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BA Archaeology and Anthropology

  • UCAS code
    VL46
  • A level offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years

Explore humanity from its earliest origins to the cultures and societies of today with our BA Archaeology and Anthropology degree.

The University of Reading is in the top 100 in the world for Archaeology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, Archaeology. The University of Reading is ranked 51-100 in the world and is the joint 9th highest placed UK university) and is 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 the latest Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we achieved the highest score for student satisfaction in the UK in 2022.

This joint honours course combines archaeology’s examination of material evidence from our past and present with anthropology’s focus on human development and contemporary cultures and societies. Studying these two disciplines together allows you insight and understanding of what it means to be human.

This understanding will be crucial in addressing issues critical to our shared global future, including:

  • the relationship between humans and environmental change
  • inequality, migration and identity
  • population growth and development
  • human diets and health
  • politics, economics and sustainability.

By examining human development, behaviour and different cultures, you will better understand the roots of these issues, and 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 will examine 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. 

During your studies you will analyse:

  • material culture
  • biological evidence
  • ethnographic evidence
  • theoretical and empirical perspectives from the past and present.

Your studies in the Department of Archaeology will encompass ethnographic approaches and case studies, and the study of social and scientific archaeology, including:

  • the investigation of artefacts recovered through excavation
  • the study of human bones (including osteology and palaeopathology)
  • the study of plant and animal remains
  • human-environment interaction
  • how climate and environmental change have affected lives past and present
  • religious, social, economic and political diversity around the world.

On this course you will learn through a combination of field classes and fieldwork projects, lectures and seminars, laboratory and other practical work, and placements.

Depending on your module choices, methods of assessment can range from fieldwork diaries and laboratory-based practical tests to article critiques and presentations.

Find out more about this programme by reading our story about Mia Dare, a first-year BA Archaeology and Anthropology student who's gaining new perspectives on our world while studying at Reading.

Your learning environment

You will work with academics from our Department of Archaeology – and other experts from our School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science – who are passionate about reconstructing our past to influence our future. For example,

  • Dr Mary Lewis analyses skeletal remains to uncover the health of past peoples
  • Professor Hella Eckardt is proving Britain’s long history of diversity
  • Dr 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. 

Our research directly informs what you learn at Reading, and it is highly regarded in the field: the University of Reading is 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 the latest REF 2021).

We provide a welcoming, friendly community and lively student-led societies, like RUined (Reading University Archaeology Society), offer a variety of social events and activities. Our staff are approachable and aim to create a supportive learning environment, and 100% of students in the Department of Archaeology said that our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (National Student Survey, 2023). 

Field School

You will gain direct, hands-on experience in all aspects of an archaeological excavation through your time with the Archaeology Field School (currently run at Silchester Roman Town and Dunyvaig Castle on Islay). You will also be encouraged to get involved in other archaeological excavations in the UK and abroad, such as at prehistoric monuments, Roman cities, and medieval castles.

In addition to excavation skills, you will also learn about surveying, GIS (geographical information systems) mapping, planning, and finds processing. 

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.

Through practical work you will be able to experience the excitement of discovery and have the chance to make a direct contribution through the creation of new archaeological and anthropological knowledge. 

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:

  • cultural diversity
  • global development, inequality and sustainable living
  • biological and evolutionary anthropology
  • environmental and climatic change
  • material culture and heritage.

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:

  • BA Archaeology and Anthropology with Study Year Abroad
  • BA Archaeology and Anthropology with Professional Placement

Placements and Study Abroad

As part of the three-year BA Archaeology and Anthropology 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. These 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

Explore humanity from its earliest origins to the cultures and societies of today with our BA Archaeology and Anthropology degree.

The University of Reading is in the top 100 in the world for Archaeology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, Archaeology. The University of Reading is ranked 51-100 in the world and is the joint 9th highest placed UK university) and is 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 the latest Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we achieved the highest score for student satisfaction in the UK in 2022.

This joint honours course combines archaeology’s examination of material evidence from our past and present with anthropology’s focus on human development and contemporary cultures and societies. Studying these two disciplines together allows you insight and understanding of what it means to be human.

This understanding will be crucial in addressing issues critical to our shared global future, including:

  • the relationship between humans and environmental change
  • inequality, migration and identity
  • population growth and development
  • human diets and health
  • politics, economics and sustainability.

By examining human development, behaviour and different cultures, you will better understand the roots of these issues, and 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 will examine 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. 

