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CHOOSE A SUBJECT
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BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad

  • UCAS code
    VV43
  • A level offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2024/25
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years
  • Year of entry
    2024/25
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years

Immerse yourself in the ancient Greco-Roman world, and discover how their cultures continue to influence the world today, with our BA Ancient History 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 research quality and research outputs in Archaeology (Times Higher Education Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of REF 2021)
  • 95% of our research in Classics is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Classics)
  • The University of Reading scored 2nd best for teaching quality in Archaeology (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
  • 100% of students in the Department of Archaeology and 100% of students studying BA Ancient History said our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (National Student Survey, 2023)
  • Overall, 97% of graduates from Archaeology are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21; includes all Archaeology responders)

As a Joint Honours student, your programme is shared with the Department of Classics, where instructors are at the forefront of their disciplines. Their research feeds directly into your studies, exposing you to the latest developments in the field.

Explore the past through archaeological and historical techniques

At Reading, our BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad combines the study of ancient history – and its political, military, social and cultural contexts – with invaluable archaeological training.

You'll immerse yourself in the rich cultures of Greece and Rome from around 2000BC to 600AD, and discover how these ancient civilisations have influenced later periods and the world we know today. Your archaeological studies will take you even further back in time, broadening your geographical focus and enabling you to experience the excitement of genuine discovery.

We'll support you to develop skills that span the humanities and sciences. Your learning can include:

  • the investigation of artefacts, monuments and museum collections
  • the development of empires in Mesopotamia, Egypt and Rome
  • ancient Greek and Roman history, culture and society
  • the role of religion in social change through different time periods
  • examining how ideas of gender are reflected and imposed through the historical and material world.

Study Abroad

A key component of this course is a fourth year that enables you to further your studies at one of our partner universities overseas. Studying abroad is an opportunity to increase your cultural awareness and explore a new location.

We have a number of partner universities in Europe – including Aarhus University (Denmark), Uppsala University (Sweden), Eberhard Karls University (Germany), and the University of Malta. We also have partners further afield, such as City University (Hong Kong) and La Trobe University (Australia). Of particular interest to archaeology and anthropology students is the opportunity to study the local archaeology and ethnography of southern Florida through our link with the University of Florida.

All classes are conducted in English and bursaries are available to help with travel and accommodation costs. Visit our Study Abroad website for more information, and to view the full list of current partner institutions.

Further information about studying abroad is available on our Important Information page.

A supportive, collaborative learning environment

You'll join the University of Reading's Department of Archaeology and Department of Classics – both communities of passionate and inquisitive staff, students and alumni.

  • Read about Marcie Weeks’s experience as a joint honours student in Archaeology.

We are international, research-intensive departments with expertise that spans the sciences, humanities and social sciences. You’ll learn about global issues, enhanced by the latest developments and thinking within archaeology and ancient history.

  • Professor Hella Eckardt is demonstrating Britain’s long history of diversity
  • Professor Aleks Pluskowski is using environmental archaeology to provide a different perspective on the impact of religious change
  • Dr Emma Aston brings her love for ancient Greece to the classroom, making her teaching exciting and accessible
  • Professor Barbara Goff turns to the classical world to address today’s pressing issues.

You'll also have the chance to join RUined, a student-run society for those with a passion for archaeology. RUined is a great way to meet people across Reading, build your network, and participate in events like club nights, quizzes, alcohol-free socials, and the annual summer and winter formals.

Field School and field trips

Put your learning into practice through our Archaeology Field School, which is optional on this degree. You’ll gain hands-on experience in all aspects of an archaeological excavation, including:

  • excavation
  • surveying
  • geophysics
  • mapping
  • planning
  • finds processing
  • studying ancient plant and animal remains.

Beyond the Field School, many of our modules include field trips to sites and museums around England. You will be encouraged to get involved with research excavations in the UK and Europe, spanning prehistoric monuments, Roman cities, and medieval castles.

Hands-on learning

Archaeology is not just about digging – it's an academic subject that will teach you valuable theoretical and practical skills. You’ll also have opportunities to use specialist equipment and GIS (geographical information systems), work in laboratories, and access the University's three on-campus museums.

