COURSE OVERVIEW
*Subject to revalidation
- Survey a wide range of periods and cultures from the earliest humans to the industrial and post-industrial age
- Learn from expert tutors and their cutting-edge research
- Join a student-led history society on trips to sites of historical interest and talks by major historians
- Study in a beautiful city and explore the rich archaeological history of Winchester and Wessex
- Archaeology achieved 100% overall satisfaction as rated by final-year undergraduate students in the 2017 National Student Survey
Do you want to dig deeper into the past to gain new groundbreaking 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 On this fascinating hands-on degree you combine the study of both historical documents and archaeological remains in a quest for missing pieces of the historical canvas.
Our committed team of historians and archaeologists are passionate about their subjects, which cover a broad range of cultures, wars and traditions. They will help you to mine the past seeking answers to pressing questions from the prehistoric to the modern period in Britain, mainland Europe, the Caribbean, USA and Japan.
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 choose from a range of optional modules to gain an insight into a variety of historical periods and cultures.
Building on a 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 and knowledge in preparation for Year 3.
In Year 3, you cover topics more intensively and carry out an independent piece of research on a subject of your choice in either archaeology or history.
As part of the course, there are opportunities for you to visit archaeological sites and get involved in departmental research, which allows you to work in new laboratories and use a range of specialist surveying equipment.
You are required to attend a two-week period of archaeological fieldwork during the first summer vacation, which can be on any of the department’s projects. In recent years these have included projects in Hampshire and the South West, as well as international research projects in Barbados, Georgia, Belgium, Germany and Greece.
It is the complementary, yet different, nature of these disciplines that makes this degree so challenging and exciting. It gives you excellent research, analysis and creative presentation skills and demonstrates that you can work collaboratively.
Our graduates enter a wide variety of careers in field archaeology, teaching, archival work, and government and heritage organisations. Others find work in the arts, retail, marketing and media.
Find out more about the Department for History
Careers
Graduates have entered careers in teaching, archives, field archaeology or museums.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
University of Winchester students studying Bachelor Honours degrees are pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible students must apply by the end of March in their final year and meet the entry requirements of their chosen Masters degree.
*Subject to revalidation
This course is subject to revalidation. 'Revalidation' is the process by which the University refreshes its existing provision. Revalidation assesses the quality and standards of the programme to ensure it continues to provide a distinct, high quality academic experience for students, enabling them to acquire the necessary academic knowledge, understanding, general and subject-specific skills required to pursue a graduate level career.
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Suitable for applicants from:
UK, EU, World
Field Trips
Field work: Students are required to attend a two week period of archaeological fieldwork during the first summer vacation, which can be on any of the department's projects. In recent years these have included local/regional projects in Hampshire and the South West, as well as international research projects in Barbados, Georgia, Belgium, Germany and Greece. Combined Honours students are able to undertake a Volunteering placement module in Year 2, and may, if they wish, opt to study the History Field Trip module, which provides the opportunity to visit a location outside the UK for a short period of intensive study. Both placements and field trips are optional.
Learning and Teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc.), you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 204 hours
- Independent learning: 996 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
- Independent learning: 912 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 120 hours
- Independent learning: 1080 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessments
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
- 46% coursework
- 38% written exams
- 16% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
- 76% coursework
- 19% written exams
- 5% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
- 81% coursework
- 13% written exams
- 6% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2023 Entry: 96-112 UCAS tariff points
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: CCC-BBC from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: MMM-DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Pass (C or above on the core) in a T Level
In addition to the above, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
- GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
Course Enquiries and Applications
Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
International Students
International students seeking additional information about this programme can send an email to International@winchester.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1962 827023
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester by coming to one of our Open Days
Year 1 (Level 4)
Modules Credits
| Case Studies I: Sources and Approaches in History | 15 | |
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This module introduces students to the core skills required to study history successfully at degree level. History makes sense of the past by analysing surviving evidence. Such evidence is either secondary, which requires in-depth critical reading, or primary or original, which demands critical contextualisation and analysis. All such evidence has uses to the historian, not necessarily obvious, and all contains partiality, which historians are trained to overcome. Working in small groups with one staff member per group, there will be a balance between developing awareness of these overarching core skills (such as conducting research and mastering referencing conventions) and a case study where students work on academic reading connected to a particular topic. This intensive small group environment will help students adjust to the university environment and provide a venue for delivering other transitional and transferrable skills. |
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| Case Studies II: Independent Study Project | 15 | |
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This module builds upon Sources & Approaches in History, further developing students’ skills as independent researchers, and giving students an opportunity to do research of a critical nature, using both primary and secondary sources. Continuing to work in the same Case Study groups as, and on a related topic to, Sources & Approaches, students undertake an individual research project, on a topic negotiated with a tutor. In addition, there will be an element of group work as students combine their individual findings, presenting on a subtopic of the module’s overarching theme. As this module concentrates upon developing skills there is an emphasis on training for future employment. Students will be expected to engage with careers service activities in semester 2 and to report their activities in a reflective blog. |
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| Introduction to Archaeology | 15 | |
