.