Archaeology

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.