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BSc GEOGRAPHY AND ARCHAEOLOGY

  • UCAS code
    FV80
  • Typical offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2021
  • Course duration
     3 years
  • Year of entry
    2021
  • Course duration
     3 years
View all

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Find out about how we'll be delivering our courses in 2020.

Deepen your understanding of the relationship between human societies and the natural world with our BSc Geography and Archaeology joint honours degree.

This course draws from two complementary disciplines to offer a uniquely comprehensive perspective on the world around us – and our place in it.

The relationship between humans and our environments is the most important global challenge of the twenty-first century. With a joint focus in geography and archaeology, you will explore this relationship through the study of societies in both the past and present, and the physical processes that have formed – and continue to modify – the world around us.

Gain practical knowledge and skills as well as a theoretical understanding of how the challenges we face have been tackled through time. You will be encouraged to apply the lessons from our past and present to address the global challenges of our future, including:

  • climate change
  • sustainability
  • social inequality
  • cultural identity and heritage.

You will look as far back as the earliest hominins millions of years ago and carry on up to the present day. Combining long-term and contemporary perspectives, you will gain deep insight into the impact of human behaviour on environmental change. Your highly-integrated studies in geography and archaeology will be well balanced, mixing humanities, culture, and social and natural sciences.

Over the course of your studies, you’ll work with experts from across our School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science. Our academics draw on their ongoing research to influence your studies, and you may even have opportunities to participate in research projects. We provide a welcoming, friendly community, and our approachable staff aim to create a supportive learning environment. Lively student-led societies like GeogSoc (Reading University Geography Society) and RUined (Reading University Archaeology Society) offer a variety of social events.

Geography

Our Department of Geography and Environmental Science is 4th in the UK for research power in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (Research Fortnight's Analysis Power Rankings, 2014, based on its analysis of REF 2014).

Our teaching is highly rated, with 85% overall satisfaction in the teaching provided on the course recognised in the National Student Survey 2020. Our academics are helping to combat some of the greatest challenges facing our world today. For example:

  • Professor Hilary Geoghegan is connecting individual passion and action
  • Professor Hannah Cloke is forecasting floods for a better future
  • Dr Sally Lloyd-Evans is empowering small communities.

Archaeology

Our Department of Archaeology is ranked in the top 10 UK universities for Archaeology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2020). We have an outstanding track record for student satisfaction, with scores consistently between 90%–100% for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2010-2020.

97% of our research overall was judged to be world leading, internationally excellent, or internationally recognised, according the latest Research Excellence Framework 2014 – Geography, Environmental Studies and Archaeology: A – Archaeology.

Our academics are passionate about reconstructing our past to influence our future. For example,

  • Dr Hella Eckardt is proving Britain’s long history of diversity
  • Dr Gabor Thomas is shedding light on the Dark Ages
  • Dr Gundula Muldner is using modern science to discover the past.

Your learning environment

On this course you will learn through a combination of:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • laboratory and other practical work
  • field classes
  • placements.

Depending on your module choices, methods of assessment can range from fieldwork diaries and research projects to article critiques and laboratory reports.

You will gain a thorough grounding in scientific geographical and archaeological techniques as you develop your analytical, surveying, planning, and excavation skills.

You will also build your practical fieldwork skills through core field classes (currently based in the Somerset Levels), archaeological projects including the Archaeology Field School (currently run at Silchester Roman Town and Dunyvaig Castle on Islay), and national and international geography field classes (current venues include Spain, Berlin, Crete, Naples and Iceland).

Specialist fieldwork equipment will enrich and support your learning, as will access to our extensive collections of artefacts, biological and geological specimens, analytical IT software facilities, and diverse suite of laboratories. You will also have access to our three on-site museums and the University’s special collections.

Flexible study options

Tailor your degree to your interests with our range of optional modules and flexible pathway structure. For example, you can pursue pathways in:

  • Identity and heritage
  • Climate change
  • Development and sustainability.

You can also choose to study this course over four years to include a study year abroad, a professional placement, or a combination of both:

  • BSc Geography and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad
  • BSc Geography and Archaeology with Professional Placement
  • BSc Geography and Archaeology with Placement and Study Abroad

Placements and studying abroad

As part of the three-year BSc Geography and Archaeology degree, you will be encouraged to undertake short placements with local and regional employers to help develop your professional skills and boost your employability.

You can also study abroad for a semester at one of our partner universities. Our partners currently include universities in Europe (for example, the University of Malta, and Uppsala in Sweden) and as far afield as Australia and the USA.

