Archaeology and History

UCAS code: VV14

Here's what Cardiff University says about its Archaeology and History course.

Immerse yourself in the study of the remains of past societies, from the tiny objects worn on the body and monumental complexes to twentieth-century propaganda.

By combining Archaeology and History, you will gain a wealth of transferable skills and knowledge, and creative, critical and employability skills that are of crucial importance in an increasingly competitive jobs market, which opened the doors to a variety of career paths. The time spent on each subject is equally shared, allowing you to study the human past through material, written and visual evidence.

Building on your passions and curiosity, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise in the study of the periods and regions which interest you, ranging from the prehistoric to the twentieth century.

The modules in History develop your knowledge and critical understanding of the political, social, economic, and cultural structures of past societies. Our expertise reaches an extraordinary breadth of societies, periods and places, spanning the British Isles, Europe (east and west), Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Our modules give you the opportunity to study both well-established areas, such as political, social, cultural and gender history, or explore areas that might be new to you, such as environmental history or digital history.

In Archaeology, you will have the opportunity to develop practical and professional skills through a 4 week placement in Year Two. You will be introduced to the archaeology of Britain and the Mediterranean and have the opportunity to pursue specialist study in these areas. The programme also offers opportunities to develop proficiency in a range of archaeological skills.

Criss-crossing this wide range of time spans and perspectives, our highly respected programme will cultivate intellectual skills such as the ability to assess different forms of evidence critically, to evaluate different interpretations of the evidence, to construct arguments on the basis of evidence, and to express opinions cogently in speech and in writing. Through our degree you will develop the skills so advantageous in our digital age: creativity, empathy, critical thinking, persuasive communication skills and the ability to challenge and question.

Distinctive Features of the Programme

Tailored to you Develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the regions, periods and themes which interest you, whilst placing this knowledge into the bigger picture.

Global Relevance Take modules with a wide global coverage and chronological depth which speak to world issues from social inequality and community belonging to the environment and inclusion

Established networks Benefit from strong links with local, national and international heritage organisations.

Practical expertise Hands-on sessions and fieldtrips allowing you to develop key skills in working with archaeological materials.

Study abroad The option to extend to a four-year programme in which you’ll spend Year Three studying abroad at one of our partner institutions.