Major in Archaeology, Heritage, and Historical Studies

Explore the Archaeology, Heritage, and Historical Studies Major with hands-on fieldwork, archival research, and global exchange opportunities.

Major in Archaeology, Heritage, and Historical Studies

This Major in Archaeology, Heritage, and Historical Studies is poised to be a unique undergraduate program in the country. We are also one of the few universities that hosts an Archaeology lab for undergraduate and doctoral students. This program addresses key questions about heritage and the past through a hands-on learning approach. Students will engage in various themes using the latest archaeological methods and independent research projects, while also exploring urban, environmental, economic, and social histories of South Asia and beyond. Through a combination of classroom learning, archival research, and field training, students will develop critical analytical skills, preparing them for careers in public policy, archaeology, historical research, museum studies, and more.

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About the Major

The Major in Archaeology, Heritage, and Historical Studies addresses key questions about understanding the past and heritage through a hands-on learning approach. Students will engage in field training, archival research, and independent projects, gaining insights into various historical sub-fields. This comprehensive training prepares them for diverse careers in public policy, archaeology, museum studies, and more.

Major in Archaeology, Heritage, and Historical Studies

The Curriculum

The curriculum includes courses such as Archaeology, Mapping Heritage, Field Methods, A Modern History of South Asia, Space Archaeology, Remote Sensing, GIS, and a Mandatory AI Module. The curriculum includes a blend of latest scholarship, methods, and technological application for learning within and outside the classroom. This well-rounded education equips graduates with the skills to critically analyze historical narratives, work in heritage management, and pursue careers in archaeology, public policy, museum studies, and more. In lieu of a thesis, students can opt for elective courses from the basket of 6 courses provided in the final year.

Course Structure

Core Courses (68 credits) Major Courses (60 credits) Other Courses (32 credits)
Reading, Thinking, Writing Introduction to Archaeology Mandatory AI Module
Introduction to Philosophy Cities, Kings, and Temple Campus as a living lab project
Thinking Historically Mapping Heritage Global Exchange (preferred but not mandatory)
The Natural World Land, Law and Conquest Internship or independent project
AI, Technology and Ethics A Modern History of South Asia University-wide electives
Sociological Imagination Field Methods in Archaeology
Quantitative Thinking Frauds and Fictions in Archaeology
Qualitative Thinking The Past and Present of Modern South Asian Cities
Fundamentals of Economics Visual History and the Archaeological Scholarship
Geopolitics Space Archaeology, Remote Sensing, and GIS
Fundamentals of Business A Global History of Business & Finance
Interpreting India - 1 Key Debates in Environmental History
Interpreting India - 2 Practicum related to Archaeology, Heritage and Historical Studies
Introduction to Digital Humanities Major Thesis*
Environment and Sustainability
The Many Lives of Cognition
Fundamentals of Media and Communication

*In lieu of a thesis, students can opt for 3 UWEs from the basket of 6 courses provided in year four of the program. UWEs (university wide electives) are courses offered by departments and schools across the university.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is integral to the program, providing students with hands-on opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Through internships, global exchanges, and independent projects, students gain practical experience while collaborating with industry professionals and communities. These immersive experiences enhance their understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions, fostering critical thinking and innovation. Ultimately, this approach equips graduates with the skills and insights necessary for impactful careers in the field.

Major in Society, Culture, Technology

Internships and Partnerships

Internships are a key component of our program, allowing students to gain practical experience and apply their skills in real-world settings. At Shiv Nadar University, we have established partnerships with various domestic and international organizations in the fields of environment, sustainability, and conservation, providing students with valuable internship opportunities as part of their course.

Our Partners

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Career Paths

Upon completing the program, graduates will have diverse career options across various fields, leveraging their specialized knowledge and skills. They can pursue higher education and academia, as well as roles in journalism and media. Opportunities also exist in policy organizations focused on development, environment, urban planning, and heritage conservation, along with positions in government related to archaeology and historical research. Additionally, graduates may find paths in law, administrative services, diplomacy, heritage management, public history, archival documentation, and archaeology.

Major in Society, Culture,Technology

FAQ

Yes, this is a four-year degree program in Interdisciplinary BA in Humanities and Social Sciences. In the final year, a student can opt for a thesis in their chosen specialisation or complete the remaining credits through coursework. However, only students with a minimum of 6 CGPA are eligible to pursue a thesis.

All students in their first year pursue common core courses that extend across disciplines such as the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences, A.I. and business management. At the end of the first year, students shall declare their major and are enrolled into specific courses in year two and three, along with an option to choose University-wide electives.

Yes, a student completing the required set of courses pertaining to a particular discipline/Department during the course of their program is eligible to receive a Minor degree.

At least 10 scholarships per batch will be awarded to eligible students. The scholarships cover 100% tuition waiver for all four years! In addition, students are eligible for other university-wide scholarships.

Yes, this interdisciplinary program integrates internships into its overall framework which will provide academic credits. SNU also collaborates with important organisations towards this initiative. During the course of study, a student is expected to complete up to 12 credits through internships, research assistantships, campus jobs, or independent study during two consecutive summers.

At SNU, we encourage students to receive larger exposure to educational opportunities and cultural settings. The University shares several MoUs with major international and Indian universities. Every Second/Third year degree student, with a minimum CGPA as mandated by university policy, is eligible to apply for a one-semester study abroad or elsewhere in India program.

Plenty! This interdisciplinary program aims to equip students with foundational and critical skills alongside practical, hands-on training in certain areas of specialisation. The career options open to you are listed in the respective Majors detailed above.