History And Archaeology

Highlights

Steeped in history, North Wales boasts multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites: the castles and town walls of Edward I in Gwynedd, Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Fieldtrips and archival visits bring our History and Archaeology degree to life. To Neolithic monuments, Iron age and Roman forts, medieval castles, abbeys, Victorian country estates, and a Tudor townhouse.

Use digital survey equipment and drones, and experience a range of landscapes at the University’s 252-hectare Henfaes Research Centre. Learn survey skills and take part in archaeological digs in North Wales. Compulsory placement benefits from our close links with the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Wales, National Trust, Gwynedd Archaeological Trust, and Menai Heritage.

We recently achieved 100% Overall Satisfaction in Archaeology in the National Student Survey, 2025

Course overview

Bangor University is a unique place to study History and Archaeology because of the sheer variety, preservation and chronological range of history, heritage and archaeology on our doorstep. Expect to be inspired by Mesolithic flint scatters, Neolithic tombs, Bronze Age mines, Iron Age hillforts, Roman settlements, medieval castles, and more whilst studying at Bangor University. Practical in focus, field trips and archival visits let you encounter evidence from the past first-hand on this History and Archaeology degree.

The University’s site at Henfaes provides access to various landscapes, including maritime, intertidal, farmland, river valley and uplands. You could find yourself scanning the topography of Abergwyngregyn, using a drone to detect new sites that may not be apparent from the ground. You might help organise archival records, or uncover new treasures like former students did at the Iron Age hillfort of Meillionydd or the Bronze Age Pillar of Eliseg.

You’ll be joining us in our mission to promote, protect, and present our heritage. We provide opportunities to study abroad or undertake a work placement. Previous students have spent time on various Cadw sites across north Wales, including Caernarfon Castle.

Others have worked with the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust on medieval sites in the region. Bangor University is an ideal place to study History and Archaeology: one of the oldest cities in Wales, its Cathedral is located on a site used for Christian worship since the sixth century. A short journey away, you’ll find the Segontium Roman Fort, medieval Caernarfon Castle, the Neolithic passage graves of Bryn Celli Ddu and Barclodiad y Gawres, Caer Gybi Roman fortlet, the Houses and Gardens at Plas Newyddand Penrhyn, and Beaumaris Castle.

The Archives and Special Collections of Bangor University is an accredited repository with a distinguished collection of archival material, dating back to the Middle Ages. Collections vary from the Mostyn and Penrhyn estates and Jamaican slave plantations to papers of modern politicians, literary figures and scholars, such as Kate Roberts, the pioneering socialist David Roberts and historian JE Lloyd. You’ll join a close-knit, friendly and supportive community with an excellent reputation for teaching and research.

In medieval and early modern history, strengths encompass the Normans and Anglo-Normans, Welsh princes, Tudors, and Stuarts. Our expertise in modern and contemporary history includes nationalism, the labour movement, consumerism, protest, government policy, country houses and estates, gender and colonialism. Specialisms in Archaeology and Heritage cover: prehistoric landscape archaeology; the Bronze and Iron Ages; Celtic societies; early medieval sculpture, church archaeology; Viking-Age Iceland, Britain and Ireland; Medieval Wales and Ireland; Roman Britain; heritage, identity and interpretation; maritime and coastal archaeology; material culture, museums and heritage.