We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2026/27 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2025/26 courses.
Explore humanity from its earliest origins to the cultures and societies of today with our BA Archaeology and Anthropology degree.
Our BA Archaeology and Anthropology course allows you to combine two fascinating and related disciplines. Archaeology examines the material evidence from our past and present, while anthropology focuses on human development and contemporary cultures.
Studying these disciplines together will provide you with insight into what it means to be human. This will enable you to address issues that are critical to our shared global future, including:
By examining human development, behaviour and different cultures, you’ll better understand the roots of these issues. You’ll learn how other societies have tackled comparable problems and how contemporary societies are addressing them now.
Using methodological approaches from the sciences, social sciences and humanities, you’ll explore the diversity of human experience. You will learn about the biological evolution of our earliest ancestors, the pre-historical and historical development of different cultures, and present-day ways of life and social issues.
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:
You can also choose to take this course over four years to include a year-long professional placement or a study year abroad.
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 and anthropology.
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.
This programme includes a compulsory four-week field school in the summer before Year 2, where you'll develop essential practical archaeological skills through hands-on excavation experience. There, you will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of an archaeological excavation, including:
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.
Archaeology is not just about digging – it's also an academic subject that will teach you valuable theoretical and practical skills, with opportunities to use specialist equipment and GIS (geographical information systems), work in laboratories, and access the University’s three on-campus museums.
Tailor your degree to your interests with our range of optional modules and varied learning opportunities, covering:
Build your portfolio of experience with short term placements or study abroad opportunities.
Placements are a great way to enhance your employability and develop your network. You can find placements across the archaeological, heritage, planning and museum sectors, or beyond the field of archaeology to explore your interests and expand your career options.
Our students can also benefit from distinctive Reading experiences, including artefact-focused teaching sessions and internship opportunities at the British Museum's new Archaeological Research Collection facility (BM_ARC), located at the Thames Valley Science Park.
Learn more about our partnership with the British Museum Archaeological Research Centre.
Throughout your degree, you’ll gain a broad range of skills and experiences that are highly regarded by employers, including:
All our degree programmes include professional development training and further opportunities, supported by the University’s dedicated Careers Service.
