University of Reading United Kingdom

BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad

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

Embark on a fascinating journey through time with the BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad at the University of Reading. This undergraduate degree is crafted for those passionate about understanding the foundations of Western civilisation and the tangible remains of past societies. You will explore the rich tapestry of the ancient world, from the early empires of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Rome to the intricate societies of Greece, developing a critical understanding of how historical events and archaeological evidence shape our knowledge of antiquity. This course is ideal if you seek to unravel complex historical narratives and gain practical archaeological skills.

This full-time, on-campus programme spans four years, including a dedicated study year abroad, offering you an immersive and comprehensive academic experience. You will engage with core modules such as Archaeology Today: Methods and Practice, and delve into subjects like Early Empires and Roman History, alongside optional modules that might include Forensic Anthropology or Museum Studies. Throughout your degree, you will develop analytical, research, and practical skills, culminating in a dissertation. You will graduate with a deep understanding of ancient cultures and invaluable experience, preparing you for diverse career paths in heritage, museums, research, or further academic study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA program offers a comprehensive exploration of ancient history and archaeology, delving into early civilizations, societal structures, and significant historical periods like the rise and fall of the Roman Republic and Archaic Greek history. Students will engage with archaeological methods, explore diverse optional modules ranging from forensic anthropology to museum studies, and undertake a significant dissertation or independent project in their final year. The curriculum is designed to provide a deep understanding of the ancient world, complemented by a year of study abroad to broaden academic and cultural perspectives.

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

2 YEAR 1

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

3 YEAR 2

4 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

5 YEAR 3

6 YEAR 4

Dissertation in Archaeology Compulsory
Dissertation in Classics Compulsory
Independent Project in Classics Compulsory

7 YEAR 4

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
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 139,765.00

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 Finance & OperationsAdvertising TechnologyAerospace Engineering & DesignAerospace ManufacturingBrand ManagementCreative & ContentDigital MarketingMarket Research & InsightsMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementMedia Planning & Buying

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Kings College London

Manchester City Council

Why Study BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad 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 Study Year Abroad at University of Reading

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. Full-time work is allowed during breaks without needing a separate work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, the required scores are a Duolingo overall score of 135 or an IELTS overall score of 6.5. Other recognized tests include TOEFL and PTE with specific minimum scores.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as Archaeologists, Heritage Managers, Museum Curators, Research Historians, or Academic Lecturers.

What will I actually study in this course?

This BA Ancient History and Archaeology degree explores ancient cultures and their modern impacts. The University of Reading is ranked in the top 100 globally for Archaeology and excels in teaching quality.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The course begins in September, allowing you to dive into the ancient Greco-Roman world right from the start. Prepare for an enriching academic journey.
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