Flexible study options

At Reading, you can explore different periods of ancient history through both literary and material sources.

Your studies will address important questions relevant to our global future, including human diets and health, environmental change, politics and power, inequality, migration and identity.

By studying human societies through time, you’ll understand how the critical issues of today have roots in the past, and you’ll gain insights from how previous cultures tackled comparable problems.

You can enhance your knowledge and understanding of the ancient world through varied learning opportunities, such as:

  • optional Latin and Greek language modules
  • hands-on experience with artefacts from the University’s Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, which features one of the largest collections of Greek and Egyptian antiquities in Britain.

Skills for life

Throughout your degree, you’ll gain a broad range of skills and experiences that are highly regarded by employers, including:

  • the ability to analyse and understand complex information
  • the ability to research and present findings in a coherent manner
  • empathy with others from diverse cultures, backgrounds and beliefs.

All our degree programmes include professional development training and further opportunities, supported by the University’s dedicated Careers Service.

Professional placements

Combine your studies with short term placement opportunities, or take a year long placement with our four-year BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Professional Placement course.

Alternatively, you can study this course over three years by choosing our BA Ancient History and Archaeology degree.

 


Overview

Immerse yourself in the ancient Greco-Roman world, and discover how their cultures continue to influence the world today, with our BA Ancient History 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 research quality and research outputs in Archaeology (Times Higher Education Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of REF 2021)
  • 95% of our research in Classics is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Classics)
  • The University of Reading scored 2nd best for teaching quality in Archaeology (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
  • 100% of students in the Department of Archaeology and 100% of students studying BA Ancient History said our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (National Student Survey, 2023)
  • Overall, 97% of graduates from Archaeology are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21; includes all Archaeology responders)

As a Joint Honours student, your programme is shared with the Department of Classics, where instructors are at the forefront of their disciplines. Their research feeds directly into your studies, exposing you to the latest developments in the field.

Explore the past through archaeological and historical techniques

At Reading, our BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad combines the study of ancient history – and its political, military, social and cultural contexts – with invaluable archaeological training.

You'll immerse yourself in the rich cultures of Greece and Rome from around 2000BC to 600AD, and discover how these ancient civilisations have influenced later periods and the world we know today. Your archaeological studies will take you even further back in time, broadening your geographical focus and enabling you to experience the excitement of genuine discovery.

We'll support you to develop skills that span the humanities and sciences. Your learning can include:

  • the investigation of artefacts, monuments and museum collections
  • the development of empires in Mesopotamia, Egypt and Rome
  • ancient Greek and Roman history, culture and society
  • the role of religion in social change through different time periods
  • examining how ideas of gender are reflected and imposed through the historical and material world.

Study Abroad

A key component of this course is a fourth year that enables you to further your studies at one of our partner universities overseas. Studying abroad is an opportunity to increase your cultural awareness and explore a new location.

We have a number of partner universities in Europe – including Aarhus University (Denmark), Uppsala University (Sweden), Eberhard Karls University (Germany), and the University of Malta. We also have partners further afield, such as City University (Hong Kong) and La Trobe University (Australia). Of particular interest to archaeology and anthropology students is the opportunity to study the local archaeology and ethnography of southern Florida through our link with the University of Florida.

All classes are conducted in English and bursaries are available to help with travel and accommodation costs. Visit our Study Abroad website for more information, and to view the full list of current partner institutions.

Further information about studying abroad is available on our Important Information page.

Learning

A supportive, collaborative learning environment

You'll join the University of Reading's Department of Archaeology and Department of Classics – both communities of passionate and inquisitive staff, students and alumni.

  • Read about Marcie Weeks’s experience as a joint honours student in Archaeology.

We are international, research-intensive departments with expertise that spans the sciences, humanities and social sciences. You’ll learn about global issues, enhanced by the latest developments and thinking within archaeology and ancient history.

  • Professor Hella Eckardt is demonstrating Britain’s long history of diversity
  • Professor Aleks Pluskowski is using environmental archaeology to provide a different perspective on the impact of religious change
  • Dr Emma Aston brings her love for ancient Greece to the classroom, making her teaching exciting and accessible
  • Professor Barbara Goff turns to the classical world to address today’s pressing issues.

