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History and Archaeology

(Certificate of Higher Education)

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Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Status:
Approved
Duration:
Two to four years part-time
Awarding body:
University of London

Course Overview

This introductory course in history and archaeology covers a range of historical periods, themes and regions. Our History and Archaeology Certificate of Higher Education is ideal if you need to know more about history and archaeology for work, or if you are preparing to undertake an undergraduate degree, or if you are just pursuing a passion for learning about the past. You will learn how to study the past through both texts and objects and how to use a range of evidence - from prehistoric pottery to Greek sculpture, and Roman coins to medieval manuscripts. 

You will learn a variety of approaches, skills and historical methods, taught at the equivalent of first-year degree level. This certificate allows you to take the first steps towards a BA degree, working at your own pace and more flexibly than studying for a full degree.

Some modules are taught at London museums, archives and historic sites, giving you access to their rich collections. 

More Highlights

  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top eight universities in the UK for its History research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
  • Our modules provide you with the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects to the equivalent of first-year undergraduate degree level, and allow you to progress to a full BA degree at your own pace, or just to study to broaden your intellectual horizons.
  • Our research is unique in its range across geographical and chronological boundaries. We are the only university in London to include historians, classicists and archaeologists in the same academic team investigating every period from prehistory to the early twenty-first century. We see the study of the past as crucial for our understanding of present-day society, culture and politics.
  • We are at the heart of academic London with access to unparalleled research resources. Situated very close by are: the Institute of Classical Studies, with its library, training facilities and seminars; the British Museum, with its extensive collection of classical antiquities; and the British Library, the largest national library in the world.
  • We are home to a number of affiliated research centres that actively run seminars, conferences and other events.

Teaching and Modules

Teaching

Lectures, discussions, seminars and oral presentations, use of visual material, and individual and group work. Class visits may be arranged where appropriate.

How will I be assessed?

Your work on this course is assessed entirely via coursework, which forms an integral part of your learning experience and takes a number of different forms, including essays, book reviews, documentary analysis, oral presentations and learning journals.

Entry Requirements

All modules are taught at university level, so you should be able to read, write and speak English fluently.

What are the visa requirements?

Please note that Birkbeck does not sponsor Student visas for Certificate of Higher Education courses.

This means that if you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency or a valid visa here, then you can only study a Certificate of Higher Education on a Standard Visitor visa for courses of less than six months’ duration.

For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

Fees

Fees are payable per module and vary depending on the course. Please view the Modules and teaching section and then click on the title of individual modules to see the fees for each module. The overall cost of the certificate will depend on the modules you choose.

Please note: Modular CertHE study is not eligible for student loan funding for study commencing January 2027 onwards.

Careers and Employability

Graduates can pursue careers in research, education or archaeology. Possible professions include:

  • journalist
  • archivist
  • museum/gallery curator
  • higher education lecturer.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

How to Apply

This is a modular enrolment certificate, so you will need to register onto individual modules (rather than onto the course itself). Please view the Modules and Teaching section and then click on the title of individual modules to see class dates and times and to register.