BA History and Archaeology
| UCAS code | VV16 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | 1A84 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | VV18 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
Why study BA History and Archaeology at Exeter?
- Study world history to its full: explore vital topics such as gender, race and global imperialism, navigate diverse geographical regions, and traverse 1,500 years of history, from the fall of the Roman Empire through to the post-Communist era
- Learn important techniques and skills archaeologists use to engage with the past. Tailor your degree to your areas of interest, such as exploring specific historical periods of cultures, or examining human bones and artefacts
- Exeter is a city bursting with history and heritage that offers museums, art galleries and a wide range of historical architecture. The University Library has extensive historical holdings and collections
- Our research centres, which cover areas including Medical History and Medieval Studies, are a focus for interdisciplinary research activity across the institution and have significant international reputations
- The Student-Staff Liaison Committee provides an opportunity to communicate your views and influence, change and shape your degree. The student-run History Society organises guest speakers, trips and social events
We are 6th in the UK for research in History
Based on our GPA in REF 2021
Top 100 in world subject rankings for History
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
Applied experience and fieldwork opportunities in the UK and abroad
Top 50 in world subject rankings for Archaeology
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the University of Exeter where I have studied History and Archaeology. Each academic year has been both challenging and interesting, enabling me to develop on skills and knowledge that I have acquired from the previous modules from Year 1 to Year 3.
In every module the Lecturers and Tutors have taught with great enthusiasm and have always ensured that their lectures are engaging and encourage debate. As a joint honours student, History has aided me greatly in my other discipline, Archaeology. Namely, by providing historical context to my Archaeology modules especially the medieval period. Moreover, it has been most advantageous in helping me in approaching and analysing textual sources alongside the physical primary evidence that Archaeology utilizes.
Giulia
BA History and Archaeology
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | ABB | N/A |
| IB | 32/655 | N/A |
| BTEC | DDM | N/A |
| GCSE | 4 or C | English Language |
| Access to HE | 24 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B1. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
The History and Archaeology degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
Depending on your programme you can take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.
You may notice changes to some of our modules over the coming months. This is because we are making space for the following:
- Minors: Future Skills Pathways - Alongside your main degree you may be eligible (depending on your course) to choose modules from another subject to broaden your skills and interests.
- Skills to Thrive built into every degree - Essential skills for your future, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and digital confidence.
- Increased innovation and wellbeing - More room for creative learning, real-world projects and a healthier study rhythm.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Students take
45 credits of compulsory Archaeology modules
From Archaeology Choice - Choose AT LEAST ONE OF Evolution to Empire or Medieval Society to Globalisation,
45 credits of compulsory History modules,
From History Choice - You must select HIH1421 Understanding Medieval and Early Modern History OR HIH1422 Understanding Modern History.
15 credits of optional Archaeology modules, and 15 credits of optional History modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Archaeology Compulsory Choice | ||
| Medieval Society to Globalisation | 15 | |
| Evolution to Empire | 15 | |
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Archaeological Fieldschool | 15 | |
| Investigating Archaeology | 15 | |
| Becoming a Historian: Core | 15 | |
| History Compulsory Choice | ||
| Understanding Medieval and Early Modern History | 30 | |
| Understanding Modern History | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Introduction to Islamic Archaeology | 15 | |
| Forensic Archaeology | 15 | |
| Artefacts and Materials | 15 | |
| Optional 1 | ||
| Climate Emergency! An Introduction to Environmental Arts and Humanities | 15 | |
| Sources and Skills: Modern | 15 | |
| Sources and Skills: Early Modern | 15 | |
| Sources and Skills: Medieval | 15 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Students take 30 compulsory Archaeology credits and 30 optional Archaeology credits.