You'll also have the chance to join RUined, a student-run society for those with a passion for archaeology. RUined is a great way to meet people across Reading, build your network, and participate in events like club nights, quizzes, alcohol-free socials, and the annual summer and winter formals.

Field School and field trips

Put your learning into practice through our Archaeology Field School, which is optional on this degree. You’ll gain hands-on experience in all aspects of an archaeological excavation, including:

  • excavation
  • surveying
  • geophysics
  • mapping
  • planning
  • finds processing
  • studying ancient plant and animal remains.

Beyond the Field School, many of our modules include field trips to sites and museums around England. You will be encouraged to get involved with research excavations in the UK and Europe, spanning prehistoric monuments, Roman cities, and medieval castles.

Hands-on learning

Archaeology is not just about digging – it's an academic subject that will teach you valuable theoretical and practical skills. You’ll also have opportunities to use specialist equipment and GIS (geographical information systems), work in laboratories, and access the University's three on-campus museums.

Flexible study options

At Reading, you can explore different periods of ancient history through both literary and material sources.

Your studies will address important questions relevant to our global future, including human diets and health, environmental change, politics and power, inequality, migration and identity.

By studying human societies through time, you’ll understand how the critical issues of today have roots in the past, and you’ll gain insights from how previous cultures tackled comparable problems.

You can enhance your knowledge and understanding of the ancient world through varied learning opportunities, such as:

  • optional Latin and Greek language modules
  • hands-on experience with artefacts from the University’s Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, which features one of the largest collections of Greek and Egyptian antiquities in Britain.

Skills for life

Throughout your degree, you’ll gain a broad range of skills and experiences that are highly regarded by employers, including:

  • the ability to analyse and understand complex information
  • the ability to research and present findings in a coherent manner
  • empathy with others from diverse cultures, backgrounds and beliefs.

All our degree programmes include professional development training and further opportunities, supported by the University’s dedicated Careers Service.

Professional placements

Combine your studies with short term placement opportunities, or take a year long placement with our four-year BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Professional Placement course.

Alternatively, you can study this course over three years by choosing our BA Ancient History and Archaeology degree.

 


Entry requirements A Level BBB

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

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
  • Year 4

Compulsory modules

Archaeology Today: Methods and Practice

Uncover the main methods and practices currently employed in modern archaeology, both in archaeological fieldwork and post-excavation analysis. You’ll gain essential knowledge on the variety of techniques used in modern archaeology and an understanding of current practice in the UK.

Early Empires: Mesopotamia, Egypt and Rome

Discover the archaeology of the world’s early empires, dating from 2500BC to AD395, focusing on the great empires of ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Persian Achaemenid Empire, and the Roman Empire. You’ll examine ideology, imperial cult, trade, urbanisation, warfare, agriculture and the everyday lives of imperial subjects, as you study the rise and fall of some of the greatest, most feared, socio-political entities to have existed. 

Greek History: War, Society and Change in the Archaic Age

Track the upheavals, innovations, and conflicts across ancient Greece and beyond. Using evidence, you’ll reconstruct the events and practices that are subject to ongoing debate.  

Roman History: The Rise and Fall of the Republic

Investigate a period marked by profound socio-political changes in Rome and discover the evidence for ancient history and modern methodological approaches, considering the relevance of Roman antiquity to issues in the modern world.

Optional modules

Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death

Learn the archaeological methods and theories employed in the scientific study of the dead, both from the modern forensic and older archaeological contexts. Gain insight into how humans have buried their dead over the time, analyse skeletal remains, and conduct fieldwork in a cemetery survey.  

Contemporary World Cultures: An Introduction to Social Anthropology

Gain a general introduction to social anthropology – the study of human societies and cultures. You’ll explore key themes in the discipline through the study of topics including kingship and marriage, gender and sexuality, the role of religion, ritual and witchcraft in social life, and contemporary hunting and gathering societies.

