Archaeology
Archaeology brings together history and science to shine a light on the past.
Join a university that's ranked 31st worldwide for Archaeology, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2018. The Department of Archaeology has an outstanding track record for student satisfaction, with satisfaction scores of 90%–100% for overall student satisfaction in every National Student Survey between 2010 and 2018.
Archaeology's uniquely long perspective spans from our earliest origins to recent developments that have shaped the modern world: agriculture, urbanisation, capitalism and religion. At Reading, we are especially focused on those issues from the past that are critical to our shared global future – human diets and health, climate change, inequality and resilience, migration and identity.
You will use material remains to explore, interpret and reconstruct the rich diversity of past cultures. Sometimes what seem like tiny details can be the start of an exciting journey of discovery, and you never know what you might find.
Topics span thousands of years and focus on people from various societies around the world. You will cover British, European and Near Eastern archaeology, from the Palaeolithic to the Medieval period.
In addition to taking part in excavations, our courses provide you with the skills to analyse human and animal bones, objects and plant remains in order to understand past societies. There will be fieldwork opportunities and chances to work with experts on live research projects. As part of our friendly, supportive Department you will benefit from our dedicated archaeology building, specialist equipment and purpose-built laboratories and have access to our three on-campus museums.
As well as being fun, challenging and immensely rewarding, our archaeology degrees enable you to develop an impressive range of skills, preparing you for many career opportunities.
Our flexible courses are designed to provide a balance of theory and practice; providing you with the opportunity to tailor your degree to your interests and apply what you learn in the real world.
Courses
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Full Time: 3 Years
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BA Archaeology with Professional Placement V401
Full Time: 4 Years | including a professional placement
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BA Archaeology with Study Year Abroad V402
Full Time: 4 Years | including a study year abroad
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BA Archaeology with Placement and Study Abroad V403
Full Time: 4 Years | including a placement and study abroad
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BSc Archaeological Science F420
Full Time: 3 Years
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BSc Archaeological Science with Professional Placement F421
Full Time: 4 Years | including a professional placement
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BSc Archaeological Science with Study Year Abroad F422
Full Time: 4 Years | including a study year abroad
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BSc Archaeological Science with Placement and Study Abroad F423
Full Time: 4 Years | including a placement and study abroad
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BA Ancient History and Archaeology VV41
Full Time: 3 Years
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BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Professional Placement VV42
Full Time: 4 Years | including a professional placement
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BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad VV43
Full Time: 4 Years | including a placement year and study abroad
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BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Placement and Study Abroad VV44
Full Time: 4 Years | including a placement and study abroad
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BA Archaeology and History VV14
Full Time: 3 Years
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BA Archaeology and History with Professional Placement VV11
Full Time: 4 Years | including a professional placement
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BA Archaeology and History with Study Year Abroad VV12
Full Time: 4 Years | including a study year abroad
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BA Archaeology and History with Placement and Study Abroad VV13
Full Time: 4 Years | including a placement and study abroad
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BA Archaeology and Classical Studies QV84
Full Time: 3 Years
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BA Archaeology and Classical Studies with Professional Placement QV88
Full Time: 4 Years | including a professional placement
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BA Archaeology and Classical Studies with Study Year Abroad QV86
Full Time: 4 Years | including a study year abroad
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BA Archaeology and Classical Studies with Placement and Study Abroad QV87
Full Time: 4 Years | including a placement and study year
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BA Museum Studies and Archaeology PV14
Full Time: 3 Years
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BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with Professional Placement PV15
Full Time: 4 Years | including a professional placement
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BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad PV16
Full Time: 4 Years | including a study year abroad
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BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with Placement and Study Abroad PV17
Full Time: 4 Years | including a placement and study abroad
Why choose Archaeology at Reading?
Watch our video to find out more about Archaeology at Reading.
You can also take part in the University of Reading's Archaeology Field School in the Vale of Pewsey as part of your degree.
About the Department
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