Archaeology and Ancient History

The Archaeology and Ancient History program at the University of Birmingham offers students a comprehensive exploration of human history from its earliest origins through to the medieval period, combining the scientific methodologies of archaeology with the detailed study of ancient civilizations. This multidisciplinary course provides a unique opportunity to understand the cultural, social, political, and economic aspects of past societies, emphasizing both fieldwork and theoretical approaches. Students will engage with a wide range of topics, including prehistoric archaeology, classical civilizations, ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the broader ancient world, supported by access to extensive archaeological sites, collections, and laboratory facilities. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, research skills, and practical experience, enabling students to interpret archaeological evidence and historical texts effectively. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical excavations, and independent research projects, learners will gain a solid foundation in archaeological methods such as excavation techniques, surveying, and artefact analysis, alongside the study of ancient languages and historical contexts. The curriculum fosters an understanding of how archaeology contributes to our knowledge of human history, providing insights into societal development, cultural identity, and heritage management. Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in archaeology, heritage management, museum curation, academia, and related fields. Additionally, students will benefit from opportunities for fieldwork both in the UK and internationally, alongside placements and collaborations with archaeological institutions. The program emphasizes critical evaluation of sources and encourages an interdisciplinary approach, ensuring students are prepared to contribute to ongoing debates within the disciplines of archaeology and ancient history. Overall, the Archaeology and Ancient History degree at Birmingham combines rigorous academic study with practical experience, aiming to foster knowledgeable, skilled, and critically-minded professionals ready to make meaningful contributions to understanding and preserving the ancient past.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

This programme integrates archaeological and ancient historical approaches to the study of societies and cultural life in the past. By drawing upon the methods and insights of both disciplines, it is possible to develop more diverse and broader interpretations of ancient societies, and to investigate aspects of these that would be closed to one or the other discipline in isolation.

Diversity and choice are key characteristics of the degree, which offers a wide range of optional courses in different periods, areas and methods of study, alongside core courses covering both archaeology and ancient history. The programme allows for a very high degree of flexibility and is ideal for those interested in the past, but currently undecided if they would like to focus on archaeology or ancient history.

Past human cultures are explored both in multidisciplinary terms (using historical sources and archaeological evidence to study themes such as burial practices and society, and the ancient City), and in detailed studies of particular periods and regions. The range of period and area specialisms among teaching staff is extremely wide, with optional lecture and seminar courses reflecting this diversity, including:

• Palaeolithic archaeology
• British and European prehistory
• Mediterranean Archaeology
• Egyptian archaeology and history
• Ancient western Asia
• Minoans & Mycenaens
• Dark Age and Classical Greece
• The archaeology of the Roman Empire
• Roman Britain
• Anglo-Saxon England
• The Vikings
• Early medieval Europe

Small-group teaching is an integral part of the degree, with a Project or Seminar module in each year of the programme. Topics are chosen by students from a wide range of more than 20 specialist research subjects, with seminar or laboratory classes of no more than 12 students.

The Study Tour in the 2nd Year is a unique course involving group project design and travel to sites, museums and landscapes of a selected region, funded by a grant from the Institute. Study tour groups regularly go to Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Italy and France, other countries in central and northern Europe, and Britain and Ireland.

Individual research is an especially important feature of the 3rd Year, when students pursue their own special interests in their dissertation research, supervised by a member of staff.

Archaeology and Ancient History: Year 1

In your first year you gain a firm grounding in the history and archaeology of the ancient world through introductory lecture courses ranging from the history and archaeology of the ancient civilisations of Egypt to the theory and practice of archaeology and the study of human societies and cultural change. You also gain practical experience through archaeological field training.

[each module 20 credits]

• Introductory Archaeology Module (Covering key archaeological sites and discoveries, from the origins of humans to battlefield archaeology)
• Project Work (Two small-group seminar courses chosen from a wide range of about 20 special topics)
• Fieldwork Training
• Mediterranean Archaeology
• Multi-disciplinary Subject (Choice of three subjects each year: e.g. Death and Burial, the Ancient City, Warfare)
• Optional Module (Choice from a wide range of courses, including modules such as Early Civilisations: Egypt and Western Asia, Introduction to Greece and the Greeks, Introduction to Greece and Rome, Barbarians and the transformation of the Roman World)

In your second year you may choose a historical core module investigating Greek and Roman society, or one which will provide you with expertise in major archaeological sub-disciplines and professional techniques (for example, forensic or environmental archaeology). You also choose from a range of options in history, archaeology, literature, culture, language, myth, religion, art and philosophy. A special feature of the second year is the study tour abroad, a research project undertaken with financial support from the University

• Archaeology Core Course or Ancient History Core Course (40 credits. Students must take one Archaeology course and one Ancient History Core, but are free to choose which order they take these courses)
• Seminar Option (small-group seminar series, chosen from a wide range of about 20 period/region/thematic archaeology topics)
• Multi-disciplinary Subject (Choice of three subjects each year: e.g. Death and Burial, the Ancient City, Warfare) or Special Study (small group courses specifically for second years, a range of choices are offered e.g. Archaeology of Early Christian Europe, British Prehistory: new discoveries and interpretations)
• Optional Modules (40credits)
  (Choice from a wide range of courses, including the possibility of taking an ancient language or a second year of Field Training, most options are 20 credits)

Archaeology and Ancient History: Year 3

In your final year you may choose either an archaeological core module or a historical one this time focusing on Ancient Egypt and Western Asia. You also make your choice from our menu of options. The highlight of the final year is your dissertation: a substantial research project on a subject of special interest to you.

• Dissertation (40 credits)
• Archaeology Core Course or Ancient History Core Course(40 credits. Students must take one Archaeology course and one Ancient History Core, but are free to choose which order they take these courses)
• Seminar Option (small-group seminar series, chosen from a wide range of about 20 period/region/thematic archaeology topics)
• Optional Module (Choices available will vary each year but include subjects such as: Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Archaeology, Heritage Management, The Roman Army)

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 80(Grade A) TOEFL iBT® test : 93

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: ABB

International Baccalaureate Diploma: 34 points

International students:

Standard English language requirements apply: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band; TOEFL IBT 93

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Birmingham.

The Archaeology and Ancient History program at the University of Birmingham offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the ancient world. The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in archaeological methods, ancient history, and the study of classical civilizations. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics, including the archaeology of the Greek and Roman worlds, ancient Egypt, and the broader Mediterranean region. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, such as excavation techniques, artifact analysis, and digital archaeology methods. In addition to core modules, students can choose from a variety of optional subjects to tailor their degree to their interests, including ancient technology, historical linguistics, and cultural heritage management. The program is taught by experienced academics and archaeologists who are active researchers, ensuring that students gain insights into current debates and developments in the field. Fieldwork is a significant component of the program; students have the chance to participate in excavations and archaeological surveys both in the UK and abroad, which enhances hands-on learning and employability. The university's well-equipped laboratories and resources support research and practical work. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in archaeology, heritage management, museum curation, education, and further academic study. The program also encourages critical thinking and analytical skills essential for understanding complex historical and archaeological questions. Overall, the Archaeology and Ancient History program at Birmingham provides a rigorous, engaging, and enriching educational experience for students passionate about exploring the ancient past.