University of Reading United Kingdom

BA Museum Studies 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 journey through human history and cultural expression with the BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad at the University of Reading. This undergraduate degree is crafted for those fascinated by the tangible remnants of the past and the dynamic world of museums, offering a unique blend of archaeological investigation and curatorial practice. You will explore how societies have evolved from our earliest ancestors to the present day, delving into the methods of archaeological fieldwork, the analysis of ancient objects, and the critical role museums play in contemporary society. This course is ideal for students eager to understand and interpret human heritage, preparing you for impactful careers in the heritage sector and beyond.

Over four years, studied full-time on campus, you will immerse yourself in a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. Your learning will encompass archaeological methods, museum collections management, and exhibition design, with opportunities to engage with the University's own museum collections. A distinctive feature of this programme is the dedicated Study Year Abroad in your third year, offering invaluable international experience and cultural immersion. You will graduate with a comprehensive understanding of archaeological science, museum studies, and curatorial skills, ready to pursue roles in museums, heritage organisations, and archaeological consultancies worldwide.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive exploration of museum studies and archaeology, spanning human history from its origins to contemporary cultures. Students will engage with archaeological methods, ancient civilizations, and the principles of museum curation and engagement. The curriculum includes a dedicated year abroad, providing international experience, and culminates in a final year project or dissertation, allowing for in-depth research and practical application of learned skills.

1 YEAR 1

Revolutions and transitions: the human journey from 6 million years ago to the present day Compulsory
Archaeology today: methods and practice Compulsory
Early empires: mesopotamia, egypt & rome Compulsory
Presenting the past: an introduction to museum studies Compulsory
Forensic anthropology and the archaeology of death Optional
Contemporary world cultures: an introduction to social anthropology Optional
Optional language modules

2 YEAR 2

Archaeology and heritage: past, present and future Compulsory
Ancient objects: materials and meanings Compulsory
Museum learning and engagement Compulsory
Curatorship and collections management Compulsory
Prehistoric europe: the first million years Optional
Archaeology field school and professional practice Optional
Celts and romans: northern europe and britain Optional
Bioarchaeology Optional
Changing the face of the earth: past, present and future sustainability Optional
Summer placement Optional
Optional language modules

3 YEAR 3

Study year abroad

4 YEAR 4

Display design, planning and creation: project module Compulsory
Dissertation in archaeology 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 paleolithic Optional
The archaeology and anthropology of food Optional
Living in towns 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
Optional language modules

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

Aerospace Engineering & DesignAerospace Research & AcademiaAerospace Supply Chain & LogisticsAirport Infrastructure & Aviation SecurityAviation Maintenance & RepairAviation Safety & RegulationCreative & ContentCreative Production & Project ManagementDigital MarketingPerformance & Growth Marketing

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Kings College London

Manchester City Council

Why Study BA Museum Studies 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 Museum Studies 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 and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is required for degree courses.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English requirements, you can take tests like Duolingo, where you need an overall score of 135, or IELTS, requiring an overall score of 6.5. Ensure you check specific scores for listening, reading, speaking, and writing in each test.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Job titles include Museum Curator, Archaeological Consultant, Heritage Manager, Collections Manager, and Conservation Scientist.

What will I actually study in this course?

Take your first step towards a rewarding career in heritage – and gain international experience – with our BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad degree.

Choose the University of Reading

  • Top 100 in the world for Archaeology (QS World Rankings by Subject 2023)
  • Ranked 1st in the UK for environmental and ethical performance (People and Planet University League 2023/24)
  • In 2023, the University of Reading was the first ever winner of the Times

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The course begins in September, allowing students to start their journey towards a career in heritage and archaeology.
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