Archaeology and History BA Hons

Program Overview

Archaeology and History BA (Hons)

Course Overview

Archaeology and History is the perfect course combination if you find yourself fascinated by the human past and all its intrinsic diversity. On this degree course, you will study the richness of our past and of our heritage, from the hunter-gatherers of Ice Age Europe right through to the inhabitants of early modern cities. The study of Archaeology and History is important because it helps us understand how past events and societies have shaped the world that we live in today.

Why You'll Love It

• Field trips ensure you explore history beyond the classroom
• The city itself is steeped in culture and history
• The curriculum has been developed with a focus on employability

What You'll Study

Foundation Year

• Term 1: Introduction to Humanities & Social Sciences
• Term 2: Global Issues, Cultures & Texts
• Term 3: Originating a Creative Project

Year 1

• Global Histories: Defining Moments (40 Credits) Core
• The Archaeology of Britain and Europe (40 Credits) Core
• Archaeology Field School (20 Credits) Option
• Living with the Past: An introduction to Archaeological Heritage (20 Credits) Option
• Pre-Modern Movements: Crusades, Rebellions, Revolutions (20 Credits) Option
• Modern Spaces: Cultures, Conflicts, Identities (20 Credits) Option
• Language options (20 Credits) Option

Year 2

• Archaeology in Action (40 Credits) Core
• Living in past worlds: Relational approaches in Archaeology (20 Credits) Core
• Mortuary Archaeology (20 Credits) Core
• History at Work (20 Credits) Core
• Fake History and Conspiracy Theories (20 Credits) Core
• Rewriting History (20 Credits) Core
• Challenging History (20 Credits) Core
• Experiential Learning: Professional Practice in Archaeology (40 Credits) Option
• Work Placement (40 Credits) Option
• Experiential Learning: Curious Chester (40 Credits) Option
• Language options (40 Credits) Option

Year 3

• History at the Cutting Edge (40 Credits) Core
• Equal or Major in History Dissertation (40 Credits) Core
• History Special Subject 1 - Presenting History (20 Credits) Core
• History Special Subject 2 - Publicising History (20 Credits) Core
• Advanced Study in British and European Archaeology (20 Credits) Core
• Archaeological Heritage and Public Archaeology (20 Credits) Core
• Archaeology Dissertation (40 Credits) Core
• Archaeology and the Anthropocene (20 Credits) Core
• Bioarchaeology (20 Credits) Core

How You'll Learn

• The majority of teaching takes place in small groups, seminars, and tutorials
• You will be assessed in a variety of ways
• There may be some online learning activities
• This course is designed around in-person study

Entry Requirements

• Home Students:
  • UCAS points: 112 points
  • GCE A Level: Typical offer – BCC-BBC
  • BTEC: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma – DMM
  • International Baccalaureate: 28 points
  • Irish / Scottish Highers: Irish Highers - Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3, H4
• International Students:
  • UCAS points: 72 points
  • GCE A Level: 72 points from GCE A Levels
  • BTEC: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma – MPP- MMP
  • International Baccalaureate: 24 points
  • Irish / Scottish Highers: Irish Highers - Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H4, H4, H4, H4, H4
• Foundation Year:
  • UCAS points: 72 points
  • GCE A Level: 72 points from GCE A Levels
  • BTEC: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma – MPP- MMP
  • International Baccalaureate: 24 points
  • Irish / Scottish Highers: Irish Highers - Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H4, H4, H4, H4, H4

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International Students: £14,450 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• Additional Costs:
  • Students often elect to purchase a laptop, where students choose to do so, the cost is likely to be around £800-£1000.
  • Most software specific to your course is available free to students through agreements we have with the software vendors.
  • Occasional, optional, field trips may be offered, depending on student demand, these are typically within the UK and where chargeable the cost is likely to be under £100.

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr Kara Critchell
• Professor Tim Grady
• Dr Hannah Ewence
• Dr Thomas Pickles
• Professor Katherine Wilson
• Dr Rebecca Andrew
• Dr David Harry
• Dr Donna Jackson
• Dr Jonathan Worton
• Dr Barry Taylor

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester
• The location
• Modern learning resources and library
• Fitness facilities
• Student Services
• Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces
• Accommodation
• Catering

Your Future

• Careers Service
• Related Courses:
  • Archaeology BA (Hons)
  • History BA (Hons)