BA Ancient History and Archaeology - 2026 entry

Overview

Explore Greek and Roman history, society and political life, and the ways in which Greeks and Romans thought about their own past. Study key texts in translation. Optional Ancient Greek or Latin language modules. Wide variety of Archaeology modules ranging from the microscopic analysis of ancient artefacts to the exploration of entire fossilised landscapes, from understanding prehistoric villages to recording historic buildings.

Entry requirements

• Typical offer: A-Level: AAB-ABB, IB: 34/665-32/655, BTEC: DDM
• Contextual offers: A-Level: BBB-BBC, IB: 30/555-28/554, BTEC: DMM
• Required subjects: None
• GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language
• Access to HE: 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade
• T-Level: Distinction
• Other accepted qualifications: View other accepted qualifications
• English language requirements: International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.

Course content

Year 1

• 30 credits of compulsory Archaeology modules
• 30 credits of compulsory Ancient History modules
• 30 credits of optional Archaeology modules
• 30 credits of optional Ancient History modules

Compulsory modules

• ARC1010: Themes in World Archaeology (15 credits)
• ARC1020: Essential Archaeological Methods (15 credits)
• CLA1001: Greek History: Problems and Sources (30 credits)
• CLA1002: Roman History: Problems and Sources (30 credits)

Optional modules

• ARA1030: Introduction to Islamic Archaeology (15 credits)
• ARC1080: Archaeology and Heritage: Past and Futures (15 credits)
• ARC1007: Archaeological and Forensic Science Practicals (15 credits)
• ARC1008: Forensic Archaeology (15 credits)

Year 2

• 60 credits of compulsory modules
• 30 credits of optional modules in Archaeology
• 30 credits of optional modules in Ancient History

Compulsory modules

• ARC2003: Archaeological Fieldwork Project (30 credits)
• ARC2004: Archaeological Fieldschool (30 credits)
• CLA2001: Greek History: Problems and Sources (30 credits)
• CLA2002: Roman History: Problems and Sources (30 credits)

Optional modules

• ARC2121: Brooches, Beads, Swords and Shields: Early Medieval Material Culture (15 credits)
• ARC2130: Discovering the Past with Molecular Science (15 credits)
• ARC2514: Forensic Anthropology (15 credits)
• ARC2406: Medieval Castles in Context (15 credits)
• ARC2408: Romanisation: Interaction, Conquest and Change in Late Iron Age and Roman Dacia (15 credits)
• ARC2123: Sustainability and Collapse in Past Societies (15 credits)
• ARC2120: Things and Us: Ancient and Contemporary Material Culture (15 credits)
• ARC2401: Understanding the Landscape of Medieval Britain (15 credits)
• ARC2504: Zooarchaeology (15 credits)
• ARA2014: Regions and Empires in Islamic Archaeology (15 credits)
• HIH2002: Uses of the Past (30 credits)

Year 3 (Final year)

• 30 credits of compulsory modules
• 30-60 credits of optional modules in Archaeology
• 30-60 credits of optional modules in Ancient History (depending on the dissertation chosen)

Compulsory modules

• CLA3009: Dissertation (30 credits)
• ARC3000: Archaeological Dissertation (30 credits)

Optional modules

• ARC3003: Professional Placement (30 credits)
• ARC3006A: Advanced Fieldschool (15 credits)
• ARC3013: Practicing Archaeological, Forensic and Heritage Science (15 credits)
• ARC3120: Things and Us: Ancient and Contemporary Material Culture (15 credits)
• ARC3121: Brooches, Beads, Swords and Shields: Early Medieval Material Culture (15 credits)
• ARC3123: Sustainability and Collapse in Past Societies (15 credits)
• ARC3133: Digital Pasts (15 credits)
• ARC3136: Advanced Fieldwork (15 credits)
• ARC3401: Understanding the Landscape of Medieval Britain (15 credits)
• ARC3406: Medieval Castles in Context (15 credits)
• ARC3408: Romanisation: Interaction, Conquest and Change in Late Iron Age and Roman Dacia (15 credits)
• ARC3510: Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations (15 credits)
• ARC3611: Funerary Osteoarchaeology (15 credits)

Course variants

BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Study Abroad

• UCAS code: VV1K
• Duration: 4 years
• Entry year: 2026
• Campus: Streatham Campus
• Discipline: Classics and Ancient History
• Contact: Web: Enquire online, Phone: (UK callers), +44 (0) (EU/International callers)

BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Employment Experience

• UCAS code: VV2K
• Duration: 4 years
• Entry year: 2026
• Campus: Streatham Campus
• Discipline: Classics and Ancient History
• Contact: Web: Enquire online, Phone: (UK callers), +44 (0) (EU/International callers)

BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Employment Experience Abroad

• UCAS code: VV3K
• Duration: 4 years
• Entry year: 2026
• Campus: Streatham Campus
• Discipline: Classics and Ancient History
• Contact: Web: Enquire online, Phone: (UK callers), +44 (0) (EU/International callers)

Fees

• Tuition fees for 2025 entry: UK students: £9,535 per year, International students: £24,700 per year
• Scholarships: The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year.

