Archaeology

UCAS code: V400

Here's what University of Nottingham says about its Archaeology course.

We are constantly making new discoveries that change our understanding of past human societies.

At Nottingham, archaeology covers the human story from prehistory to the development of the modern world. Using your foundation knowledge from year one, you will select specialist modules such as human bones or medieval castles to complete your degree.

On this course, you will complete 20 days of archaeological fieldwork. This includes taking part in an approved excavation project, or a related placement, in the UK or overseas.

In the core module, 'Communicating the Past' you will consider how best to present heritage to the public, working in groups to create an interactive activity based on your studies. Recent project titles have included:

• Europe’s Ice Age Hunter-Gatherers – museum exhibition design

• Hadrian’s Wall – an Archaeology Escape Room experience

• HMS Royal George – a digital shipwreck tour

• Seeking out Nottingham’s Past – an Archaeology puzzle game

• Travel the Apennine Way – Roman Board Game

We work closely with the British Geological Survey and the University Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, and offer artefact-handling sessions and educational projects at the on-campus University Museum.

Throughout the course, you will gain an understanding of archaeological theory and practice, and a broad view of human culture from around the world. You can also take subsidiary modules from other departments – such as history, philosophy or history of art – or study a language.

Our first-year core modules are designed as an introduction. Even if you haven’t studied archaeology before, we’ll build everyone's knowledge to the same level, so you can progress through to year two.

You will take 120 credits of modules each year.

In year one, you will cover the general principles and scientific methods of archaeology. You will also study some of the key aspects and periods. You will choose from a range of optional modules, some of which include elements of ancient history and classical civilisations. You may also choose from a range of complementary modules in other subjects.

You’ll have at least 12 hours of timetabled contact a week through lectures, seminars and tutorials.

You must pass year one, but it does not count towards your final degree classification.

On this course, you are required to complete 20 days of archaeological fieldwork or other professional experience.

In year two, you will study our core 'Communicating the Past' and 'Archaeology: Theory and Practice' modules. You will explore a range of thematic and period-based optional modules, as well as those with practical components. You may also choose from a range of complementary modules in other subjects.

You’ll have at least 10 hours of timetabled contact a week through lectures, seminars and tutorials.

You must pass year two, which counts as 33% towards your final degree classification.

In year three, you will undertake your own research project and dissertation. You will also choose 60-80 credits of archaeology modules covering a wide array of archaeological topics and periods from prehistory to the medieval world. Some modules include elements of ancient history and classical civilisations. Further options can be taken from a range of complementary modules in other subjects.

You’ll have at least eight hours of timetabled contact a week through lectures, seminars and tutorials.

You must pass year three, which counts as 67% towards your final degree classification.