Revolutions and Transitions: The Human Journey

Presenting the Past: An Introduction to Museum Studies

Texts, Readers and Writers

Develop the knowledge and skills required to succeed in academic study of the ancient world including the literature, writing and numeral systems of ancient Greece and Rome. 

Ancient Song

Discover a range of lyric poetry from ancient Greece and Rome and consider a range of thematic approaches to reading the surviving texts. 

The Past in the Present

Understand the value of materials and how they contribute to our knowledge of antiquity. You’ll learn how to handle and conserve objects and how museums encourage audiences to engage with the ancient world.

Optional Language Modules 

Study a module from outside your department to enhance your understanding of history and culture. Alternatively, you can learn one of ten languages offered by the University at a level appropriate for you. 

These are the modules we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they're informed by the latest teaching and research methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Optional modules

Archaeology and Heritage: Past, Present and Future

Discover how and why archaeologists have excavated and interpreted the material remains of past societies over time. You’ll examine interpretations of the past through to the modern day, spanning the ancient Near East and Classical Greece and Rome. You’ll also examine the evolution of ideas, considering how wider society has changed archaeology and how it may continue to develop in the future. 

Ancient Objects: Materials and Meanings 

Learn the skills, techniques and interpretative frameworks specific to the study of artefacts, including how they’re recorded, analysed and interpreted. You'll be exposed to a wide range of artefacts covering two chronological periods as you explore methodological aspects and analyse data for your dissertation.  

Prehistoric Europe: The First Million Years

Uncover Europe’s pre-history, from the earliest Palaeolithic through to the Iron Age c. 1,600,000 – 800 BC), from Turkey and the Balkans to Britain, Ireland and Scandinavia. You’ll consider important research questions and themes such as technology, dietary strategies, life histories, hominin cognitive abilities, settlement and burial archaeology, ritual practice, and comparative anthropology.  

Archaeology Field School and Professional Practice

Gain a practical, hands-on introduction to field techniques and site recording methods used on both urban and rural excavations. You’ll spend four weeks on a departmental excavation and participate in site work including excavation, finds and sample processing, geophysics, survey and aspects, and geoarchaeology. 

Celts and Romans: Northern Europe and Britain

Medieval Europe: Power, Religion and Death

Bioarchaeology

Learn the key methods employed in the examination of human and animal skeletal remains from archaeological sites, and utilise skeletal collections held by the Department of Archaeology. You’ll uncover the role of the osteoarchaeologist, and learn how to identify, record and analyse human and non-human remains.

Changing the Face of the Earth: Past, Present and Future Sustainability

Examine how archaeology, environmental science and anthropology can provide a deep-time perspective on global challenges and sustainability and how they may contribute to future solutions. You’ll explore the historical emergence, sustainability, and collapse of communities and civilisations, alongside the role of humans in changing climate and ecosystems in the future.

Summer Placement

Take the opportunity to complete a research or professional placement during the summer vacation preceding Part 2 or Part 3 of your degree. You can work alongside a member of staff on a current project based in the UK or internationally, or with a professional organisation, consultancy or government organisation.

Museum Learning and Engagement

Curatorship and Collections Management

Roman Satire

Ancient Epic

Discuss interpretations of Greek and Latin epic hexameter poetry such as the Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid.  

Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander

Discover the Greek classical age (479-323 BC), how to interact with sources, and principles and methods central to the study of ancient history. 

Greek Sculpture and Architecture

Gain knowledge of sculpture and architecture in the Greek world, from its beginnings to the end of the Hellenistic period and consider how, why, where and when these media developed. 

My Mother's Sins and Other Stories

Discover Greek poetry and fiction from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. You’ll consider historical, sociocultural, and wider literary developments of the period and how they illustrate attitudes to the ancient past. 

Ancient Drama

Discover ancient drama by examining their content, themes, and performance style and uncovering the context in which they were produced. 

Roman History: From Republic to Empire

Gain knowledge of the historical, political, social, and economic developments of the imperial era of Rome, using various sources to investigate the impact of the Roman world on the present day. 