Overview

This course draws from two complementary disciplines to offer a uniquely comprehensive perspective on the world around us – and our place in it.

The relationship between humans and our environments is the most important global challenge of the twenty-first century. With a joint focus in geography and archaeology, you will explore this relationship through the study of societies in both the past and present, and the physical processes that have formed – and continue to modify – the world around us.

Gain practical knowledge and skills as well as a theoretical understanding of how the challenges we face have been tackled through time. You will be encouraged to apply the lessons from our past and present to address the global challenges of our future, including:

  • climate change
  • sustainability
  • social inequality
  • cultural identity and heritage.

You will look as far back as the earliest hominins millions of years ago and carry on up to the present day. Combining long-term and contemporary perspectives, you will gain deep insight into the impact of human behaviour on environmental change. Your highly-integrated studies in geography and archaeology will be well balanced, mixing humanities, culture, and social and natural sciences.

Over the course of your studies, you’ll work with experts from across our School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science. Our academics draw on their ongoing research to influence your studies, and you may even have opportunities to participate in research projects. We provide a welcoming, friendly community, and our approachable staff aim to create a supportive learning environment. Lively student-led societies like GeogSoc (Reading University Geography Society) and RUined (Reading University Archaeology Society) offer a variety of social events.

Geography

Our Department of Geography and Environmental Science is 4th in the UK for research power in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (Research Fortnight's Analysis Power Rankings, 2014, based on its analysis of REF 2014).

Our teaching is highly rated, with 85% overall satisfaction in the teaching provided on the course recognised in the National Student Survey 2020. Our academics are helping to combat some of the greatest challenges facing our world today. For example:

  • Professor Hilary Geoghegan is connecting individual passion and action
  • Professor Hannah Cloke is forecasting floods for a better future
  • Dr Sally Lloyd-Evans is empowering small communities.

Archaeology

Our Department of Archaeology is ranked in the top 10 UK universities for Archaeology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2020). We have an outstanding track record for student satisfaction, with scores consistently between 90%–100% for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2010-2020.

97% of our research overall was judged to be world leading, internationally excellent, or internationally recognised, according the latest Research Excellence Framework 2014 – Geography, Environmental Studies and Archaeology: A – Archaeology.

Our academics are passionate about reconstructing our past to influence our future. For example,

  • Dr Hella Eckardt is proving Britain’s long history of diversity
  • Dr Gabor Thomas is shedding light on the Dark Ages
  • Dr Gundula Muldner is using modern science to discover the past.

Your learning environment

On this course you will learn through a combination of:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • laboratory and other practical work
  • field classes
  • placements.

Depending on your module choices, methods of assessment can range from fieldwork diaries and research projects to article critiques and laboratory reports.

You will gain a thorough grounding in scientific geographical and archaeological techniques as you develop your analytical, surveying, planning, and excavation skills.

You will also build your practical fieldwork skills through core field classes (currently based in the Somerset Levels), archaeological projects including the Archaeology Field School (currently run at Silchester Roman Town and Dunyvaig Castle on Islay), and national and international geography field classes (current venues include Spain, Berlin, Crete, Naples and Iceland).

Specialist fieldwork equipment will enrich and support your learning, as will access to our extensive collections of artefacts, biological and geological specimens, analytical IT software facilities, and diverse suite of laboratories. You will also have access to our three on-site museums and the University’s special collections.

Flexible study options

Tailor your degree to your interests with our range of optional modules and flexible pathway structure. For example, you can pursue pathways in:

  • Identity and heritage
  • Climate change
  • Development and sustainability.

You can also choose to study this course over four years to include a study year abroad, a professional placement, or a combination of both:

  • BSc Geography and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad
  • BSc Geography and Archaeology with Professional Placement
  • BSc Geography and Archaeology with Placement and Study Abroad

Placements and studying abroad

As part of the three-year BSc Geography and Archaeology degree, you will be encouraged to undertake short placements with local and regional employers to help develop your professional skills and boost your employability.

You can also study abroad for a semester at one of our partner universities. Our partners currently include universities in Europe (for example, the University of Malta, and Uppsala in Sweden) and as far afield as Australia and the USA.

Entry requirements A Level BBB | IB 30 points overall

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we will guarantee you a place if you achieve one grade lower than the published offer.