During your studies you will analyse:

  • material culture
  • biological evidence
  • ethnographic evidence
  • theoretical and empirical perspectives from the past and present.

Your studies in the Department of Archaeology will encompass ethnographic approaches and case studies, and the study of social and scientific archaeology, including:

  • the investigation of artefacts recovered through excavation
  • the study of human bones (including osteology and palaeopathology)
  • the study of plant and animal remains
  • human-environment interaction
  • how climate and environmental change have affected lives past and present
  • religious, social, economic and political diversity around the world.

On this course you will learn through a combination of field classes and fieldwork projects, lectures and seminars, laboratory and other practical work, and placements.

Depending on your module choices, methods of assessment can range from fieldwork diaries and laboratory-based practical tests to article critiques and presentations.

Find out more about this programme by reading our story about Mia Dare, a first-year BA Archaeology and Anthropology student who's gaining new perspectives on our world while studying at Reading.

Learning

Your learning environment

You will work with academics from our Department of Archaeology – and other experts from our School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science – who are passionate about reconstructing our past to influence our future. For example,

  • Dr Mary Lewis analyses skeletal remains to uncover the health of past peoples
  • Professor Hella Eckardt is proving Britain’s long history of diversity
  • Dr 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. 

Our research directly informs what you learn at Reading, and it is highly regarded in the field: the University of Reading is 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 the latest REF 2021).

We provide a welcoming, friendly community and lively student-led societies, like RUined (Reading University Archaeology Society), offer a variety of social events and activities. Our staff are approachable and aim to create a supportive learning environment, and 100% of students in the Department of Archaeology said that our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (National Student Survey, 2023). 

Field School

You will gain direct, hands-on experience in all aspects of an archaeological excavation through your time with the Archaeology Field School (currently run at Silchester Roman Town and Dunyvaig Castle on Islay). You will also be encouraged to get involved in other archaeological excavations in the UK and abroad, such as at prehistoric monuments, Roman cities, and medieval castles.

In addition to excavation skills, you will also learn about surveying, GIS (geographical information systems) mapping, planning, and finds processing. 

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.

Through practical work you will be able to experience the excitement of discovery and have the chance to make a direct contribution through the creation of new archaeological and anthropological knowledge. 

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:

  • cultural diversity
  • global development, inequality and sustainable living
  • biological and evolutionary anthropology
  • environmental and climatic change
  • material culture and heritage.

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:

  • BA Archaeology and Anthropology with Study Year Abroad
  • BA Archaeology and Anthropology with Professional Placement

Placements and Study Abroad

As part of the three-year BA Archaeology and Anthropology 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. These 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

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.

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

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.

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

Global Challenges

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.  

Optional modules:

Presenting the Past: An Introduction to Museum Studies

Geographical Imaginaries

Landscapes and Resources

Human Geography: Concepts Theory and Practice

Optional Language Modules

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available between May and July 2023. We suggest that you regularly revisit this webpage during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.

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.

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.

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.  

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.  

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. 

Living with Each Other: Social and Cultural Geography

Optional modules:

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.  

Rome's Mediterranean Empire 

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.  

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

Optional Language Modules

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available between May and July 2023. We suggest that you regularly revisit this webpage during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.

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.

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.

Compulsory modules:

Dissertation

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:

The Anthropology of Heritage & Cultural Property

The Archaeology of the City of Rome

Biological Anthropology

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

Emergence of Civilisation in Mesopotamia

The Archaeology and Anthropology of Hunter-gatherers

The Archaeology and Anthropology of Food

The Archaeology of Crusading

Deathscapes and Dark Tourism

Optional Language Modules

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available between May and July 2023. We suggest that you regularly revisit this webpage during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.

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.

Placement year fees

If you spend a full year on placement, 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 placements@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

Our BA Archaeology and Anthropology degree allows you to 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.

Archaeology could lead to a career in commercial archaeology or the heritage sector – for example, in a museum or archive – or you could take advantage of development-led archaeology opportunities in planning departments and commercial companies. At Reading, we have long-established relationships with employers within the archaeology and related sectors, including Oxford Archaeology and Cotswold Archaeology, both of which regularly consider our graduates for vacancies.

Anthropology could be a path into international development (with governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations), agriculture, health, and social research, and social policy.

Alternatively, the communication and analytical skills you will acquire could be put to use in:

  • education
  • not-for-profit
  • marketing
  • advertising
  • law
  • PR and the media.

Pursue your passion with Archaeology at Reading

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  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology

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