University of Exeter United Kingdom

BA Ancient History and Archaeology

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

Embark on a journey through the ancient world with the BA Ancient History and Archaeology degree at the University of Exeter. This programme is designed for curious minds eager to uncover the complexities of past civilizations, exploring their societies, political structures, and the very ways they perceived their own histories. You will engage with pivotal texts in translation while having the opportunity to develop language skills in Ancient Greek or Latin. The curriculum offers a broad spectrum of archaeological studies, from meticulous analysis of artefacts to understanding ancient landscapes and settlements, providing a comprehensive foundation for aspiring historians and archaeologists.

You will study this undergraduate degree full-time on campus over three years, immersing yourself in a dynamic learning environment. The first year establishes core knowledge in both ancient history and archaeology, with subsequent years allowing you to specialise through a wide array of optional modules. Year 2 includes compulsory fieldwork or a fieldwork project, offering hands-on experience. In your final year, you will undertake a significant dissertation, either in archaeology or ancient history, culminating in a substantial piece of independent research. You will graduate with a deep understanding of the ancient world and the critical analytical skills highly valued in heritage, museums, research, and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive study of ancient history and archaeology, exploring key themes and methodologies. Students will engage with both written and material evidence from Greek and Roman civilizations, alongside archaeological principles and practices. The curriculum progresses through foundational years to advanced specialization, culminating in a dissertation or project, with opportunities to delve into diverse topics such as Islamic archaeology, forensic anthropology, and classical languages.

1 Year 1

Themes in World Archaeology Compulsory
Essential Archaeological Methods Compulsory
Greek History: Problems and Sources [See note a above] Compulsory
Roman History: Problems and Sources [See note a above] Compulsory
Archaeology and Heritage: Past and Futures Optional
Introduction to Islamic Archaeology Optional
Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic-Roman Syria Optional
Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus Optional
Text and Context: Women in Homer Optional
Text and Context: Roman Laughter Optional
Ancient World (Written Evidence): Persuasion in Ancient Greece Optional
Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) - Tyranny Optional
Ancient World: Roman Philosophy Optional
Ancient World: Racecraft Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Latin I (A) Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Latin I (B) Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Latin II Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Latin III Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Greek I (A) Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Greek I (B) Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Greek II Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Greek III Optional

2 Year 2

Archaeological Fieldwork Project [See note d above] Compulsory
Archaeological Fieldschool [See note d above] Compulsory
Greek History: Problems and Sources [See note e above] Compulsory
Roman History: Problems and Sources [See note e above] Compulsory
Regions and Empires in Islamic Archaeology Optional
Lords to Lepers: Medieval Social Worlds Optional
Giving and Taking: Anthropology and Archaeology of Circulation and Exchange Optional
Discovering the Past with Molecular Science Optional
Palaeolithic Archaeology of Homo Sapiens 100,000-12,000 BP Optional
Trading Places, Towns, Royal Palaces and Fortifications: Early Medieval Centres in Europe Optional
Understanding the Landscape of Roman Britain Optional
Zooarchaeology Optional
Palaeobotany Optional
Aerial Survey Optional
Forensic Anthropology Optional
Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic-Roman Syria Optional
Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus Optional
Text and Context: Women in Homer Optional
Text and Context: Roman Laughter Optional
Ancient World (Written Evidence): Persuasion in Ancient Greece Optional
Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Tyranny Optional
Ancient World: Racecraft Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Latin II Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Greek II Optional

3 Final year

Dissertation [See note h above] Compulsory
Archaeological Dissertation [See note h above] Compulsory
Professional Placement Optional
Advanced Fieldschool Optional
Practicing Archaeological, Forensic and Heritage Science Optional
Advanced Fieldwork Optional
Lords to Lepers: Medieval Social Worlds Optional
Giving and Taking: Anthropology and Archaeology of Circulation and Exchange Optional
Palaeolithic Archaeology of Homo Sapiens 100,000-12,000 BP Optional
Digital Pasts Optional
Trading Places, Towns, Royal Palaces and Fortifications: Early Medieval Centres in Europe Optional
Understanding the Landscape of Roman Britain Optional
Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations Optional
Palaeobotany Optional
Aerial Survey Optional
Funerary Osteoarchaeology Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Latin V: Epic Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Greek V: Imperial Greek Prose Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Latin II Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Latin III Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Greek II Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Greek III Optional
Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV Optional
Being and Not-Being in Greek Philosophy: from Parmenides to Aristotle Optional
Art in Greek Society Optional
Polybios and the Challenge of Change Optional
Critical Classics and the Contemporary World Optional
Courage in the Ancient World Optional
Women Writing Classics Optional
Ovid and the Erotic Passions Optional
Art in Roman Society Optional
Lost Works and Fragments Optional
Ancient Science and Society Optional
Transforming the Tablet: Digital Approaches to Ancient Text and Artefact Optional
Dialogues with the Past: Creative Interpretative Project Optional
Knowledge, Wealth and Power in the Ancient World Optional
Reading and Writing Greek Literature in the Hellenistic World Optional
The Crisis of the Athenian Polis Optional
The Persians in a Near Eastern Context Optional
Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds Optional
The Age of Cicero Optional
Ancient Literary Criticism Optional
Receptions of the Classical Body Optional
Syriac Christianity: Monks, Monasteries and Mimre Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 101,174.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Streatham Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationArtificial Intelligence & Machine LearningCorporate Training & DevelopmentData Science & AnalyticsEducation Policy & AdministrationEmergency Services & Disaster ResponseHardware & Semiconductor EngineeringMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementQuality Assurance & TestingSoftware Development & Engineering

Top Employers Hiring for this course

EXPOSE

University of Exeter

Why Study BA Ancient History and Archaeology at University of Exeter

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Exeter in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA Ancient History and Archaeology at University of Exeter

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time for degree courses. Full-time work is allowed during breaks.

What English language score do I need for this course?

English proficiency tests are required, with specific scores needed for tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo. For example, an overall IELTS score of 6.5 is necessary to apply.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may pursue careers as historians, archaeologists, museum curators, heritage managers, or cultural resource managers.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course explores Greek and Roman history, focusing on their society and political life. Students also study key texts in translation and have the option to learn Ancient Greek or Latin.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Ancient History and Archaeology course has its intake in September each year. Make sure to apply before the deadline to secure your spot.
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