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This module forms an introduction to the principles and methods upon which the study of archaeology is based. No prior knowledge of the subject is assumed or expected. The philosophical distinctiveness of the subject is outlined, and the various sub-divisions within archaeology (e.g. environmental archaeology, experimental archaeology) are examined. This leads on to an assessment of the methods of establishing chronological sequences in archaeology, and an overview of the methods to be examined in more detail in later modules. These thematic lectures are buttressed by the use of sessions looking at case studies of recent research projects within the Department in order to help draw together and assist understanding of the key themes. Parallel study skills sessions alongside this lecture series allow you to develop quickly the key skills needed in an HE environment. |
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| World Prehistory | 15 | |
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This module provides an introduction to the development of humans from hominid origins to the development of written forms of communication. Therefore, although the module has a single chronological starting point (c 7.5 my BP), it has a variable end point depending upon the part of the world under discussion. The module addresses the main stages of human evolution and development, starting with the separation from the Honinidae (the human family) from the Pongidae (the apes), the transition from Australopithecines to Homo and eventually to modern humans, and covering the origins and development of crucial human processes such as technology, social systems, art, farming and urbanisation. The significance of the independent invention of key developments (such as agriculture) in different parts of the world will be stressed. By these means, the student will gain a greater awareness of the main sequences of human development on a world scale, be able to better appreciate the 'time lines' of the prehistoric periods and will understand how the prehistory of the British Isles is a connected sub-set of that of both continental Europe and the world as a whole. |
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| The Archaeology of the Historic Period | 15 | |
| Introduction to Archaeological Fieldwork | 15 | |
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This module introduces students to the range of fieldwork techniques available to archaeologists and explores their various strengths and weaknesses. It outlines how each technique works and provides a guide to their appropriate use. The first part of the module comprises a series of lectures that introduce each technique and the equipment used. The second half of the module provides an opportunity for introductory training on equipment used by the Archaeology Department at a local archaeological site. |
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| Optional Modules | ||
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Students will choose one introductory module listed below:
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Year 2 (Level 5)
Modules Credits
| Reading History | 15 | |
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Reading History provides an overview of ‘doing History’ from the Classical period onwards. It examines the ideas that have underpinned historical research and writing, from Herodotus to Post-Modernity, as well as recent theories of history (many of which have been drawn from other disciplines and including post-colonialism, gender and identity, spatial theory) as they have been used by historians. It provides students with an opportunity to think reflexively about the nature of the historical enterprise. Students are encouraged to link their studies in Reading History with their other second-year modules. This module principally examines the ways in which British historians have worked from the early medieval period to c.2000. It investigates the influences which shaped their approaches (including, e.g., the work of foreign scholars such as Leopold von Ranke and the historians of the French Annales School). It also investigates theories of history – e.g. Marxist ideas. It emphasizes the expansion of historical interests and the methodologies which have permitted fresh areas of study in the last thirty years and looks at the current practice of history. |
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| Excavation | 15 | |
| Thinking Through Theory | 15 | |
| Research Methods | 15 | |
| Optional Modules | ||
Students must chose two Option A modules from a choice of:
Students must choose one Option B module from a choice of:
Volunteering, Placement and Field Trip options are available in place of one Option A module |
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Year 3 (Level 6)
Modules Credits
| Dissertation in History OR Extended Independent Study in Archaeology | 30 | |
| Writing History | 15 | |
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This module is taught through small seminar groups only. In these groups, students will be able to explore the nature of historical research and historical debate through reflection on their own dissertation and the sharing of best practice with other students. It will allow a more supportive learning environment whilst ensuring a more active engagement with individual research. |
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| Optional Modules | ||
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Other optional modules include:
Depth Study paired module from a choice of:
One Comparative Study module (if Dissertation is in Archaeology) from a choice of:
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Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions.
The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above.
Progression from one level of the programme to the next is subject to meeting the University’s academic regulations.
2023 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Total | £27,750 | £44,100 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,385 | £1,440 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £29,135 | £45,540 |
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2023, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
Remember, you don't have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year. If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £122.50 and a 15 credit module is £1,837.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year. To find out whether this course offers a sandwich year, please contact the programme leader for further information.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
Additional Costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Optional
Field trip: Students will have the option to participate in a week-long Archaeology field trip module in their second year of study. Indicative cost is £150.
Field trip: Students will have the option to participate in a week-long History field trip in their second year of study. Indicative costs will vary depending on location - £300 - £700.
Placement: Students will have the option to undertake a History Volunteering Placement in their second year of study. This will normally consist of 12 visits, and additional costs for travel will need to be covered by the student. Cost £0 - £300.
Mandatory
Excavation: Students are required to undertake two weeks compulsory fieldwork, which takes place over the summer after Year 1. Students opt to do the fieldwork at one of the Department's research/ training projects. Local projects have no direct costs for student participants. Students who opt to join department-approved research projects elsewhere, either regionally or internationally, may have to cover project-specific costs. At the highest end of this spectrum are the projects in Barbados (£1200 for two weeks); and Georgia (£1500 for four weeks) where the costs include flights, food and accommodation for the duration of the project.
Printing and Binding: The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.
Course Specific Bursaries/Scholarships
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.
Key course details
- UCAS code
- FV41
- Duration
- 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
- Typical offer
- 96-112 points
- Location
- On campus, Winchester
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