Teaching

In this exciting joint programme, you will split your time between archaeology and ancient history and learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, one-to-one supervision and hands on activities, both on and off campus. Lectures and practical classes with world- leading experts will introduce you to the latest research in your subject area, while the seminars provide you with the opportunity to engage in debate with your peers. You will also have the opportunity to gain practical experience out in the field, in our labs, and through site-visits local to Leicester and beyond.

With an emphasis on small group teaching, the staff and students in the School get to know each other well providing excellent support for your academic studies. In addition, you will be given a personal tutor who can provide one-to-one advice and assistance on academic and personal issues. 

In your third year you will have the opportunity to write a dissertation focusing on an area of archaeology and ancient history that particularly fascinates you. The dissertation is the culmination of your academic studies: it fosters independence of thought, project-planning and organisation skills, and allows you to develop and demonstrate all the skills and knowledge you have acquired throughout your studies. With one-to-one supervision that will guide you through the various stages of formulating, researching and writing, you will develop your academic expertise and delve deeper into a topic which fascinates you.

Assessment

Our assessments allow you to develop a range of academic and professional skills throughout your degree. You will be assessed through essays, reports, presentations, and practical activities. You will have the opportunity to work with case studies, texts, sites and artefacts, resulting in a range of creative and authentic, real-world forms of assessment. We also have a sector-leading range of internships and placements, and there is the option to study abroad for a year, if you want to.  

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library ((in person or via online resources), , preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our many social study spaces in halls of residence.

Your contact hours will depend on the option modules you select. However, we have a range of clubs and volunteering opportunities which mean you can spend extra time in and around the subjects you love! You can see details of the contact hours (and the types of topics covered) on individual module pages.

Academic support

The University's Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:

• study and exam skills
• academic writing
• presentations
• dissertations
• numerical data skills
• referencing sources

The University's AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.

Teaching staff

Across your degree, you will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules offered. PhD research and postdoctoral scholars who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is strongly informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff and their wide-ranging expertise by visiting our staff profiles.