Archaeology

Archaeology is the study of human history and prehistory through the examination of material remains: the objects, structures, landscapes, and organic materials that people left behind. It is a discipline that requires both rigorous scientific method and humanistic interpretation, combining fieldwork and laboratory analysis with the theoretical frameworks needed to make sense of what the evidence reveals about past societies. Archaeology gives a voice to the vast majority of human history that existed before writing, and it continues to transform our understanding of even the most recent and well-documented periods.

This three-year full-time programme at Newcastle University includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and a work placement, making it one of the most professionally and internationally engaged archaeology degrees available. Newcastle is exceptionally well placed for archaeology, situated in a region rich in prehistoric, Roman, and medieval remains, including Hadrian's Wall, and with close connections to archaeological fieldwork organisations and heritage bodies in the North East. You will develop skills in excavation, field survey, geophysical survey, artefact analysis, environmental sampling, and the analysis of digital and spatial data, alongside the theoretical and historical frameworks that contextualise what you find.

The sandwich year and placement give you professional fieldwork or heritage experience, while the year abroad takes your studies to archaeological contexts in another country.

Archaeology graduates pursue careers in heritage and cultural resource management, archaeological fieldwork and contracting, museums and galleries, historic environment consultancy, education, and academic research. Many work for commercial archaeological units, local authorities, Historic England and its equivalents, and heritage organisations. Postgraduate study in archaeology, heritage management, or archaeological science is a common route for those who want to specialise or move into research.

The field and analytical skills developed in this programme are also valued in environmental science, geoarchaeology, and landscape management.