Archaeology

The Archaeology degree programme offers exciting opportunities to learn both in the classroom and in the field. You will learn from experts who are at the cutting edge of field research and will take part in hands-on learning through practical archaeological investigations. You will also gain experience in laboratory techniques, which are a key part of understanding and working with the material remains of the past. The skills you develop here will be useful both during the course and in your future career.

Archaeology is all about exploring the human past through the artefacts people have left behind. Some of the material remains we study include stone tools, pottery, and bones. By examining these we can find out how people lived and how their societies were organised. We learn about the ways humanity interacted with the environments around them and how their ideas about the world can be seen in the things they made.

Understanding the past also means looking at the bigger picture, including historic buildings, monuments, and landscapes. We explore how humans have used the land and how environmental change affected their lives. To understand how people lived, we also need to learn about their beliefs and how they viewed themselves and others in both life and death. All this information helps us see how human development has shaped the world we live in today.

To study archaeology effectively, it is important to think about theoretical and ethical questions. These include issues like heritage, representation, and the impact of technology on our understanding of the past. We also examine how digital applications can help us learn more about ancient societies. By exploring these areas, we can better understand the evolution of the human body, mind, and ideas over time.

In this programme, you will have the chance to develop a wide range of skills across different areas of study. You will learn archaeological methods that help you examine and interpret the human past. This includes using modern technology and techniques to study ancient DNA and artefacts. You will also take part in field research, which will give you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings.

By the end of the course, you will have a deeper understanding of archaeology and the human past. You will be well-equipped with the skills needed to explore how people lived and how their lives have influenced the world we know today. This programme prepares you for a future in archaeology and related fields, opening doors to further study and a range of exciting careers.