History Route A - 2 History option modules. Archaeology Dissertation in final stage
History Route B - HIH2002 Uses of the Past + 1 other History option. Archaeology Dissertation in final stage
History Route C - HIH2237 Doing History in the Digital Age + 1 other History option. History Dissertation in final stage
History Route D - HIH2237 Doing History in the Digital Age + HIH2002 Uses of the Past. History Dissertation in final stage
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Research in Archaeology | 15 | |
| Compulsory 2 | ||
| Archaeological Fieldwork Project | 30 | |
| Archaeological Fieldschool | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Monumental changes: Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Britain and Ireland | 15 | |
| Archaeology of the Americas | 15 | |
| The Archaeology and Ethnography of Hunter-Gatherers | 15 | |
| Analysing Artefacts and Materials | 15 | |
| Lords to Lepers: Medieval Social Worlds | 15 | |
| Things and Us: Ancient and Contemporary Material Culture | 15 | |
| Brooches, Beads, Swords and Shields: Early Medieval Material Culture | 15 | |
| Sustainability and Collapse in Past Societies | 15 | |
| Discovering the Past with Molecular Science | 15 | |
| Palaeolithic Archaeology of Homo Sapiens 100,000-12,000 BP | 15 | |
| Trading Places, Towns, Royal Palaces and Fortifications: Early Medieval Centres in Europe | 15 | |
| Understanding the Landscape of Roman Britain | 15 | |
| Understanding the Landscape of Medieval Britain | 15 | |
| Medieval Castles in Context | 15 | |
| Romanisation: Interaction, Conquest and Change in Late Iron Age and Roman Dacia | 15 | |
| Zooarchaeology | 15 | |
| Palaeobotany | 15 | |
| Aerial Survey | 15 | |
| Forensic Anthropology | 15 | |
| Human Origins and Evolution: the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic | 15 | |
| History (Combined Honours) Optional Route A | ||
| Adventures in Environmental Arts and Humanities | 30 | |
| Forgetting Fascism, Remembering Communism: Memory in Modern Europe | 30 | |
| Deviants and Dissenters in Early Modern England | 30 | |
| Rebellion! Uprisings in England and France, 1173-1569 | 30 | |
| From Gallows to ASBOs: Crime, Punishment, and Society in Britain and Ireland | 30 | |
| Strategy and Success in the Second World War | 30 | |
| Vikings and Other Invaders: Europe under Siege in in the Tenth Century | 30 | |
| Beyond Bridgerton: A Peoples' History of Britain, 1688-1834 | 30 | |
| Atlantic History, 1500-1850: Communities, Identity and Empire | 30 | |
| Creating an American Empire: From Westward Expansion to Colonial Empire | 30 | |
| Hunger Games: Poverty, Famine, and Environment | 30 | |
| Russia’s Empires: Societies, Peoples and Cultures | 30 | |
| Beyond the Tudors: Europe’s Worldview Transformed c.1500-1600 | 30 | |
| History (Combined Honours) Optional Route B | ||
| Adventures in Environmental Arts and Humanities | 30 | |
| Uses of the Past | 30 | |
| Forgetting Fascism, Remembering Communism: Memory in Modern Europe | 30 | |
| From Gallows to ASBOs: Crime, Punishment, and Society in Britain and Ireland | 30 | |
| Vikings and Other Invaders: Europe under Siege in in the Tenth Century | 30 | |
| Beyond Bridgerton: A Peoples' History of Britain, 1688-1834 | 30 | |
| Hunger Games: Poverty, Famine, and Environment | 30 | |
| Beyond the Tudors: Europe’s Worldview Transformed c.1500-1600 | 30 | |
| History (Combined Honours) Optional Route C | ||
| Deviants and Dissenters in Early Modern England | 30 | |
| Doing History in the Digital Age | 30 | |
| Rebellion! Uprisings in England and France, 1173-1569 | 30 | |
| Strategy and Success in the Second World War | 30 | |
| Atlantic History, 1500-1850: Communities, Identity and Empire | 30 | |
| Creating an American Empire: From Westward Expansion to Colonial Empire | 30 | |
| Russia’s Empires: Societies, Peoples and Cultures | 30 | |
| History (Combined Honours) Optional Route D | ||
| Uses of the Past | 30 | |
| Doing History in the Digital Age | 30 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Find out more about study abroad or employment experience under Course variants.
With Study Abroad
student must take 120 credit compulsory placement module.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Study Abroad | 120 | |
With Employment Experience
Student must take 120 compulsory credit placement module.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 2 | ||
| Employment Experience | 120 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Compulsory Modules
Route A or B taken in Stage 2 - Select ARC3000 Archaeology Dissertation
Route C or D taken in stage 2 - Select HIH3005 History Dissertation
Optional Modules
Route A or B taken in Stage 2 - Select 30 credits of optional Archaeology modules. Select a History Special Subject for 60 credits.
