BA (Hons) History and Archaeology University of Winchester

Program Description

Do you want to dig deeper into the past to gain new ground-breaking insights? On this fascinating hands-on degree you combine the study of both historical documents and archaeological remains in a quest for missing pieces of the historical canvas. This dynamic, multi-disciplinary course encourages you to critically evaluate historical sources and archaeological information and assess their value to our understanding of the past. In Year 1, you examine the theory and practice of archaeology, including an introduction to fieldwork. You study the archaeology of the historic and prehistoric periods; the methods and nature of history as a discipline in small groups, and gain an insight into a variety of historical periods and cultures. You will visit historical and archaeological sites and museums as part of your modules. ‘Building on the firm foundation laid in the first year, in Year 2, you may choose to focus your studies on a range of historical themes or societies, while also studying the archaeology of one or more European archaeological periods. You develop an understanding of research skills, theoretical approaches, and knowledge in preparation for Year 3. Year 2 periods covered may include late prehistoric Europe, the Greek world, Roman to Medieval Britain, classical Rome, the Vikings, Muslim Iberia, the Hundred Years War, the golden age of Spain, the Victorians, and the Nazis; themes may include the anthropology and archaeology of death, the archaeology of religion, the Crusades, or slavery; technical modules include human bioarchaeology; there are also fieldtrip modules in both history and archaeology. In Year 3, you will undertake a dissertation which may include both archaeological and historical evidence. Public Archaeology and Careers is concerned with the wider role of heritage and archaeology in the world and how graduates fit in to it. In Puzzling the Past you will consider archaeological debates. Other Year 3 modules may include the Celts, gladiators and the Roman games, Alfred the Great, the English Civil War, battlefield archaeology, Minoans and Mycenaeans, the USA, and Japan. Comparative studies may cover topics such as witchcraft, chivalry, computer games, medieval warfare, communism, war crimes and the classical world on film.

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