Newcastle University

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

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

This degree combines the study of historical documents and archaeological remains to understand how past communities lived.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 and your choice of modules spans centuries and continents, giving you flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests.

You will also gain a hands-on experience of the past. We place a strong emphasis on artefact handling and analysis and you have the chance to take part in excavations.

Quality and ranking

The quality of the history study experience at Newcastle is recognised with an overall satisfaction score of 97% in the National Student Survey 2013.

History at Newcastle also ranks in the top 200 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

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. In Stage 3 the emphasis is almost entirely on seminars.

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

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.

You will receive training in relevant fieldwork methods equipping you with the field skills required by professional archaeologists (see below).

Find out more about the fieldwork opportunities available at Newcastle on the School of History, Classics and Archaeology's website.

Practical skills

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

You will also have opportunities to develop work-related skills thanks to our contacts with heritage organisations throughout the region. We work closely with heritage professionals across the North East and provide many opportunities to meet and work with professional archaeologists working outside the University.

• Our unique Heritage City website brings together project opportunities, giving you the chance to work alongside professional archaeologists in Newcastle
• We have very close links with local heritage organisations, and many of our students find volunteering opportunities with them, gaining valuable work experience
• Work experience in a museum or other heritage organisation may be possible in Stage 2

The high level of knowledge and technical skills you develop can lead to a career in archaeology or the heritage sector. You also develop transferable skills including teamwork, problem solving, flexibility and communication that will be valued by a wide range of employers.

Study abroad

UK and EU students have the opportunity to broaden their academic experience by taking part in a study abroad exchange. Spend a summer studying at a university in Europe and demonstrate that you are an adaptable person who enjoys challenge.

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:

• dedicated archaeology laboratory with petrology microscopes and stereo-microscopes for artefact analysis, and permanent collections including human remains, animal bones, Roman pottery and our Victorian household collection
• 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.

Enjoy all the benefits of being part of a close-knit community, where interaction with teaching staff, frequent support from a personal tutor and a student mentor, and a highly active student-run society help to keep you on track academically and feel part of University life.

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