Archaeology and History

Program Overview

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Archaeology and History

Course Overview

The BA (Hons) Archaeology and History course at Bishop Grosseteste University is a three-year, full-time program that combines the study of archaeology and history. The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the past, from prehistoric times to the present day.

Why Study This Course

This course is ideal for students who are fascinated by the past and want to explore and investigate the material remains of previous societies and cultures. The course will help students develop into highly employable graduates, with a range of skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Course Summary

The course will cover a range of topics, including:

• Introduction to Archaeology: Concepts and Methods
• Prehistoric Britain
• Archaeological Skills
• Roman Britain
• The Historian's Craft: Doing History at University
• British Libraries, Museums and Archives: A History of Collection
• Histories of Identity: Sexuality, Race, Class and Gender
• The Early Modern British Isles: From Reformation to Revolution

Compulsory Modules

• Living and Dying in Medieval Europe
• Post-Medieval Archaeology
• Field Archaeology
• People and Places: Researching Local and Regional History
• Creative Destruction: The Atlantic World in the 17th and 18th centuries
• The City in Global History: The Rise of Urban Societies in the Modern Age

Optional Modules

• Professional Contexts
• Archaeological Field School
• The Dark Arts: A History of Magic, Witchcraft and Folklore
• Fighting Back: The history of (counter)insurgency
• The Long Weekend: Britain between the wars
• Material Culture in Archaeology: Theory and Practice
• Archaeology Dissertation
• Landscape History
• History Dissertation
• Kill Your Masters: The French and Haitian Revolutions
• 'The Sun Never Set and the Blood Never Dried': The British Empire in the 19th Century

Entry Requirements

• 96-112 UCAS tariff points (from a maximum of four Advanced Level qualifications)
• A range of qualifications are accepted, including A/AS Levels, BTEC, Access Courses, International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge Pre-U, Extended Project, etc.

Further Information

• Click here for important information about this course, including additional costs, resources, and key policies.
• In accordance with University conditions, students are entitled to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, RP(C)L, based on relevant credit at another HE institution or credit Awarded for Experiential Learning, (RP(E)L).

How You Will Be Taught

• The course will be taught through a variety of methods, including lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical workshops, coursework, and work-based placements.
• Small group seminars and workshops will provide students with an opportunity to review issues raised in lectures, and students will be expected to carry out independent study.

Academic Staff

• Dr Derwin Gregory
• Dr W. Jack Rhoden
• Dr Martin Huggon
• Dr Hazel C Kent
• Dr Erik Grigg
• Dr Alan Malpass
• Dr Darren Poole
• Dr Tim Galsworthy

Assessment

• Assessment will be carried out using a wide range of approaches, including written assignments, coursework, essays, and reports.
• There will be a few exams throughout the course, but these will often include analysis of provided source material, either text or images.
• Students will also carry out a small number of oral presentations, produce portfolios of research material, and undertake some practical assessments.

Careers and Further Study

• Possible future careers for Archaeology graduates may include Commercial Archaeologist, Heritage Consultant, Archivist, Researcher, Museum education and outreach, or Editorial work or journalism.
• Possible future careers for History graduates may include education in the schooling and heritage sectors, marketing, journalism and publishing, law and policing, public policy, information research and management, working as an archivist, librarian or museum curator.
• Successful graduates of this course are also able to continue to study for a PGCE or Master's degrees at BGU and elsewhere.

What Our Students Say

• Discover what life is like at Bishop Grosseteste University from our students.

Support

• Studying at BGU is a student-centred experience.
• Staff and students work together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere as part of an intimate campus community.
• Students will know every member of staff personally and feel confident approaching them for help and advice.

Fees and Funding

• A lot of student finance information is available from numerous sources, but it is sometimes confusing and contradictory.
• At BGU, we try to give students all the information and support we can to help throughout the process.
• Our Student Advice team are experts in helping students sort out the funding arrangements for their studies, offering a range of services to guide students through all aspects of student finance step by step.

How to Apply

• Undergraduate course applicants must apply via UCAS using the relevant UCAS code.
• For 2024 entry, the application fee is £27, and students can make a maximum of 6 choices.
• For the 2025 cycle, UCAS is removing the undergraduate application fee for any student who is/or has received free school meals (FSM) during the last six years, up until the end of their final year at school or college.

Program Outline

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Outline:

This course provides a combined study of Archaeology and History, offering a unique perspective on the past and exploring how material remains and written records interweave to tell the story of human societies and cultures.

