Architectural History and Archaeology

Architectural history and archaeology examines the built environment as a historical and cultural document, investigating how buildings and cities have been designed, constructed, understood and used across different periods and civilisations. Architectural history asks what buildings meant to those who made and used them, how architectural ideas have developed and changed, and how the physical fabric of the built environment encodes cultural, political and social values. Archaeology provides the material methods for investigating structures, settlements and landscapes, extending the scope of enquiry well beyond what written sources alone can tell us.

The University of Edinburgh offers this four-year full-time programme with a year abroad, drawing on Edinburgh's exceptional academic environment in both architectural history and archaeology. Edinburgh itself is an outstanding laboratory for architectural historical study, with a built environment that spans medieval, Georgian, Victorian and modern periods and an outstanding collection of historic buildings. The programme develops rigorous analytical skills in the study of buildings and their contexts, combining close observation with historical research, documentary analysis and, through the archaeology component, fieldwork and material culture investigation.

A year abroad gives you the opportunity to study buildings and archaeological sites in a different national context, extending your comparative and analytical perspective.

The degree develops visual and spatial analysis, historical research skills, the ability to engage with buildings as primary sources, and the writing and communication skills needed to convey architectural historical argument clearly.

Graduates pursue careers in architectural conservation and heritage management, museum and gallery curatorship, historic environment bodies such as Historic Environment Scotland, planning and development management, architectural journalism and criticism, academia and architectural practice. Postgraduate study in architectural history, conservation, archaeology or related fields is well supported by the analytical and research foundations the degree provides.