BA Social Anthropology and Archaeology

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom, Birmingham

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University of Birmingham

United Kingdom , Birmingham

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

LV64

Campuses

Birmingham (Edgbaston)

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 25,320 / year

Next Intake September-2026

BA Social Anthropology and Archaeology

About

Our undergraduate BA Social Anthropology and Archaeology degree at the University of Birmingham will enable you to understand and analyse the nature of human societies, the material worlds they inhabit and the extraordinary variety of cultural life over time.

This integrated undergraduate degree programme is run jointly by the Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology, and the Department of African Studies and Anthropology, who together provide an exceptionally diverse and dynamic learning environment. It is designed both for future archaeologists and anthropologists, and for those seeking an exciting and dynamic non-vocational degree course.

Every aspect of human experience and expression is open to archaeological and anthropological enquiry, including ritual and religion, social organisation, art, architecture, music, mythology, dress, identity, technology, health, violence, migration, economy, and landscape. Each discipline complements and enriches the other and, in combination, guides contemporary understanding of global human culture and its diverse forms, achievements and changing character.

In this degree programme there is great emphasis on student choice, small-group teaching, individual research and thematic study. Areas of study in the course are diverse and the coverage global, ranging from Europe to Africa, Asia and the Americas, and embraces all human cultural life from the Palaeolithic to the present day.

International undergraduate scholarships available in the College of Arts and Law

We are proud to offer 10 scholarships to international students in the form of £3,000 tuition fee awards for year one entry only.

Learn more about our scholarships and apply

University of Birmingham. Undergraduate study. Social Anthropology and Archaeology both seek to understand the nature of human societies, and the material worlds they inhabit and fashion.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Thanawiyah are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without the completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

English Language

You will need to demonstrate a certain level of English language, either through an English test such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE, or we may be able to accept your previous or alternative qualifications as evidence. Please view the entry requirements for specific programme requirements, and details on our presessional English language courses.

English Program Requirements

Number of A levels required:: 3
Typical offer:: ABB
General Studies:: accepted

IB Diploma:
6,5,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall.

BTEC qualifications:

BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD.
BTEC Diploma: DD, plus B at A-level.
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A-level.

T Levels:
Distinction overall with B in the Core Component; all subjects considered.

Other qualifications are considered - learn more about entry requirements.

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, our Contextual Offer Scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the contextual offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer.

International Students

We welcome applications from international students and invite you to join our vibrant community of over 4500 international students who represent 150 different countries. We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.

Career

Our unique degrees are designed to provide both academic excellence and vocational development – a balance that is highly sought after by employers in today’s competitive graduate market.

Studying BA Archaeology and Anthropology involves analysing evidence of human activity throughout human history. This develops skills in research, analysis of complex information, working independently and as part of a team, and communicating judgments and arguments.

In your Archaeology-based modules, you will study material remains in addition to other sources such as written evidence, and use scientific principles and concepts. You will have the opportunity to carry out self-directed project work, which improves self-management, organisation and research skills.

You will be in high demand and well placed to forge a rewarding career in a variety of areas, including:

Professional archaeology
Museums and curatorial work
Education
Civil Service
Media

Some example of jobs that our Anthropology and Archaeology graduates have included archives, conservation, heritage and museums roles, project officer and recruitment consultants. Some graduates will go onto undertake further study and research in pursuit of higher degrees.

Developing your career

The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2024 report. Our Careers Network are here to offer you tailored, expert advice on your career plans and support you with finding and applying for jobs, internships and further study. There are hundreds of events to help you meet potential employers and learn more about the breadth of opportunities and career sectors available to you.

Support will be offered to you covering the whole job application process, including CVs, LinkedIn, application forms, interviews and assessment centres. You can also email our experienced Careers Advisors and College Teams to review your applications or answer any careers related question, alongside our on campus and online 1:1 appointments.

We have a number of exclusive work experience programmes such as our B-Experienced programme, which will give you professional experience to set you apart in the graduate market. We also offer work experience bursaries, which allow you to apply for funding to support you during any unpaid internships in the UK and rest of the world.

First years can take part in The Birmingham Project, with themes including celebrating arts and culture and shaping a global society. There’s also a successful Mentoring Programme, where you can gain access to experienced Mentors who can empower, inspire and inform you about their experiences. As a University of Birmingham student you will also be given access to LinkedIn Learning giving free access to real world training courses to kick-start your careers.

If you want to earn money WorkLink advertises convenient part-time job opportunities on campus to fit round your studies.

Extra-curricular activities

To enhance your career prospects even further, you may want to engage in extra-curricular activities to broaden your skills and your network of contacts. The Birmingham Award is the University of Birmingham’s employability programme, supporting you to develop and recognise the attributes you gain through extra-curricular activities. The award is supported by graduate employers and offers you an opportunity to showcase participation in activities outside of your degree programme.’

There are 300+ student groups and volunteering opportunities offered by the Guild of Students (our Students’ Union) so you’re bound to find activities that you want to be involved in whilst meeting friends who share your interests.