The past has many dimensions and there are many routes to it. Archaeology, which deals with material evidence, artefacts, monuments and buildings, is one avenue, while history, traditionally derived from written sources, is another. Through studying the history and archaeology of Wales (and the archaeology of Britain and Ireland) as the main core of this degree, you will gain an understanding of the development of Wales over the centuries, of the changing nature of society and settlement and of the historical context of contemporary Wales.

Internships

Bangor University runs a paid internship scheme within the university’s academic and service departments.

Career

This course provides specialist knowledge and a range of analytical and presentational skills which will enable you to tackle a variety of career options centring on culture and heritage especially, but not exclusively, in Wales e.g. in archaeology units, museums and heritage centres, including the National Trust, as well as a range of directly transferable vocations. Graduates have in recent years gained careers in local government, conservation and teaching, and some have taken further training to become professional archaeologists.

A degree in archaeology equips students with a wide range of skills necessary to enter into a career in heritage, archaeology or the museums sector. It also provides key transferrable skills, such as:

• The ability to collate, analyse and contextualise data-sets
• An ability to critically review the literature and formulate logical and structured arguments
• Develop written and presentation and practical archaeological skills as well as working as part of a team. 
• Writing and editorial skills
• An appreciation of the complexity and diversity of situations, events and past mentalities
•  Experience gained from carrying out and completing a major research project in the third year – the dissertation
•  A range of practical skills acquired through survey, excavation and the study of material evidence
• Good IT skills
• Time management skills

These transferable skills are fundamental to other employment sectors, such as the public sector, teaching, tourism, law, accountancy and management.