Careers for Classicists and Ancient Historians

Set yourself targets in order to make impactful job applications following your graduation, relating your experience of exploring career paths to selected careers in the ancient world. 

Optional Language Modules

Study a module from outside your department to enhance your understanding of history and culture. Alternatively, you can learn one of ten languages offered by the University at a level appropriate for you. 

These are the modules we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they're informed by the latest teaching and research methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Study Year Abroad

Optional modules

Dissertation in Archaeology

Plan, organise and carry out an independent archaeological research project. You’ll undertake primary research as you critically assess previous approaches to a research question and identify or design methods relevant to its solution.

Dissertation in Classics

Investigate a topic within classics to form the basis of an extended piece of original research or an original artistic production. To prepare for the dissertation you’ll participate in workshops and submit an assessed proposal. 

Independent Project in Classics

Conduct research, explication and documentation of a topic presented in a format different from the traditional dissertation. You’ll prepare for the project by participating in workshops and submitting an assessed proposal. 

The Anthropology of Heritage & Cultural Property

Objects and Identities in the Roman Empire

Biological Anthropology

Post-excavation: Assessment, Analysis and Publication in the Profession

Emergence of Civilisation in Mesopotamia

The First Europeans: Archaeology of the Lower Paleolithic

The Archaeology and Anthropology of Food

The Archaeology of Crusading

Greek Art and Drama

Greek and Roman Painting

Investigate and critique Greek and Roman painting by exploring the styles and techniques used to decorate architecture and free-standing objects in the ancient world. 

From Classroom to Courtroom: Mastering the Art of Persuasion

Consider the relationship between theory of rhetoric and the practice of oratory in antiquity by examining the construction of ancient speeches and the skills required for composing and delivering them. 

'Race' and Ethnicity in the Ancient Greek and Roman Worlds

Challenging the notion that ‘race’ and racism are modern concepts, you’ll explore racial and ethnic otherness in Greek and Latin texts along with how classical texts continue to shape our thinking on these issues. 

Science and the Dead: Taphonomy and Chemistry in Human Remains

Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Britain

Archaeology of the Dark Ages

Optional Language Modules 

Study a module from outside your department to enhance your understanding of history and culture. Alternatively, you can learn one of ten languages offered by the University at a level appropriate for you. 

These are the modules we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they're informed by the latest teaching and research methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

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

New international students: £22,350

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.

Year abroad fees

If you spend a full year abroad, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or contact studyabroad@reading.ac.uk.

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.

Careers

Archaeology and Ancient History are more than studying material culture and the past: they’re disciplines that actively prepare you for the job market. You’ll develop an impressive range of practical and academic skills, whether you want to move into the archaeology or heritage sectors or enter a wide range of other industries and careers.

Currently, there is a rising demand for archaeologists in the UK. More than 40 major infrastructure projects are planned over the next 17 years, and archaeologists are required for exploratory excavations and analysis before construction begins. In 2021 David Connolly, Director of British Archaeological Jobs and Resources, said: "For all the infrastructure projects the government is pushing forward…the country is anywhere from 500 to 1,000 archaeologists short."

  • Read how Rebecca MacRae landed roles at the British Museum and Bipolar UK thanks to the transferable skills she acquired during her time at Reading.

Previous graduates have gone on to work within the archaeological and heritage sector for companies such as:

  • Museum of London Archaeology
  • Thames Valley Archaeological Services
  • Cambridge Archaeological Unit
  • Victoria and Albert Museum
  • Colchester Museum
  • Portable Antiquities Scheme
  • NHS
  • Department for Culture, Digital, Media and Sport
  • The Metropolitan Police
  • The Daily Telegraph
  • Mott MacDonald (engineering consultancy)
  • Hargreaves Lansdown (financial consultancy)
  • Humanity First (charity).

Many graduates from the Department of Archaeology have used their expertise across the humanities and sciences to enter careers such as teaching, policing, industry and commerce.


The fieldwork experience has been invaluable in my career development since I left university. I learnt how to excavate and record features of differing periods to a high standard and was able to prove this to employers on my CV.

Ross Baker
BA Ancient History and Archaeology

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  • Ancient History
  • Archaeology

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