Teaching

In this exciting programme, you will 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. Our BA programme will give you insight into a range of careers in archaeology and the heritage sector more widely.

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 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, including with our in-house company the University of Leicester Archaeological Services, giving you direct experience working in professional archaeology. There is also 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, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our 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 all the time you want involved in the subjects you love! You can see details of the contact hours on individual module pages.

Academic support

Our Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:

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

Our 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

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge inform the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.