History and Archaeology
BA Honours
- UCAS code: VV41
- Full time
- 3 years
- Next start date: September 2020
This History and Archaeology degree will give you a unique insight into the human past, studying material culture alongside written history.
Fees (per year)
- UK/EU: £9250
- International: £19200
Entry requirements
- A Level: ABB
- IB: 32 points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
This three-year degree focuses on developing your expertise as a historian, while equipping you with the skills you need to become a professional archaeologist.
You're introduced to new peoples, places and periods from across the globe, and you'll explore how archaeology has changed our understanding of the past.
Our flexible degree allows you to tailor your course to suit your interests, so you can explore the periods and regions that excite you through a wide range of modules.
You'll also be able to explore North East England, a region that's steeped in history while on field trips. There's a rich past to discover here.
Quality and ranking
- 8th in the UK– The Guardian University Guide 2020
- 9th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2020
- top 150 – Archaeology category – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019
- top 200 – Arts and Humanities category – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2018
Teaching excellence
TEF GoldA ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
You will learn the essential theories, methods and practical skills used in archaeology.
You will take the History module Evidence and Argument and select options in, Public History, or Historical Sources and Methods. At the end of Year 1, you complete at least two weeks’ excavation fieldwork.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Foundational Fieldwork Training | 0 |
| Introduction to Archaeology | 20 |
| The Archaeology of Britain from the Romans to the 20th Century | 20 |
| Varieties of History | 20 |
| Evidence and Argument | 20 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Stuff: living in a material world | 20 |
| Introduction to Archaeological Science | 20 |
| Prehistoric Britain | 20 |
| Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology | 20 |
| World Empires | 20 |
| European History | 20 |
| Aspects of British History | 20 |
| The History of the Americas | 20 |
You continue to explore archaeological methods, and choose from options in both history and archaeology. Many of these complement each other: you can choose to study the medieval world, through modules in both disciplines.
You will also complete two weeks of fieldwork at the end of Year 2.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Fieldwork Training | 0 |
| Fieldwork and Archaeological Practice | 20 |
In Stage 3, you'll complete a dissertation in archaeology, history or a combination of both, conducting in-depth research.
You will have a choice of optional modules, which complement each other. You can choose to study the Archaeology of Britain after 1500, alongside history options on Elizabeth I, and the Georgian period.
Modules
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You'll learn from:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops
- practical activities
- site visits and fieldwork training
- independent study
These activities take place in the classroom, the library, the field, the museum and the laboratory.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Presentations
-
Reports
Skills and experience
Practical skills
You will analyse documentary sources and take part in practical sessions using the Robinson Library’s Special Collections, and have opportunities to handle historical artefacts from the nearby Great North Museum's collections.
You'll also undertake excavation fieldwork, giving you the chance to study and implement the methods and practices used in the profession.
In the summer of their first year, all archaeology students undertake two weeks of fully funded fieldwork at Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site.
Research skills
In your final year, you'll write your dissertation in an area of your choice. You can choose to specialise more closely in archaeology or history, or can combine the two.
You'll make use of the skills you've gained throughout your degree, and conduct your own research project in your final year. This gives you the chance to dig deeper into a subject you're interested in.
You'll also have the opportunity to apply for summer vacation scholarships in your second year, and receive funding to conduct a research project.
Chat to a student
I chose to study at Newcastle because I loved the breadth of choice within my course and fell in love with the city when I first arrived on Open Day.
Opportunities
Study abroad
Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.
If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.
Find out more about study abroad
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. A work placement is not available if you're spending a year studying abroad. Placements are subject to availability.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
You'll be based in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology, in the historic Armstrong Building at our city-centre campus.
You'll have access to a range of on-campus facilities, including:
- the Great North Museum: Hancock, with its Antiquarian Library and range of artefacts
- the Special Collections in the Robinson Library
Find out more about the Special Collections
Support
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
Your future
Our History and Archaeology degree will set you up to pursue a future in the museums, archives and heritage sector or to start a career as a professional archaeologist.
93% of graduates from our History and Archaeology BA Honours degree were in work or further study within six months of completing their degree*.
Many of our graduates choose to pursue a career in the heritage sector or become professional archaeologists.
*Take a look at the most recent data available for our graduates. See what they have gone on to achieve and be inspired to follow in their footsteps.
Statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation (Destinations of (undergraduate and postgraduate UK domiciled) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17).
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Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2020 entry.
A Level
ABB
International Baccalaureate
32 points
Other UK qualifications (and PARTNERS)
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
PARTNERS
Through our PARTNERS programme, you could receive an offer up to three grades lower than the typical requirements, and get support throughout the application process. To apply through PARTNERS, you must be based in the UK and meet our eligibility criteria.
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University, including Newcastle University London. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2020 entry (per year)
UK Students
£9250
International Students
£19200
The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by the UK government.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).
The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
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How to apply
Apply through UCAS
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- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
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Get in touch
By Phone
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