Route C or D taken in stage 2 - select 30 credits from Concepts Modules, or 30 credits of option modules from outside of History via modularity. Select 60 credits of optional Archaeology modules.
If choosing option modules outside of your named subjects, you must make sure that your total for both History and Archaeology is 90 credits each over the second and final year. This is to insure you meet the requirements needed for the degree title.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Choice | ||
| Archaeological Dissertation | 30 | |
| General Third-Year Dissertation | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Professional Placement | 30 | |
| Monumental changes: Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Britain and Ireland | 15 | |
| Practicing Archaeological, Forensic and Heritage Science | 15 | |
| Archaeology of the Americas | 15 | |
| The Archaeology and Ethnography of Hunter-Gatherers | 15 | |
| Lords to Lepers: Medieval Social Worlds | 15 | |
| Things and Us: Ancient and Contemporary Material Culture | 15 | |
| Brooches, Beads, Swords and Shields: Early Medieval Material Culture | 15 | |
| Sustainability and Collapse in Past Societies | 15 | |
| Palaeolithic Archaeology of Homo Sapiens 100,000-12,000 BP | 15 | |
| Trading Places, Towns, Royal Palaces and Fortifications: Early Medieval Centres in Europe | 15 | |
| Funerary Archaeology | 15 | |
| Professional Experience | 15 | |
| Understanding the Landscape of Roman Britain | 15 | |
| Understanding the Landscape of Medieval Britain | 15 | |
| Medieval Castles in Context | 15 | |
| Romanisation: Interaction, Conquest and Change in Late Iron Age and Roman Dacia | 15 | |
| Palaeobotany | 15 | |
| Aerial Survey | 15 | |
| Human Origins and Evolution: the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic | 15 | |
| Dead Important: Policy from the Past | 15 | |
| Concepts Optional Modules | ||
| Truth | 30 | |
| Disease | 30 | |
| War | 30 | |
| Violence | 30 | |
| Revolution | 30 | |
| Sexualities | 30 | |
| Optional | ||
| The Legend of King Arthur | 30 | |
| Special Subject Optional Modules | ||
| The Yes, Minister Files: Perspectives on British Government since 1914 | 60 | |
| The Russian Revolution | 60 | |
| Magic in the Middle Ages | 60 | |
| Governing the World: A History of Internationalism from WW1 to the Present | 60 | |
| Health and its Politics in the 20th Century | 60 | |
| From the Grand Tour to Gladiator: Modern Encounters with the Ancient World | 60 | |
| The Body in Early Modern England | 60 | |
| Britons Abroad: The Experience of Travel, c. 1650-1900 | 60 | |
| The Celtic Frontier | 60 | |
| Borders and Mobilities in Postcolonial South Asia | 60 | |
Course variants
BA History and Archaeology with Study Abroad
UCAS code: 1A84
Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.
Why study abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I study abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.
Are there any academic requirements to study abroad?
Yes. If you wish to study abroad as part of this degree course, you must achieve an overall grade of at least 60% (a 2:1) for your first year of study. This applies to all students, even if you are registered on the 'with Study Abroad' variant from the start of your degree.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are studying abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your Study Abroad year.
BA History and Archaeology with Employment Experience
UCAS code: VV18
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree offers you the option of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements, within the UK or abroad, as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience?
Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career.
A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate-level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector and country you choose to work in is very much your choice, as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement.
We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Is the placement paid?
You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.
Find out more
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,790 per year
International students: £24,950 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
Throughout the programmes stress is laid on the need to analyse, discuss and deploy historical evidence in a variety of settings and not simply on the ability to memorise. You will learn through lectures, tutorials and seminars, with a growing emphasis at each successive level on student-led learning.
Modules
Modules are designed to encourage you to think about long-term developments and processes of historical change, and to make comparisons between countries and cultures. This helps you progress from the more tightly defined topics studied at A level. Modules are also designed to encourage you to think and write analytically about these broad subjects. They emphasise historical questions that require you to identify patterns across time, or between countries, and to isolate common or competing trends, instead of concentrating on short-term or single explanations.
