Archaeology and History with Foundation Year

Program Overview

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Archaeology and History with Foundation Year

Overview

The Archaeology and History with Foundation Year program at Bishop Grosseteste University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the past, from prehistoric times to the present day. The program combines the study of archaeology and history, allowing students to explore the material remains of past societies and cultures, as well as the written records of historical events.

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. It will allow students to get hands-on with the past and explore civilizations and people from throughout history in a practical and interesting way.

Course Summary

The program is divided into four years, with the first year being a foundation year that provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the program. The remaining three years are spent studying archaeology and history, with a focus on the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to evaluate evidence and construct arguments.

Key Facts

• Award: BA (Hons)
• UCAS code: V75F
• Duration: 4 years
• Mode of study: Full-time
• Start date: September 2025
• Awarding institution: Bishop Grosseteste University
• Institution code: B38

Entry Requirements

Application for this course is via UCAS, although there is no formal requirement for UCAS points to access the course. Normally, GCSE English or equivalent is desirable. As part of the application process, students will have the opportunity to speak with a member of BGU Admissions staff to resolve any questions or queries.

How You Will Be Taught

There is no one-size-fits-all method of teaching at BGU. The university shapes its methods to suit each subject and each group, combining the best aspects of traditional university teaching with innovative techniques to promote student participation and interactivity.

Assessment

In Archaeology, assessment is carried out using a wide range of approaches, including written assignments, coursework, essays, and reports. There are a few exams throughout the course, but these 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.

In History, the university believes in utilizing assessments that will accurately test key skills, knowledge, and understanding. The university selects only those assessments that will enable students to learn, improve, and progress over the course of the degree program and which will prepare them for challenges beyond university.

Careers and Further Study

As well as learning a number of highly practical skills, Archaeology also teaches students how to assemble and assess evidence, analyze data, and present and defend their views – all of which are highly sought-after by employers upon graduation. Possible future careers for Archaeology graduates may include Commercial Archaeologist, Heritage Consultant, Archivist, Researcher, Museum education and outreach, or Editorial work or journalism.

Studying History at BGU enhances employability by focusing on highly desirable and transferable critical thinking and analytical skills, professional writing practices, and the art of constructing persuasive arguments. Possible future careers for History graduates 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.

What Our Students Say

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

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Related Courses

• PGCE Secondary
• English and History with Foundation Year
• English and History
• Foundation course
• Archaeology and History
• History
• History with Foundation Year
• Military History
• Education Studies and History
• History and Theology, Philosophy & Ethics
• Education Studies and History with Foundation Year
• History and Theology, Philosophy & Ethics with Foundation Year

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Archaeology component focuses on developing practical skills in excavation, survey, processing and analysis of finds, making it ideal for individuals interested in exploring and investigating the material remains of past societies and cultures. The History element emphasizes social and cultural history, encouraging students to study the past with empathy and consider different and challenging perspectives. This fosters critical thinking, analytical, and research abilities vital for interpreting and communicating the past. The Foundation Year introduces essential academic skills and knowledge, preparing students for the rigors of degree-level study. This year encompasses eight modules designed to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in their chosen subject. Additionally, bespoke subject sessions led by experts provide a foundation in chosen subject area.

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Outline:

The first year is the Foundation Year, encompassing eight modules aimed at building academic skills and subject-specific knowledge in preparation for the later years of study. The subsequent three years (Years 1, 2, and 3) delve deeper into Archaeology and History, offering a range of modules covering prehistory to Roman and Medieval times, exploring contemporary archaeology, and delving into key ideas and current issues like archaeological method and theory, landscape archaeology, and community archaeology. Students also gain practical skills in archaeological fieldwork, including excavation, surveying, and post-excavation studies, strengthening transferable skills like data analysis, evidence assessment, presenting views, and constructing arguments using critical reasoning.

• Prehistoric Britain: Explores the archaeological evidence for social, cultural, and economic aspects of life during prehistoric Britain, including differing interpretations.
• Archaeological Skills: Introduces approaches and techniques used by archaeologists with a focus on the nature of archaeological evidence.
• Conflict Archaeology in a Global Context: Critically studies conflict archaeology and examines battlefield archaeology, wreck sites, standing building evidence, and material culture in contexts of conflict from classical times to the present.
• The Global Cold War, 1945-1991: Examines the political, diplomatic and social history of the Cold War during the second half of the 20th century, including significant events like Vietnam, Afghanistan, Korean, and Cuban conflicts, and movements like CND and Anti-War movements.
• Kill your masters: The French and Haitian Revolutions: Explores the political history of these revolutions and assesses whether they are truly representative of 'modernity'.
• People and Places: Researching Local and Regional History: Develops knowledge and skills related to local and regional history, including research methods like primary source analysis and digital information skills.
• Creative Destruction: The Atlantic World in the 17th and 18th centuries: Analyzes the political, economic, technological, social and cultural history of the Atlantic World, encompassing the 'Anglophone Atlantic' and its interaction with indigenous peoples and European empires.
The final year culminates in a dissertation project supervised by a faculty member. Students choose their research question, conduct thorough research using primary and secondary sources, analyze data, and develop their core argument on their chosen subject.

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Assessment:

Assessments vary across modules, including written assignments, coursework, essays and reports. Exams are present but often include analysis of provided source materials. Students also participate in oral presentations, produce research materials, and complete practical assessments.

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Teaching:

Lectures, tutorials, and seminars provide grounding in core concepts, while field trips and hands-on experiences enhance learning and connect theoretical knowledge with real-world application. Assessments and individual feedback foster independent study and critical thinking, equipping students with essential research, writing, and analytical abilities. Small class sizes and a close-knit campus environment facilitate interaction between faculty and students, allowing for individualized support and guidance throughout their studies.

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Careers:

Potential careers include Commercial Archaeologist, Heritage Consultant, Archivist, Researcher, Museum education, and outreach, Editorial work or journalism.

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Other:

The BA (Hons) Archaeology and History with Foundation Year at BGU aims to provide a unique and personalized learning experience for students interested in exploring the past from multiple perspectives. The program blends academic rigor and practical application, preparing students for successful careers and lifelong engagement with history and archaeology.