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BA Archaeology

  • UCAS code
    V400
  • A level offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2024/25
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years
  • Year of entry
    2024/25
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years

Explore the material remains of past societies – from the first hominins millions of years ago to the modern day – with our accredited BA Archaeology degree.

Choose the University of Reading

  • Top 100 in the world for Archaeology (QS World Rankings by Subject 2023)
  • Top 3 in the UK for teaching quality in Archaeology (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
  • 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)
  • 100% of students in the Department of Archaeology 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).

Explore the archaeological past through diverse periods, topics and techniques  

Learn how to investigate, interpret and present our human past through the study of artefacts, sites, landscapes and cultures. Our wide range of modules allows you to shape your own learning, focusing on the topics and periods that most interest you.

At Reading, you'll examine archaeological issues that are critical to our shared global future, such as:

  • diets and health
  • climate and environmental change
  • inequality
  • migration and identity.

By studying human development through the ages, you’ll understand how the critical issues of today have roots in the past and how previous cultures tackled comparable problems.

We'll support you to develop a broad range of subject-specific and transferable skills that span the humanities and sciences. Your learning can include:

  • the investigation of artefacts recovered through excavations and standing monuments
  • the rise of organised religion through to the Crusades
  • handling human remains to learn about burial archaeology
  • how climate and environmental change have impacted lives past and present
  • how stories about the past are conveyed through museums and the media
  • how ideas of gender are reflected and imposed through the material world.

Placements and Study Abroad

You can combine your studies with short term placements or study abroad opportunities.

You can also choose to take this course over four years to include a year-long professional placement or a study year abroad.

Accreditation

Our BA Archaeology degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA). The course was among the first to be recognised for providing key skills relevant to careers in the historic environment.

At Reading, you'll be offered student membership of CIfA, giving you access to their e-learning modules, specialist professional networks, and details of jobs in the profession. We also have close links with a number of local and national archaeological units and museums.

 

CIfA accreditation logo


A supportive, collaborative learning environment

Join the University of Reading’s Department of Archaeology, a community of passionate and inquisitive staff, students and alumni.

We’re an international, research-intensive department with expertise that spans the sciences, humanities and social sciences. You’ll learn about global issues, enhanced by the latest developments and thinking within social and scientific archaeology.

  • Dr Mary Lewis analyses skeletal remains to uncover the health of past peoples
  • 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 Alanna Cant studies how people make use of culture and the past in today’s world.

You'll also have the chance to join RUined, a student-run society for those passionate about 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

You will have the opportunity to put your learning into practice through your time with the Archaeology Field School. There, you will 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’ll 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 the opportunity to use specialist equipment and GIS (geographical information systems), work in laboratories, and access the University’s three on-campus museums. 

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:

  • bioarchaeology
  • humanities-based archaeology
  • archaeological science.

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.


Overview

Explore the material remains of past societies – from the first hominins millions of years ago to the modern day – with our accredited BA Archaeology degree.

Choose the University of Reading

  • Top 100 in the world for Archaeology (QS World Rankings by Subject 2023)
  • Top 3 in the UK for teaching quality in Archaeology (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
  • 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)
  • 100% of students in the Department of Archaeology 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).

Explore the archaeological past through diverse periods, topics and techniques  

Learn how to investigate, interpret and present our human past through the study of artefacts, sites, landscapes and cultures. Our wide range of modules allows you to shape your own learning, focusing on the topics and periods that most interest you.

At Reading, you'll examine archaeological issues that are critical to our shared global future, such as:

  • diets and health
  • climate and environmental change
  • inequality
  • migration and identity.

By studying human development through the ages, you’ll understand how the critical issues of today have roots in the past and how previous cultures tackled comparable problems.

We'll support you to develop a broad range of subject-specific and transferable skills that span the humanities and sciences. Your learning can include:

  • the investigation of artefacts recovered through excavations and standing monuments
  • the rise of organised religion through to the Crusades
  • handling human remains to learn about burial archaeology
  • how climate and environmental change have impacted lives past and present
  • how stories about the past are conveyed through museums and the media
  • how ideas of gender are reflected and imposed through the material world.