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Year 1:

• Introduction to Archaeology: Introduces the key concepts, methods, and theories of archaeology.
• Prehistoric Britain: Explores the archaeological evidence for social, cultural, and economic aspects of life during Britain's prehistoric times.
• Archaeological Skills: Develops practical skills in excavation, survey, and post-excavation studies.
• Roman Britain: Studies the archaeology of Roman Britain, focusing on its social, cultural, and economic aspects.
• British Libraries, Museums and Archives: A History of Collection: Examines the history and significance of British libraries, museums, and archives, focusing on their role in collecting, preserving, and interpreting historical materials.
• Histories of Identity: Sexuality, Race, Class and Gender: Explores the importance of individual and collective identities in the study of history, focusing on various approaches and interpretations.
• The Early Modern British Isles: From Reformation to Revolution: Examines the political, social, military, cultural, and economic landscape of Britain during the early modern period, from the Reformation to the 1688 Revolution.

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Year 2:

• Living and Dying in Medieval Europe: Studies the development of medieval Europe through its archaeological evidence, focusing on social, cultural, urban, and economic changes.
• Post-Medieval Archaeology: Explores the transition from the medieval to the industrial and modern world through archaeological evidence, focusing on changes in landscapes, settlements, and industries.
• Archaeological Field School: Provides practical experience in archaeological fieldwork, including survey, excavation, and recording techniques.
• Professional Contexts: Builds upon skills and knowledge from previous modules, allowing for independent study or project-based learning.
• People and Places: Researching Local and Regional History: Develops skills and knowledge in researching local and regional history, using primary sources and digital information.
• Creative Destruction: The Atlantic World in the 17th and 18th centuries: Analyzes the history of the Atlantic World in the 17th and 18th centuries, focusing on its political, economic, technological, social, and cultural development.
• The Dark Arts: A History of Magic, Witchcraft and Folklore: Studies the history of magic, witchcraft, and folklore from a long-term perspective, exploring their evolution, cultural significance, and changing interpretations.
• The City in Global History: The Rise of Urban Societies in the Modern Age: Examines the development of modern cities globally, exploring their changing forms, functions, and impact on urban life.

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Year 3:

• Conflict Archaeology in a Global Context: Analyzes conflict archaeology, focusing on various contexts, including battlefields, shipwrecks, and standing buildings.
• Material Culture in Archaeology: Theory and Practice: Investigates material culture in archaeology, focusing on its interpretation, analysis, and significance.
• Archaeology Dissertation: Conducts a research-based project in archaeology, demonstrating critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
• Landscape History: Examines the human impact on the landscape through an interdisciplinary approach, combining archaeology, history, and geography.
• 'The Sun Never Set and the Blood Never Dried': The British Empire in the 19th Century: Analyzes the British Empire's development in the 19th century, focusing on its expansion, impact on different societies and cultures, and its legacies.
• History Dissertation: Conducts a research-based project in history, focusing on a self-selected topic, demonstrating research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

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Assessment:

Archaeology assessments include:

• Written assignments and reports
• Essays
• Oral presentations
• Portfolios
• Practical assessments
History assessments include:
• Essays
• Presentations (oral, digital, practical)
• Portfolios
• Assessed debates
• One-to-one discussions
• Dissertation (written research project)

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Teaching:

The program utilizes various teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Practical workshops
• Field trips
• Placements
• Independent study
The program benefits from a dedicated and experienced faculty, including:
• Dr Derwin Gregory
• Dr W. Jack Rhoden
• Dr Martin Huggon
• Dr Hazel C Kent
• Dr Claire M. Hubbard-Hall
• Dr Erik Grigg
The program encourages student participation and interactivity through its diverse teaching approaches.

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Careers:

This program equips graduates with skills and knowledge valuable in various careers, including:

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Archaeology:

• Commercial Archaeologist
• Heritage Consultant
• Archivist
• Researcher
• Museum educator or outreach worker
• Editorial work or journalism

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History:

• Education in schools or heritage sectors
• Marketing
• Journalism and publishing
• Law and policing
• Public policy
• Information research and management
• Archivist
• Librarian
• Museum curator
Furthermore, graduates have a strong foundation for pursuing postgraduate study in Archaeology or History or other related fields.

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Other:

• Small class sizes and an intimate campus create a supportive learning environment.
• The program emphasizes critical thinking, analysis, research skills, and effective communication.
• Graduates develop strong problem-solving abilities and confidence in presenting their ideas and findings.
• The program incorporates diverse perspectives and approaches to studying the past, encouraging a deeper understanding of history and archaeology.