This degree inspires you to explore the human past and the ways in which archaeologists investigate and interpret material remains from past cultures. In Stage 1 we place a strong emphasis on the archaeology of Britain, from the Stone Age to the recent past. Later, we extend the geographical range of your studies to the rest of Europe. Choose the periods of history that interest you the most - from prehistory up to the present day. Compulsory fieldwork placements in Stages 1 and 2 equip you with practical archaeology skills. You also gain hands-on experience of human history through artefact handling at the University-led Great North Museum and there is a wide range of field trips in our historically rich region.

Archaeology students enter a wide range of careers. The graduate job market includes careers in finance, marketing, administration, the media, management, teaching and much else, and is as open to archaeologists as to any other graduates. Employers appreciate the combination of transferable skills which our degrees give you. Some of our students continue as professional archaeologists or historians with organisations such as English Heritage, or within public and private museums and local authority planning offices. Postgraduate courses cater for those wishing to specialise in various types of archaeological or historical work and these include opportunities for professional training and study in museum and heritage work. In addition, many graduates volunteer in museums or on excavations in the UK or abroad to increase their practical experience before taking up permanent employment. Other archaeology graduates use their skills and expertise as, for example, company archivists, information technologists, specialist librarians and researchers, and in a variety of industries including publishing, broadcasting and public relations.