Archaeology and Ancient History (BA)

Why study this course

In our interdisciplinary BA in Archaeology and Ancient History, you will explore the ancient societies and cultures of the Mediterranean, Europe and the Near East, from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine Empire, including Greeks, Romans, Persians, Egyptians, Etruscans, Celts and Carthaginians. By combining approaches from archaeology and ancient history, you will learn how to understand these societies from different perspectives, as well as acquiring practical skills such as archaeological excavation, surveying, illustration and public outreach.

You will be able to specialise in the periods or cultures that interest you most, explore themes such as gender, politics, warfare, religion, art and medicine, or learn about archaeological methods and skills. We’ll ensure that you can place this research and knowledge into a contemporary context, including how heritage sites and collections are managed, and how the ancient world continues to inspire the modern world and inform debates in today’s society.

Our teaching is informed by the latest findings, and you’ll share in the process of discovery by participating in fieldwork and carrying out your own research project. As a graduate in archaeology and ancient history, you will have the skills, knowledge and confidence that you need to succeed in a range of careers, in the heritage sector or elsewhere.

This programme is also available with a year of study abroad, extending your degree to a four-year programme, with your third year spent at a partner institution outside the UK.

Careers and placements

Career prospects

Graduate careers

• Archaeologist
• Historian
• Lecturer

Placements

You’ll benefit from a 20-credit professional placement module as a core element of the degree. This involves a four-week practical placement on an archaeological excavation (usually in the summer vacation) or on a museum, archival, post-excavation or laboratory project in Britain or abroad. We generally offer experience on a project relevant to the periods and geographical areas under study.

Further opportunities for diverse, bespoke placements are offered in Year Two on a module which focuses on translating the skills you gain through your degree into the workplace. In your third year we offer you the opportunity to take a module through which you can develop your enterprise skills, and which equips you with the skills to communicate and collaborate with external organisations. Staff also have close links with a range of local heritage and other organisations, which offer placement opportunities both in and outside semesters.

Through our links with Student Futures you can source placements and on-campus internships, from 35 hours part-time placements to fit in around your studies to paid summer placements. In addition, Go Wales provides additional support to help you gain work experience.