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.
Take your first step towards a rewarding career in heritage with our BA Museum Studies and Archaeology degree.
At Reading, you will combine the study of museology with the excitement of archaeological discovery. You'll learn the core skills of curatorship: researching, analysing, cataloguing, interpreting and displaying museum objects, historic buildings and landscapes.
You will also benefit from the professional expertise of our Museum Studies staff. All of our lecturers are practising heritage professionals, including curators, conservators and archivists.
With our BA Museum Studies and Archaeology degree, you'll explore archaeological techniques and gain practical training on museum practices, perspectives and ethics.
Your studies will explore our human past through material remains, spanning as far back as the first hominins millions of years ago. 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 and heritage issues that are critical to our shared global future, including:
You’ll learn how to investigate, interpret and present our human past through artefacts, sites, digital and museum exhibitions, and public engagement.
We’ll support you to develop a broad range of subject-specific and transferable skills that span the sciences, humanities and social sciences. Your learning can include:
By studying human societies through time and investigating how we discuss and display them today, you'll understand how today's issues have roots in the past, and how previous cultures tackled comparable problems.
International students can choose this course with a foundation year.
Read Caitlin Johnson's story about studying for BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with International Foundation Year.
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.
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 and Museum Studies – both communities of passionate and inquisitive staff, students and alumni.
Archaeology is 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 in research.
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.
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:
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.
At Reading, you’ll learn through a combination of problem-solving and enquiry-based learning techniques.
You can also enhance your knowledge and understanding of museum and archaeological practices through varied learning opportunities, such as:
Tailor your degree to your interests with our range of optional modules and varied learning opportunities, through modules and opportunities that cover:
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.
