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BA Anthropology and Archaeology (LF64)

Skull excavationThe extensive overlap between Anthropology and Archaeology makes them ideal subjects for a Joint Honours degree. Archaeology is the study of past human communities via the material traces they leave behind, while Anthropology is the study of humanity with an emphasis on present day societies. Therefore, together these two subjects complement one another to provide a comprehensive understanding of humanity past and present.

Anthropology and Archaeology are both very broad subjects which also overlap with many others including history, classics, sociology and biosciences.

A degree in Anthropology and Archaeology equips you with many practical and transferable skills including conducting fieldwork, designing research projects, handling data ethically and communicating sensitively across language and cultural barriers.

 

Course Structure

The following information provides a list of core modules for each year of study and is indicative of the range of subjects covered by the course. Further detail can be found on the Apply for BA Anthropology and Archaeology page:

Year One

  • Being Human: An Introduction to the History and Practice of Anthropology
  • Doing Anthropological Research
  • Discovering World Prehistory
  • Introduction to Archaeological Methods
  • Scientific Methods in Archaeology
  • Plus optional modules providing a grounding in various aspects and periods of Anthropology and Archaeology

Year Two

  • Debating Anthropology and Archaeology
  • Research Project Design
  • Optional module choices include:
    • Palaeoanthropology: The Study of Human Evolution
    • Primate Societies
    • Reading the Skeleton
    • Becoming Roman: From Iron Age to Empire in Italy and the West
    • Ancient Mediterranean Civilisations: East and West
    • A module offered by the University's Centre for Foreign Language Study

Year Three

  • Dissertation
  • Anthropology Field Course and/or Advanced Professional Training
  • Plus a choice of optional modules that cover subjects including Primates, Museums, Forensics, Sustainability and more.

Additional pathways include the possibility to complete a year abroad or a placement during year two and extending your studies to a fourth year.

 

Photograph of part of a female human skeleton under excavation with an arrow highlighting the presence of calcifications of the femoral artery next to this person’s femur/thigh bone

Find out more and apply

See more about the course structure, learning, assessment and entry requirements for BA Anthropology and Archaeology.

Apply for this course Back to Undergraduate Anthropology Courses
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Durham is a truly world-class university with a long history of welcoming students and academics from all over the globe. We are one of the best in the world for Anthropology.

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It's not all about studying. Our students tell it like it is alongside information about student support and our active student-led Anthropology Society (AnthSoc). Join us here at Durham for an amazing experience.

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Durham University
Dawson Building
South Road
Durham, DH1 3LE

 

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