Ancient History and Archaeology BA

Course overview

This course emphasises both the common ground between ancient history and archaeology and the different approaches of the two disciplines. It is suited to those who wish to approach an understanding of the ancient world through both the material, literary and documentary evidence. Study of Greek or Latin is not required, but may be undertaken as part of the course.

Year one

In ancient history you will study two core modules which give you an integrated introduction to the history and culture of Greece and Rome and their receptions, along with two other modules, from a choice of three, going into more depth on methods, sources, and approaches in the areas of history, literature or art. Beginners' Latin or Greek is optional. In archaeology, you take core modules introducing you to methodology and archaeological practice and choose from optional modules on particular topics.

Year two

Year two combines a wide range of optional modules in both archaeology and ancient history with either an extended source study in ancient history or further core modules in archaeology, to prepare you for third-year dissertation work.

Year three

You will either do a 10,000-word dissertation or take a special subject module in the Department of Classics. You will also study further optional modules or continue your language work and further modules in archaeology.

More information 

See also the Department of Archaeology.

Entry requirements

A levels: AAB-AAC

English language requirements 

IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

TOEFL iBT 100 (no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking)

Alternative qualifications 

For details please see the alternative qualifications page 

Modules

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.

Typical year-one modules

• Prehistory from the Earliest Humans to the First Farmers
• Introduction to the archaeology of the Roman Empire
• Studying the Greek World
• Studying the Roman World
• Introduction to Medieval Archaeology AD 400 - 1400

Typical year-two modules

• Archaeology of Technology and Production
• Medieval Britain
• Britain in the Western Roman Empire
• History, Theory and Practice of Archaeology

Typical year-three modules

Please see optional modules below or contact the Department of Classics for more information.

Typical optional modules

• Interpreting Ancient Art
• Interpreting Ancient History
• Interpreting Ancient Literature
• Latin Texts: 1
• Euripides: Experiments in Tragedy
• Greeks and Barbarians: Connected Histories
• The Roman Empire in the East
• Underwater Archaeology
• Bioarchaeology
• Sex, Lies and Violence: Battles of the Athenian Lawcourts

Skills and careers

You will have a broad knowledge of archaeological theory and practices and periods of ancient history and will have undertaken in-depth study into areas of your own interest. Your transferable skills will include communication skills, the ability to construct a logical argument and independent thinking.

Average starting salary 

The average starting salary for 2009/10 full-time graduates of the Department of Classics was £16,950.00 and for graduates of the Department of Archaeology it was £16,666.67.*

*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2009/10.