Archaeology and Geography

Ever wondered how human societies develop? Or about the impact our climate and the environment have on society? Geography and archaeology are natural partners for exploring questions like these.

You will explore both the past and present through methods spanning the arts, humanities and social and natural sciences. We blend these approaches, helping you to understand how we can use these complementary disciplines to understand the human story from prehistory to the present and address modern challenges like climate change.

You will also gain a wide range of skills that employers highly value, from teamwork, communication and presentation to critical thinking, data analysis and research.

If you’re passionate about history and science and enjoy problem solving, studying Archaeology and Geography will give you the tools to both understand our world and shape its future. You will:

• gain hands-on experience by completing an optional 10 days of archaeological fieldwork and by taking part in site visits, map-making and geographic analysis

• explore the development of human societies across different time periods and regions

• build practical skills in archaeological surveying and recording, cartography, statistics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and archival research methods

• study a wide range of topics from both archaeology and geography, balancing theory with real-world practice

Why choose this course?

1. Top 20 for Archaeology and Forensic Science in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
   

2. 100% of students from the Department of Classics and Archaeology said the teaching staff were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024)
   

3. No previous experience of archaeology is needed
   

4. Gain practical and professional experience in our on-campus museum, including artefact-handling sessions
   

5. Choose your own module path – from archaeological science to heritage and culture, human or physical geography or a bit of everything
   

6. Develop your creative and communication skills with modules including ‘Communicating the Past’
   

7. Collaborate with international students in our tri-campus ‘Silk Road’ module
   

8. Explore real-world challenges across interdisciplinary themes with our ‘Engaged Arts’ optional modules
   

9. Work with our dedicated Faculty of Arts Placements Team to assist with your employability skills development via a range of placements, internships and volunteering opportunities
   

10. Support your studies in our specialist teaching and research laboratories for archaeological science, with the opportunity to work with the British Geological Survey and the University Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre

Engaged Arts

All students within the Faculty of Arts can select ‘Engaged Arts’ modules where you’ll approach real-world challenges across contemporary themes such as sustainability or equity and justice. These modules have been newly designed to help you gain the skills and analytical abilities that employers are looking for.