Learning and teaching

• How will I learn?: Our department has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and you’ll benefit from small group teaching and plenty of contact with staff. You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials, field trips and computer-led learning.
• Practical work: You will carry out a large amount of practical work, as you complete assignments and put into practice different archaeological and scientific techniques.
• Teaching hours: You’ll have 1-3 teaching hours per module per week and will need to allow for additional hours of private study.
• Research-inspired teaching: Research-led teaching ensures lectures are up-to-date and relevant and you will benefit from access to the latest thinking, equipment and resources.

Facilities

• Experimental Archaeology Labs
• Bioarchaeology Lab
• Clean Lab and fume cupboards for preparing stable isotope samples
• Landscape archaeology project office
• Microscope room equipped with high specification microscopes and image processing facilities
• Digital Humanities Lab
• Wet labs for artefact and environmental sample processing
• Digital x-ray facilities and equipment for elemental analysis
• State-of-the-art surveying equipment
• Outdoor experimental space

Your future

• Employer-valued skills this course develops: A degree in Classics and Ancient History, will provide you with skills which are highly valuable to employers across many sectors. You will develop an advanced knowledge of other cultures, learn how to think logically and independently, to interpret and critique sources, to assess and evaluate information and to communicate (verbally and in writing) in a sophisticated way.
• Career support: We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation.
• Career paths: As a Classics and Ancient History graduate, you will have an array of different industries open to you, such as museum and heritage work, education, journalism, business, and law. Our recent graduates have since secured a variety of positions, such as Archives Assistant, Business Development Associate, Freelance Journalist, Grants and Partnerships Assistant, Investment Analyst, Marketing Manager, Publishing Assistant, Research Culture Administrator, Trainee Chartered Accountant, Media Producer.
• Further study: A degree in Classics and Ancient History will put you in an excellent position to pursue postgraduate study after you have graduated. Our recent graduates have since enrolled on courses such as MA History, MA International Relations, MSc Bioarchaeology, MSc International Management, Graduate Diploma in Law, MSc Library and Information Studies.

University of Exeter

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Overview:

The University of Exeter is a public research university located in Exeter, Devon, England. It is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK. The university is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of law, business, and environmental sciences.

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Services Offered:

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Student website:

Provides access to information and resources for current students.

ELE (Exeter Learning Environment):

An online platform for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and communicating with instructors.

Email web access:

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Payment portal:

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MyExeter (student app):

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Library:

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SID (Student Information Database):

A system for managing student records and accessing personal information.

Timetable:

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Programme and module information:

Provides details about academic programs and courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Exeter offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can expect:

Active student societies:

A wide range of clubs and societies cater to various interests.

Sports facilities:

The university has excellent sports facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and sports fields.

Campus events:

Regular events and activities are organized throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and social gatherings.

Accommodation options:

The university provides a variety of accommodation options for students, both on and off campus.

Wellbeing services:

The university offers a range of support services for student wellbeing, including counseling and mental health support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Excellent academic reputation:

The University of Exeter is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK.

World-leading research:

The university is renowned for its research, particularly in areas such as environmental sciences, law, and business.

Vibrant student life:

The university offers a diverse and engaging student experience with a wide range of clubs, societies, and events.

Beautiful campus setting:

The university's campuses are located in picturesque settings, with easy access to the city of Exeter and the surrounding countryside.

Strong career support:

The university provides excellent career support services to help students find employment after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

English, History, Classics, Philosophy, Music, Drama, and more.

Social Sciences:

Law, Politics, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, and more.

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Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and more.

Business and Management:

Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, and more.

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Other:

• The university has three main campuses: Streatham Campus, St Luke's Campus, and Penryn Campus.
• The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong focus on environmental issues.

• The university has a strong international reputation and attracts students from all over the world.

• Academic Programs:

  While the context mentions some general disciplines, it does not provide a detailed outline of the key academic programs and strengths of the institution.