Archaeology provides a unique perspective as the only subject which deals with all the temporal and spatial dimensions of the human past.  Defined as the study of the human past through its material remains, it studies a very broad range of evidence including landscapes, buildings and monuments; buried material such as artefacts, biological remains, structures; and written sources.  Archaeology ranges chronologically from the earliest hominids circa five million years ago to the present day, and geographically across the entire inhabited world.

The aims of the BA Archaeology degree are to:

• familiarise you with the disciplined and critical study of the past through the work of archaeologists
• provide you with the expertise to assemble and critically analyse archaeological evidence
• provide the understanding of how to assemble the varied types of archaeological evidence and, where appropriate, written source material available for the study of these fields
• promote critical understanding of the political, social and cultural structures and achievements of past societies
• cultivate archaeological skills and transferable skills, including, the ability to recover, record and assess evidence of widely differing kinds, to make honest and informed judgements, and to express them cogently in speech and writing.

Distinctive features

Our Archaeology degree schemes are noted for their geographical and chronological breadth and the range of choice they offer.  As a student at one of the highly respected Russell group universities, you will learn with staff who undertake exciting research in archaeology and history as well as developing innovative techniques in forensics, dating, and osteology.