Typical offer

BBB

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

  • Learn more about our International Foundation programme

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

  • Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Structure

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Core modules include:

  • Revolutions in Human Behaviour: 4 Million Years BC to the Present

  • Archaeology Today: Methods and Practice

  • Techniques in Geography and Environmental Science

Optional modules include:

  •  Introducing Human Geography

  • Chemistry of the Earth and Environment

  • Biogeography and Ecology

  • Contemporary Issues in Human Geography

  • Climatology

  • Soils in the Environment

  • Geomorphology

  • Theories and Debates in Human Geography

  • World Cultures Today: An introduction to social anthropology

  • Introduction to Quaternary Science

  • Chemistry of the Earth and Environment

  • Biogeography and Ecology

  • Hydrology

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Core modules include:

  • Research Training for Geography and Environmental Science, or Loddon Catchment Consultancy, or Professional Practice

  • Archaeological Field School

  • Geographical Information Systems

Optional modules include:

  • Changing the Face of the Earth: Archaeology, Climate and Human Resilience
  • Culture, Identity and Place

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Core modules include:

  • Dissertation

Optional modules include:

  • Coastal and Maritime Archaeology

  • The Archaeology of Crusading

  • Preparing for Floods

  • Geographies of Death

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250* per year

New international students: £20,830 per year

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Flexible courses (price per 10 credit module)

UK/Republic of Ireland students: £750

International students: £1275

* UK and EU Fee Changes

Subject to the Government passing legislation to raise the minimum fee cap, we will raise undergraduate tuition fees from £9,000 to £9,250 for new UK/EU students applying to start courses in the 2017/18 academic year. You will not be affected by this rise if you have deferred entry to the 2017/18 academic year. The Government will confirm future arrangements for EU students in due course.

The tuition fee will remain £9,000 per year for the full duration of this course if you start in the 2016/17 academic year or have accepted an offer but deferred your entry until the 2017/18 academic year. This is unlike other institutions who are planning to raise fees midway through courses.

For further information, please see our webpage on the Teaching Excellence Framework and future tuition fees.

Additional costs

These course fees cover the cost of your tuition. Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK and other EU countries may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

Studying a joint honours degree in geography and archaeology means you will develop a broad range of subject-specific and transferable skills in the humanities and the sciences, preparing you for a diverse range of career opportunities.

You could make a difference through:

  • environmental consultancy work
  • pollution monitoring
  • joining the growing renewable and sustainable energy sector
  • formulating policies in central government
  • using your research skills in informational or intelligence services
  • contributing in the charities and voluntary sector
  • utilising your communication skills in teaching and education.

Alternatively, with an interest in the past you may choose to pursue a career in commercial archaeology or the heritage sector, perhaps in a museum or archive. There are also development-led archaeology opportunities in planning departments and commercial companies.

We have long-established, excellent relationships with employers within the archaeology and related sectors, including Oxford Archaeology and Cotswold Archaeology, both of which regularly consider our graduates for vacancies.

 

Contextual offers


We make contextual offers for all our courses.

Take the next step


How to apply

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Related Courses

  • BSc Archaeological Science F420
    Full Time: 3 Years
  • BA Ancient History and Archaeology VV41
    Full Time: 3 Years
  • BA Archaeology and History VV14
    Full Time: 3 Years
  • BA Archaeology and Classical Studies QV84
    Full Time: 3 Years
  • BA Museum Studies and Archaeology PV14
    Full Time: 3 Years
View all Archaeology degree courses at University of Reading courses
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  • History
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  • Information Technology
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  • Law
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  • Medieval History
  • Meteorology and Climate
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  • Nutritional Sciences
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
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Subjects Q-Z

  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Strategic Studies
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Subjects A-B

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Science
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Building and Surveying
  • Business and Management, Accounting and Finance

Subjects C-E

  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Classical Studies
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
  • Creative Writing
  • Drama
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environment

Subjects F-G

  • Film & Television
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Foundation programmes
  • French
  • Geography
  • German
  • Graphic Communication and Design

Subjects H-M

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • International Development
  • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
  • International Relations
  • Italian
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Sciences
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Museum Studies

Subjects N-T

  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate Studies
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Spanish
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Surveying and Construction
  • Teaching
  • Theatre

Subjects U-Z

  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

Subjects A-C

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Sciences
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business (Post-Experience)
  • Business and Management (Pre-Experience)
  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Ancient History
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management and Engineering
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Creative Enterprise

Subjects D-G

  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Energy and Environmental Engineering
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Science
  • Film, Theatre and Television
  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Graphic Design

Subjects H-P

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • Information Management and Digital Business
  • Information Technology
  • International Development and Applied Economics
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Medieval History
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Nutritional Sciences
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

Subjects Q-Z

  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Strategic Studies
  • Teaching
  • Theatre
  • Typography and Graphic Communication
  • War and Peace Studies
  • Zoology

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