Teaching hours
You’ll have on average 1-3 teaching hours per module and will need to allow for up to nine additional hours of private study. You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time. As well as attending lectures and writing essays and assignments, you’ll be expected to make presentations in seminars or tutorials. We encourage your presentation work, because it involves you actively in the teaching and learning process and develops important life skills, such as good verbal and visual communication and effective interaction with other people.
Personal tutor
You'll have a personal tutor as well as tutors in individual subjects and they will work with you to monitor your progress, as well as offering pastoral support and other help. You will have a chance to make your mark on the programmes through regular student evaluations and participation in the Student-Staff Liaison Committees and the student History Societies on both campuses.
How will I be assessed?
All the degrees in History have assessments and examinations each year. Although formal examinations are important tests of skill, up to 50 per cent of your marks will come from other forms of assessment, including coursework essays, projects, dissertations and measures of your skill in presentation and oral work. The exact balance will depend on the modules you choose, and you’ll be informed of the methods of assessment before making your choices.
Progression
You must pass your first-year assessment in order to progress to the second year, but the results do not count towards your degree classification. For three-year programmes, the assessments in the second and third years contribute to your final degree classification. For four-year programmes the assessments in the second, third and fourth years all contribute to your final degree classification.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Minors: Future Skills Pathways
You can study a Future Skills Pathway alongside your main degree by choosing up to 30 credits of modules from a different subject area in your second and final years.
Facilities
As a member of the Archaeology Department and key part of our student community you will have full access to our exceptional, modern facilities:
- Experimental Archaeology Labs
- Bioarchaeology Lab
- Clean Lab and fume cupboards for preparing stable isotope samples
- Landscape archaeology project office
- Microscope room equipped with high-specification microscopes and image processing facilities
- Digital Humanities Lab
- Wet labs for artefact and environmental sample processing
- Digital x-ray facilities and equipment for elemental analysis
- State-of-the-art surveying equipment
- Outdoor experimental space
SHArD 3D Laboratory
The University of Exeter's Science, Heritage and Archaeology Digital 3D (SHArD 3D) Laboratory, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to digitally replicating and preserving biological and cultural artefacts. Funded by nearly £893,000 from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), SHArD 3D employs advanced scanning and microscopy techniques to create detailed 3D models, enhancing the study of archaeological finds and bio-cultural heritage.
This cutting-edge laboratory offers students unparalleled opportunities to engage with the latest digital preservation technologies, including portable 3D scanning equipment for fieldwork and a microCT scanner for non-destructive imaging of artefacts. Collaborations with institutions like Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum will further enrich the learning experience, providing practical skills in digital archiving and analysis.
By studying Archaeology at the University of Exeter, students will be at the forefront of innovative research methods, preparing them for dynamic careers in heritage preservation and forensic analysis.
Learn more about our facilities
Collections
On top of all that we also have extensive reference collections of artefacts, animal bones and plant remains. So whatever your specific interests within archaeology we have the kit for it.
And of course you will have access to the wider resources of the University too, including the Library and Special Collections.
Your future
Employer-valued skills this course develops
History graduates from the University of Exeter have an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and compete very successfully in the employment market. Alongside in-depth subject knowledge you’ll develop highly transferable skills in researching; analysing and assessing sources; written and verbal communication; managing and interpreting information; developing ideas and arguments; teamwork; and problem solving.
Employer visits
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service, with offices at our Exeter and Penryn campuses, ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market. Our graduates compete very successfully in the employment market, with many employers targeting the University when recruiting new graduates. For further information please visit our Careers Service.
Career paths
You will be equipped with skills that are attractive to employers and relevant for a wide range of careers, including graduate-level roles in the heritage and arts sectors as well as other fields of work, including TV, education, retail management, recruitment, charities, finance and accounting, and journalism.
Example careers
- Account Manager
- Archivist
- Business Analyst
- Civil Servant
- Digital Marketing and
- Events Executive
- Event Project Manager
- Global Market
- Researcher
- Historian
- Parliamentary Researcher
- TV Researcher
Further study
A History degree may also lead to further study or research and recent graduates have progressed to postgraduate courses in:
- MA Conflict, Security and Development
- Graduate Diploma in Law
- MA English Literary Studies
- MA History
- MSc International Management
- PGCE
