Archaeology and History

UCAS code: FV41

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

Archaeology and History are perfectly matched subjects and ideal for students who have an interest in the past. Combining the subjects allows you to develop a far stronger understanding key areas that interest you specifically. Archaeology is a diverse and wide-ranging discipline that spans the humanities and physical sciences and is unique in exploring the human past in its entirety. In seeking to understand how ancient people lived their lives, structured their world, and engaged with their environment, archaelogists ask the big questions that can provide us with the tools to tackle global challenges in the present.

Archaeology is a subject that actively shapes our understanding of human development through fieldwork and discovery, and a degree at Aberdeen will provide you with the skills to work in archaeology or a range of other professions. Aberdeen is set amongst some of the richest archaeological remains in the UK and opportunities will be available to experience and get involved in discovering more about this resource and our shared human past.

Aberdeen historians have expertise in areas as diverse as medieval Scandinavia, early-modern Poland and modern East Asia. The department fosters individual and collaborative scholarly endeavour, and the work of its members forms four concentrations of research activity:

• Irish and Scottish Studies

• Scandinavian Studies

• Late Medieval and Early Modern Studies

• The History of Global Empires

Anthropology and Archaeology at Aberdeen is ranked 3rd in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2025. Aberdeen is ranked 1st in the UK for Overall Student Satisfaction in Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, with a positivity measure of 97% in the 2024 National Student Survey

View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.

The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability.

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.