Archaeology and History

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

**Ranked 4th in the UK for Archaeology and Anthropology, Guardian 2024. Anthropology and Archaeology at Aberdeen is ranked 6th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2023. History teaching rated ‘Highly Satisfactory’ in the last national quality assessment and student satisfaction of 95%.**