Placements and Study Abroad

You can combine your studies with short term placements or study abroad opportunities.

You can also choose to take this course over four years to include a year-long professional placement or a study year abroad.

Accreditation

Our BA Archaeology degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA). The course was among the first to be recognised for providing key skills relevant to careers in the historic environment.

At Reading, you'll be offered student membership of CIfA, giving you access to their e-learning modules, specialist professional networks, and details of jobs in the profession. We also have close links with a number of local and national archaeological units and museums.

 

CIfA accreditation logo


Learning

A supportive, collaborative learning environment

Join the University of Reading’s Department of Archaeology, a community of passionate and inquisitive staff, students and alumni.

We’re an international, research-intensive department with expertise that spans the sciences, humanities and social sciences. You’ll learn about global issues, enhanced by the latest developments and thinking within social and scientific archaeology.

  • Dr Mary Lewis analyses skeletal remains to uncover the health of past peoples
  • 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 Alanna Cant studies how people make use of culture and the past in today’s world.

You'll also have the chance to join RUined, a student-run society for those passionate about 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

You will have the opportunity to put your learning into practice through your time with the Archaeology Field School. There, you will 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’ll 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 the opportunity to use specialist equipment and GIS (geographical information systems), work in laboratories, and access the University’s three on-campus museums. 

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:

  • bioarchaeology
  • humanities-based archaeology
  • archaeological science.

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.


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

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

Compulsory modules

Revolutions and Transitions: the Human Journey from 6 Million Years Ago to the Present Day

Discover how archaeological research has shaped our understanding and knowledge of the development of human society over the last 6 million years, from our earliest ancestors through to the present day. You’ll learn how archaeological methods are used to reconstruct the human past and identify major issues of debate in our history.  

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.  

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.   

Rape in the United States: from Colonisation to Civil Rights

Become familiarised with the changing social and legal understandings of rape in the US. Apply your skills to reflect critically upon the historical basis of contemporary ideas surrounding sexual violence, gender and race.  

Warfare in Early Modern Europe, c. 1500-1715

Consider the relationship between warfare, and its ‘badges, battles and buttons’, with the wider social, economic and political contexts. You’ll be introduced to war and warfare in early modern Europe and study the consequences of war and the historical basis of our contemporary ideas on war.  

After Malthus: Sex, Society and Sustainability

Discover the legacy of Thomas Malthus’ ‘population principle’ in shaping a series of debates across the long nineteenth century and its influence upon ideas of birth control, natural selection, ‘Social Darwinism’, and environmental sustainability. 

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.

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.

Optional Language or University Wide Module

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.

Presenting the Past: An Introduction to Museum Studies

These are the modules that 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 research and teaching 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.

Compulsory 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.  

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.  

Optional modules

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.   

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.  

Celts and Romans: Northern Europe and Britain

Medieval Europe: Power, Religion and Death

Museum Learning and Engagement 

Curatorship and Collections Management

Optional Language Modules

Learn one of ten languages offered by the University at a level appropriate for you. 

These are the modules that 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 research and teaching 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.

Compulsory 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.  

Optional modules

Archaeology of the Dark Ages

The Anthropology of Heritage and 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

Living in Towns

Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Britain

Optional Language Modules

Learn one of ten languages offered by the University at a level appropriate for you. 

These are the modules that 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 research and teaching 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: £27,650

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.

Careers

Archaeology is more than studying the past: it’s a discipline that actively prepares 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.

  • Read how Rizwan Ahmad used the hands-on experiences he gained during his BA Archaeology course to pursue a career in archaeology and heritage

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."

Previous Reading 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
  • Portable Antiquities Scheme

Our graduates have also found careers with a diverse range of employers outside the heritage sector, including:

  • 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)

The lecturers within the Department were passionate, endlessly supportive and dedicated to their subjects and students. This encouraged me to strive to find the same passion and dedication in my degree and future careers.

Jessica Barnsley
BA Archaeology

Pursue your passion with Archaeology at Reading

Contextual offers


We make contextual offers for all our courses.

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