Birkbeck, University of London

HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY (BA)

Our BA History and Archaeology will equip you to study the past through both texts and objects. This course teaches you how to use a range of evidence - from prehistoric pottery to Greek sculpture, and Roman coins to medieval manuscripts - to explore the past. You will gain practical archaeological experience by participating in a fieldschool, and acquire critical and analytical skills by studying and comparing data and methods from the two disciplines of history and archaeology.

This course tackles big historical questions, exploring people’s lives in different times and places and the ways in which the past continues to shape our future. You will learn to combine written sources and archaeological data to gain insight into periods of your choice, ranging from the ancient Mediterranean to early modern Europe. In addition to lectures and seminars, you will receive practical training in archaeological fieldwork and artefact-handling sessions.

This course is ideal if you have a keen interest in understanding human experiences and thoughts in the changing historical contexts of society and culture. We encourage you to draw on texts, images and material sources to question accepted interpretations, engage in fruitful debate, and present your own explanations.