History and Archaeology, Newcastle University

Course Overview

This degree combines the study of both historical documents and archaeological remains to understand how past communities lived.

At a Glance

UCAS Code
VV41

UCAS Institution Name and Code
NEWC, N21

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Degree Awarded
BA Honours

Course Duration
3 Years

Entry Requirements Icon

Entry Requirements
A Level: ABB
IB: 32 points

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Opportunities
Study abroad

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We focus principally on the period from the Romans to the present day, with modules spanning centuries and continents, giving you flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests.

You begin with the study of Roman, Saxon, Viking, medieval and post-medieval Britain, before exploring European archaeology.

Optional modules in areas such as the history of North America, Mexico, East Asia and Russia are also available.

You'll gain hands-on experience of the past through a minimum of four weeks' excavation fieldwork in your first two years, plus artefact handling at the University-led Great North Museum.

Highlights of this degree

Quality and ranking

Quality and ranking

Archaeology at Newcastle achieved a very impressive overall satisfaction score of 98% in the National Student Survey 2016, ranking us 3rd in the UK.

We rank in the top ten in the UK for Archaeology in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017 and The Complete University Guide 2017.

Fieldwork and practical skills

Fieldwork and practical skills

Practical skills

Training in practical skills forms an important part of your degree, equipping you with the field skills required by professional archaeologists. You will receive training in:

• fieldwork methods
• artefact handling
• archaeological recording techniques

Fieldwork

You complete a minimum of four weeks' field placement on an approved project in the summer vacations at the end of Stages 1 and 2.

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

Other opportunities

You'll have opportunities to develop work-related skills thanks to our very close links with local heritage organisations throughout the region, including:

• our unique Heritage City website, which helps you find opportunities to work alongside professional archaeologists in Newcastle
• volunteering opportunities with heritage organisations in the North East
• work experience in a museum or other heritage organisation, which may be possible in Stage 2

Study abroad

Study abroad

Studying abroad as part of your degree is a fun, challenging experience that will broaden your cultural horizons.

It will increase your employability and help you acquire a range of practical life skills. It's also a chance to improve your language skills and develop an international network of friends.

UK and EU students have the opportunity to take part in a study abroad exchange in either Stage 2 or Stage 3.

You can study in a European country, including:

• France
• Italy
• Finland
• Slovenia

You can also choose to study in a non-European country, such as Australia, the USA or Hong Kong.

Historically rich location

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 and support

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

Facilities

Facilities include a 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.

There's also the Cluster for Interdisciplinary Artefact Studies, delivering professional training in handling artefacts, and extensive collections in the University-led Great North Museum adjacent to campus.

Support

You'll be supported throughout the degree by a personal tutor