Archaeology and History BA (Hons)

Archaeology and History is the perfect course combination if you find yourself fascinated by the human past and all its intrinsic diversity. On this degree course you will study the richness of our past and of our heritage, from the hunter-gatherers of Ice Age Europe right through to the inhabitants of early modern cities. The study of Archaeology and History is important because it helps us understand how past events and societies have shaped the world that we live in today. By learning about the struggles, innovations, and cultures of people from different times, you will gain a deeper perspective on current issues such as politics, identity, and justice, whilst uncovering physical traces of the past that will connect you to human stories that might otherwise be forgotten.

Studying Archaeology and History at Chester offers you a unique combination of hands-on experience and academic depth, delivered within a close-knit and highly supportive learning community. Analysing human remains and environmental samples in our on-site lab, recording artefacts in the Anna Sutton Annex, rooting through Cheshire archives, immersing yourself in state-of-the-art digital technology, handling objects at the Grosvenor Museum or getting your hands dirty during a dig, you will constantly find yourself bringing your studies to life.

From day one, you will discover what life was like for past societies and learn the techniques and approaches that we use to study them. You will study over a thousand years of local, national and international history, covering themes such as race, ethnicity, leisure, the landscape, war, conflict and social change. By challenging existing narratives about the past, you will think critically about how and why things have developed, and you will build exceptional employability skills. Through exploring the past, you will open the gateway to your future.

The BA Archaeology and History course is delivered through a series of core modules that bring together the perspectives that each discipline provides to the study of the human past and its relevance to the world we live in today. As well as lectures and seminars, these modules employ applied teaching and learning methods, that can include laboratory work, fieldtrips, artefact analysis, computer workshops, and the option to undertake archaeological fieldwork. This method of teaching builds confidence and a sense of community, and together with career support, which is embedded in modules at all levels, equips students with a suite of skills that are highly sought after by employers and relevant regardless of the students intended career path. 

At Level 4, students are introduced to the major themes in the study of the human past, from both an historical and archaeological perspective, and the methods both disciplines employ to interpret the evidence for past societies. Students also learn about the archaeology and history of Britain and Ireland, within its European context.  

At Level 5, students develop more advanced skills in archaeological and historical methods while also specialising in particular periods of the past. Students will also deal with more complex issues regarding the way we interpret the material and documentary evidence of the past.  

At Level 6, students have the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they have learned to an original piece of archaeological or historical research as they undertake their dissertation. They can also choose between core modules in Archaeology and History, allowing them to specialise in one of the disciplines.   

Students can also choose between some of the Archaeology and History modules. This includes the option to take the  

Archaeology Field School module at Level 4, and to choose between the Archaeology Training Excavation and the History equivalent as part of the Work-Based Learning module at Level 5. At Level 6, students can choose between optional modules in both subject areas, allowing them to specialise in particular periods of the past. 

An optional Archaeology Year in Industry module, where students work on placements with archaeological and heritage organisations within the region, is also available. This extends the course to a 4-year degree. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.