Archaeology and Anthropology

This joint-honours programme offers a dynamic and engaging way to explore the human past and present, giving you the opportunity to study two fascinating disciplines that help us understand how people have lived, thought, and interacted throughout history and across different cultures.

You will be guided by experts in both fields and gain practical skills through hands-on experiences, fieldwork, and the use of modern technologies.

The degree is structured to be flexible, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests. You will choose from a variety of modules in both Archaeology and Anthropology, which means you can focus on areas that excite you the most.

Archaeology

In Archaeology, you will learn to uncover and interpret the material remains left behind by past societies, including artefacts such as pottery, tools, and bones. By studying these objects, you will piece together the stories of how ancient people lived, what their societies looked like, and how they interacted with their environments. You will also examine larger features like historic buildings, monuments, and landscapes, which tell us about human development and the changing world over time. In addition, you will explore theoretical and ethical questions about the past, such as the significance of heritage, the use of digital tools, and the ways in which new technologies allow us to analyse ancient DNA and other materials.

Anthropology

The Anthropology part of the degree takes you deeper into understanding human diversity. You will explore the cultural practices, beliefs, and ways of life of people around the world, examining how societies have evolved over time. The programme looks at contemporary global challenges, such as the effects of globalisation, and encourages you to think critically about cultural identities and human behaviour. By combining theoretical insights with real-world case studies, Anthropology gives you the tools to understand the complexities of human existence and the different ways societies shape our lives today.

By the end of the programme, you will have gained a deep understanding of human history, both from the archaeological perspective of material remains and the anthropological study of culture and society.

You will develop key skills, including analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, that are essential for success in many professional careers. The ability to understand complex debates and make clear, well-reasoned arguments will be valuable both during your studies and in your future career.

This course will equip you to work in various fields, such as museums, heritage management, research, and international development, as well as pursue further study in archaeology, anthropology, or related areas. It offers you a unique opportunity to explore the rich diversity of human life, both in the past and present, and prepare for a future that can take you in many exciting directions.