University of Reading 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 antiquity with the BA Ancient History and Archaeology from the University of Reading, a degree designed for those fascinated by the foundations of Western civilisation and the tangible evidence of past lives. This programme delves into the complex societies, political landscapes, and cultural achievements of ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, exploring how these early empires shaped the world we inhabit. You will develop a critical understanding of historical narratives and the archaeological methods used to uncover and interpret material culture, preparing you for a field where rigorous scholarship meets tangible discovery.

This full-time, on-campus undergraduate degree, typically studied over three years, offers a dynamic learning experience. You will engage with core modules in archaeology, exploring methods and practice, alongside a rich selection of historical periods and themes, from forensic anthropology to the study of ancient objects. Your studies will include practical archaeological fieldwork and post-excavation analysis, culminating in a significant independent dissertation in your final year. You will graduate with a versatile skill set, ready for postgraduate study or careers in archaeology, heritage management, museum curation, and historical research.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA in Ancient History and Archaeology provides a comprehensive exploration of the ancient world, blending historical inquiry with archaeological methods. Students will engage with foundational concepts in archaeology, delve into the histories of major ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and examine societal structures, conflicts, and cultural developments. The curriculum also offers opportunities to study specialized topics such as forensic anthropology, museum studies, bioarchaeology, and various aspects of Greek and Roman art, literature, and history, culminating in a dissertation or independent project.

1 YEAR 1

Archaeology Today: Methods and Practice Compulsory
Early Empires: Mesopotamia, Egypt and Rome Compulsory
Greek History: War, Society and Change in the Archaic Age Compulsory
Roman History: The Rise and Fall of the Republic Compulsory
Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death Optional
Contemporary World Cultures: An Introduction to Social Anthropology Optional
Ancient Song Optional
The Past in the Present Optional
Presenting the Past: An Introduction to Museum Studies Optional
Optional Language or University Wide Modules Optional

2 YEAR 2

Archaeology and Heritage: Past, Present and Future Optional
Ancient Objects: Materials and Meanings Optional
Prehistoric Europe: The First Million Years Optional
Archaeology Field School and Professional Practice Optional
Bioarchaeology Optional
Changing the Face of the Earth: Past, Present and Future Sustainability Optional
Summer Placement Optional
Ancient Epic Optional
Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander Optional
Greek Sculpture and Architecture Optional
My Mother's Sins and Other Stories Optional
Ancient Drama Optional
Roman History: From Republic to Empire Optional
Careers for Classicists and Ancient Historians Optional
Celts and Romans: Northern Europe and Britain Optional
Medieval Europe: Power, Religion and Death Optional
Roman Satire Optional
Museum Learning and Engagement Optional
Curatorship and Collections Management Optional
Optional Language or University Wide Modules Optional

3 YEAR 3

Dissertation in Archaeology Compulsory
Dissertation in Classics Compulsory
Independent Project in Classics Compulsory
Greek and Roman Painting Optional
From Classroom to Courtroom: Mastering the Art of Persuasion Optional
'Race' and Ethnicity in the Ancient Greek and Roman Worlds Optional
The Anthropology of Heritage and Cultural Property Optional
Objects and Identities in the Roman Empire Optional
Biological Anthropology Optional
Post-excavation: Assessment, Analysis and Publication in the Profession Optional
Emergence of Civilisation in Mesopotamia Optional
The First Europeans: Archaeology of the Lower Palaeolithic Optional
The Archaeology and Anthropology of Food Optional
Greek Art and Drama Optional
Science and the Dead: Taphonomy and Chemistry in Human Remains Optional
Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Britain Optional
Archaeology of the Dark Ages Optional
Living in Medieval Towns Optional
Optional Language or University Wide Modules Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 104,824.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,126.00 - USD 18,832.00
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 WhiteKnights Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising TechnologyAerospace Engineering & DesignAerospace ManufacturingAerospace Research & AcademiaCommercial AviationCreative Production & Project ManagementMarket Research & InsightsMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementMedia Planning & BuyingUnmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones)

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Kings College London

Manchester City Council

Why Study BA Ancient History and Archaeology at University of Reading

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Reading 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 Reading

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is required for degree courses.

What English language score do I need for this course?

English test requirements include a Duolingo overall score of 135 and a TOEFL overall score of 100. Please check specific scores for each section to ensure eligibility.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as Archaeologists, History Teachers, Museum Curators, Cultural Heritage Managers, and Tour Guides.

What will I actually study in this course?

This degree immerses students in the ancient Greco-Roman world and explores its lasting cultural influences. The University of Reading is ranked 1st in the UK for research quality in Archaeology.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Ancient History and Archaeology course begins in September. Make sure to prepare your application in advance to secure your spot.
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