University of Reading United Kingdom

BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Professional Placement

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Professional Placement at the University of Reading is your gateway to understanding the foundations of human civilization. This undergraduate degree is ideal if you are driven by a curiosity for the past, eager to explore the tangible remnants of ancient societies and the historical narratives that shaped them. You will delve into the complexities of civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Rome, alongside the social and political landscapes of ancient Greece. This program equips you with essential archaeological methods and analytical skills, preparing you to investigate and interpret the evidence left behind by our ancestors.

Studied full-time on campus over four years, this program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, including a dedicated professional placement year. You will engage with modules covering archaeological practice, forensic anthropology, and the presentation of historical findings, such as through museum studies. Your learning journey will involve hands-on investigation and critical analysis of primary sources and material culture. You will graduate with a comprehensive understanding of the ancient world and valuable professional experience, positioning you for diverse careers in heritage management, archaeology, museum curation, and research.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA program offers a comprehensive exploration of ancient history and archaeology, delving into key civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Rome, alongside the study of Greek history and society. Students will engage with archaeological methods, forensic anthropology, and the presentation of the past through museum studies. The curriculum also incorporates a professional placement year, providing practical experience and career development opportunities within the field.

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

4 YEAR 4

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 27,516.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,516.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,516.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,516.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 110,065.00

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

Alternative Aviation Fuel & SustainabilityAviation Maintenance & RepairBrand ManagementCommercial AviationCreative & ContentDefense & Military AviationMarket Research & InsightsPerformance & Growth MarketingPublic RelationsSocial Media & Community Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Kings College London

Manchester City Council

Why Study BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Professional Placement 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 with Professional Placement at University of Reading

Can I work while studying?

Students can work up to 20 hours per week while studying. However, if you hold a Student visa for a part-time course, you won't have work rights in the UK.

Is this qualification recognised internationally?

Please confirm accreditation details directly with the institution.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, you can submit scores from tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Each test has specific score requirements, so be sure to check which best suits your strengths.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Possible career paths include heritage management, museum curation, archaeology, research, and public history.

What will I actually study in this course?

This undergraduate degree focuses on the political, military, and cultural landscapes of ancient Greece and Rome. You'll also gain hands-on experience in archaeological practice and develop critical analytical skills.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Professional Placement program has an intake in September. Make sure to apply before the deadline to secure your spot in this transformative journey.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
 
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️