Heritage, Archaeology and History BA (Hons)

Bangor University

United Kingdom, Bangor

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Home/United Kingdom/Bangor /Bangor University/Heritage, Archaeology and History BA (Hons)

Bangor University

United Kingdom , Bangor

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

VV41

Campuses

Bangor

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines13-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Next Intake 13-Sep-2026

Heritage, Archaeology and History BA (Hons)

About

The past can be exploited; it can be corrupted; it can be used to create myths, legends and to forge identities. This course is ideally suited to anyone interested in learning about the past and how it is represented (or even misrepresented) by the heritage industry. You will explore historical and archaeological evidence and differing interpretations of it. Practical and transferable skills gained will prepare you for a variety of career options.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

The local area is steeped in history (including UNESCO World Heritage Sites) and provides a resource for fieldwork as well as a superb location for study.
Excellent opportunities to gain experience of working with local and national archaeological and heritage organisations.br> We have experts in all fields of History from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century, who work principally on Britain, Europe and the United States of America.

Additional Course Options

Placement Year

This course is available with a Placement Year option where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.

The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.

You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Careers and Employability Services.

You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto this pathway at the appropriate time. Read more about the work experience opportunities that may be available to you or, if you have any questions, please get in touch.

International Experience Year

This course is available with an International Experience Year option where you will study or work abroad for 1 additional year. You will have ‘with International Experience’ added to your degree title on graduating.

Studying abroad is a great opportunity to see a different way of life, learn about new cultures and broaden your horizons. With international experience of this kind, you’ll really improve your career prospects. There are a wide variety of destinations and partner universities to choose from. If you plan to study in a country where English is not spoken natively, there may be language courses available for you at Bangor and in your host university to improve your language skills.

You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option at any time during your degree at Bangor and make your application. If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch.

Read more about the International Experience Year programme and see the studying or working abroad options on the Student Exchanges section of our website.

Watch - Studying History

I think Bangor is a fantastic place to study archaeology. The city is rich in history and culture and is located close to some of the most beautiful areas and historic sites in Wales. In close proximity to the University you can see Bronze Age Copper Mine and burial chambers, Iron Age Hill Forts and the remains of roundhouses, medieval crosses and churches, and let’s not forget the magnificent castles. Whether your interest is prehistory or modern history Bangor University has it in abundance right on its doorstep.

Tanja Harding , Welsh History and Archaeology Graduate
Senior Cultural Heritage Officer focusing on Aboriginal heritage, Queensland, Australia

Requirements

Entry Requirements

2025 Entry Requirements

Offers are tariff based, 104 - 128 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification* e.g.:

A Levels: History or Archaeology preferred but not required. General Studies and Key Skills not normally accepted.
BTEC National Extended Diploma: DMM - DDM
Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DMM- DDM
City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080): considered on a case-by-case basis
International Baccalaureate Diploma: accepted
Access: pass required
Welsh Baccalaureate: We will accept this qualification in conjunction with other level 3 qualifications
T Levels: T Levels in a relevant subject considered on a case-by-case basis
Extended Project Qualification: Points can include a relevant Extended Project (EPQ) but must include a minimum 2 full A-levels, or equivalent.

We are happy to accept combinations of the qualifications listed above, as well as alternative Level 3 qualifications such as City & Guilds, Access and Cambridge Technical Diplomas.

We also welcome applications from mature learners.

International Candidates: International Candidates: school leaving qualifications that are equivalent to A levels/Level 3 and/or college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements). More information can be found on our International pages.

*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com.

English Program Requirements

IELTS 6.0 (5.5) or equivalent. Some courses have higher English Language Requirements.

For students educated in English or from an English speaking country we may be able to waive the requirement, if you can provide evidence that you achieved a minimum of a C or equivalent in your high school English (higher for some courses) or a letter from your University confirming your bachelor degree was taught in English.

Career

The complementary nature of these disciplines will enable you to pursue a career in the heritage industry by means of the practical and theoretical skills acquired in heritage, coupled with a clear understanding of the archaeological and historical contexts.

Past graduates have progressed into careers working for, for example, Archaeological Units, Archaeological Trusts, museums, CADW (Historic Environment Service of the Welsh Government). You will also possess valuable transferrable skills which are fundamental requirements for careers in many other employment sectors, including: the public sector, teaching, law, journalism, management, and tourism.

Year 2 and 3 students are provided with the opportunity to complete work-placement modules, which can be carried out in the university or through external organizations. These are assessed as part of the final degree. The programme enhances employability prospects and offers an insight into the type of employment opportunities a degree in history or archaeology offers. Students have undertaken placements in a wide range of workplaces, including archives, archaeological units, museums, and heritage centres.