Archaeology and History Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

From the first hunter-gatherers to the rise of modern societies, this Archaeology and History degree offers a unique blend of studying the past through not just texts and images but also material remains.

You will explore the broadest range of periods through complementary disciplines. By combining the scientific study of material remains with historical research, writing and debate, you will cover the key ways in which we study the past. You will also deepen your knowledge of history through theory and practice, covering a range of periods from the Palaeolithic to the recent past.

The geographic scope of this degree stretches from Britain to the Far East and North America, covering themes such as race, rights and propaganda and historical periods such as the Middle Ages. You’ll also cover topics like evolution and culture through the study of bones, and dive into personal histories via letters. Practical fieldwork and archaeological research in the UK and abroad, as well as visits to archaeological sites and museums, will complement your academic studies.

As a joint honours student, you'll benefit from the diverse skills and assessment methods of both disciplines.

Placements, internships and volunteering

* Get practical and professional experience in our [on-campus Nottingham museum](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/library/museum/index.aspx "Nottingham museum overview") ()

* Gain hands-on experience by volunteering annually through the [Schools Volunteering Project](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/humanities/departments/history/schools-and-community/schools-volunteering-project.aspx "Work experience in schools") (), delivering history lessons and after-school clubs in Nottingham’s primary and secondary schools

* Opt to take part in 10 days of [archaeological fieldwork](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/articles/explore-more-articles/art/archaeology-fieldwork.html "Practical experience of archaeology in the field") (), gaining real-world experience while balancing both theory and practice

* 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

Why choose this course?

Course highlights

* You will have access to [six specialist teaching and research laboratories](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/humanities/departments/classics-and-archaeology/facilities/facilities.aspx "Overview of archaeolgy labs") () and our [Manuscripts and Special Collections](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/manuscriptsandspecialcollections/ "Manuscripts and Special Collections homepage") () to support your studies.

* Enjoy the freedom to explore - after an introductory first year, deepen your knowledge and discover new interests across a wide range of modules, studying themes from human prehistory to the present day.

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

Proven results

* We’re ranked 9th in the UK for archaeology in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026 and 13th in the Complete University Guide 2026.

* The average starting salary for classics and archaeology undergraduates within 15 months of graduation was £27,074 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).