University of Exeter United Kingdom

BA History and Archaeology

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

Embark on a compelling exploration of the past with the BA History and Archaeology degree at the University of Exeter. This programme is designed for inquisitive minds eager to understand the forces that have shaped human societies, from ancient civilizations to the modern era. You will delve into critical historical debates, develop a nuanced understanding of archaeological methodologies, and learn to interpret diverse forms of evidence. By examining topics like world archaeology, historical methods, and the complexities of different historical periods, you will build a robust foundation for understanding our shared human story.

This full-time, on-campus undergraduate degree is studied over three years, offering a dynamic learning experience. You will engage with compulsory modules in both history and archaeology, alongside a wide array of optional units that allow you to specialise in areas such as medieval history, modern history, or specific archaeological techniques like fieldwork or forensic anthropology. In your final year, you will have the opportunity to complete a significant dissertation, applying your research skills to a topic of your choice. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in heritage, museums, archives, research, and further academic study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA History and Archaeology program offers a comprehensive exploration of the past, blending historical inquiry with archaeological methods. Students will engage with global archaeological themes, essential research techniques, and foundational historical periods. The curriculum provides opportunities to delve into diverse historical eras and regions, from medieval and early modern Europe to modern global dynamics, alongside specialized archaeological topics like Islamic archaeology and heritage studies. Advanced study includes practical fieldwork, specialized archaeological sub-disciplines, and a significant dissertation project.

1 Year 1

Themes in World Archaeology Compulsory
Essential Archaeological Methods Compulsory
Becoming a Historian: Core Compulsory
Understanding Medieval and Early Modern History [See note a above] Compulsory
Understanding Modern History [See note a above] Compulsory
Archaeology and Heritage: Past and Futures Optional
Introduction to Islamic Archaeology Optional
Britain, America, and the Global Order, 1846-1946 Optional
Body, Border, Partition: Understanding Violence in South Asia Optional
Confinement, Care, Cure: Psychiatric Institutions in the Twentieth Century Optional
Early Modern Magic and Witchcraft Optional
Environment and Industry, 1750-1950: Global Perspectives Optional
Gender and Sexuality in the Middle Ages Optional
Images of Stalinism Optional
Ladies of the Night: Prostitution in the Victorian World Optional
JFK Optional
Losing an Empire, Finding a Role: Britain Since 1945 Optional
Murder in Early Modern England Optional
From Wigan Pier to Piccadilly: Britain between the Wars Optional
The Viking Phenomenon Optional
The First Day of the Somme Optional
The History of Strategic Thinking Optional
The Good War? The United States in World War II Optional
Renaissance Florence 1350-1550 Optional

2 Year 2

Archaeological Fieldwork Project [See note d above] Compulsory
Archaeological Fieldschool [See note d above] Compulsory
Regions and Empires in Islamic Archaeology Optional
Lords to Lepers: Medieval Social Worlds Optional
Giving and Taking: Anthropology and Archaeology of Circulation and Exchange Optional
Discovering the Past with Molecular Science Optional
Palaeolithic Archaeology of Homo Sapiens 100,000-12,000 BP Optional
Trading Places, Towns, Royal Palaces and Fortifications: Early Medieval Centres in Europe Optional
Understanding the Landscape of Roman Britain Optional
Zooarchaeology Optional
Palaeobotany Optional
Aerial Survey Optional
Forensic Anthropology Optional
Albion's Fatal Tree: Capital Punishment in England, 1688-1965 Optional
American Frontiers: The West in U.S. History and Mythology Optional
The First Welfare State? England's Poor Law, 1520-1835 Optional
Living Through the Global: Colonial Migrants and the British Empire from the Eighteenth Century to the Present Optional
Inventing Modern Man: Constructions of Mind, Body, and the Individual, 1400-1800 Optional
History of Development: Ideologies, Politics, and Projects Optional
Spain from Absolutism to Democracy Optional
Medieval Paris Optional
The Russian Empire, 1689-1917 Optional
Religion, Society and Culture in Tudor England Optional
Slavery, Revolution, Independence: Saint-Domingue and Haiti, 1685-1838 Optional
Rise and Demise of Communism in Global Perspective Optional
The Other Renaissance: Religion, Knowledge, and Power in the Twelfth Century Optional
An Age of Iron? Europe in the Tenth Century Optional
Philip Augustus and the Making of France, 1180-1223 Optional
Europe in the Era of the Great War, 1908-1923: Crisis, Conflict and Collapse Optional

3 With Study Abroad

Year Abroad Compulsory

4 With Employment Experience

Employment Experience UK Compulsory

5 With Employment Experience Abroad

Employment Experience UK Compulsory

6 Final year

Archaeological Dissertation Compulsory
General Third-Year Dissertation Compulsory
Research Project Dissertation Compulsory

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 101,174.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Streatham Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationBorder Control & Immigration EnforcementCybersecurityEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEmergency Services & Disaster ResponseHardware & Semiconductor EngineeringHigher Education & UniversitiesIntelligence & InvestigationsLive Events & ConcertsSecondary & High School Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

EXPOSE

University of Exeter

Why Study BA History and Archaeology at University of Exeter

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Exeter in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA History and Archaeology at University of Exeter

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time for degree courses. Full-time work is permitted during breaks, with no separate work permit needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, you can meet requirements through various tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. For instance, a Duolingo overall score of 120, or an IELTS overall score of 6.5 is needed.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as heritage managers, museum curators, archaeologists, or researchers.

What will I actually study in this course?

This degree offers an engaging exploration of human societies through critical historical debates and archaeological methodologies. Students will study topics such as world archaeology and historical methods, culminating in a dissertation in their final year.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA History and Archaeology program at the University of Exeter has an intake in September. Make sure to apply in advance to secure your place.
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