Program Overview

Program Overview

The Social Anthropology and Classical Literature and Civilisation BA program at the University of Birmingham offers students a unique opportunity to explore the rich intersections of culture and society throughout human history. This program allows students to delve into the diverse cultures of contemporary societies around the world and examine the ancient worlds of Greece, Egypt, and Rome through the study of literature, drama, myth, religion, history, philosophy, and art.

Course Highlights

• Top 10 in the UK for Anthropology
• Top 15 in the UK for Classics
• Immerse yourself in ancient worlds by learning another language and diving deep into the plays, poems, and speeches of antiquity
• Learn about cultural diversity and challenge assumptions about societies past and present
• Gain critical and transferable skills that open up a broad range of career opportunities through work-based placements and employability-focused modules
• Get hands-on experience with your own research projects and put your knowledge of ancient and contemporary societies into practice
• Learn from the very best and study alongside some of the finest minds at the university

Course Delivery

The program is delivered in person, with a combination of lectures, seminars, and tutorials.

• Lectures provide an insightful, expert introduction to key topics and guidance to support reading and assessments
• Seminars are small group discussions where students share and test ideas with their academic tutor and peers, helping to understand topics better and build confidence in sharing thoughts

Support During Studies

• Personal Academic Tutors guide and support students throughout their studies
• Wellbeing Officers help with extensions, disabilities, extenuating circumstances, or any personal challenges and connect students with further support on campus or elsewhere
• Academic Writing Advisory Service offers tutorials, workshops, and support in structuring arguments and developing an academic voice
• Student Experience Team provides research opportunities, cultural, intellectual, and social activities to enhance the university experience

Contact Hours and Assessment Methods

• The degree is designed to help students achieve 120 credits per year, which equals about 40 hours of learning each week, including lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, revision, and assessments
• Assessment methods vary but may include coursework (e.g., essays), group or individual presentations and projects, exams, reports, or computer-based assignments
• Timely feedback is provided on each assessment to help students learn and improve their performance in future assessments

Module Information

The modules listed for this program are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

• Year 1 modules include:
  • Around the World with Anthropology
  • Rethinking the Ancient World A: Mythology and Identity
  • Rethinking the Ancient World B: Other Voices
  • Studying Societies: Social Anthropology
  • Greek World
  • The Roman World
  • Thinking Anthropologically
• Students will choose 20 credits of DASA modules in Semester 2
• All optional lists are indicative; not all modules will run each year depending on staff availability

Entry Requirements

To secure a place at Birmingham, students need to meet the general entry requirements as well as those specific to their course.

• A Level: ABB
• IB: 6,5,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall
• BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD
• Number of A levels required: 3
• General Studies: Accepted
• English language requirements for international students:
  • TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing
  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
  • Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and Scholarships

• The University tuition fee covers the cost of tuition, examination, and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students
• Fees for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27: £9,535 per year
• The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year
• Scholarship information is available for students, including undergraduate loans, scholarships, grants, and bursaries

Application Process

• Applications for undergraduate courses at Birmingham are made online through UCAS
• The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process
• Application deadline for September 2026 entry: 14 January 2026

Career Opportunities

By studying an undergraduate degree in Anthropology at Birmingham, students develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths, including:

• Strong communication skills
• Leadership and teamwork
• Handling complex information
• The ability to form concise and articulate arguments
• Managing time and prioritizing workload
• Our African Studies and Anthropology students have gone on to secure roles such as Executive, Marketing Specialist, and Senior Policy Advisor working for organizations such as Expedia Group, Aston Martin Heritage Trust, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Related Courses

• Social Anthropology BA
• Classical Literature and Civilisation BA
• Social Anthropology and Archaeology BA

Student Experience

The University of Birmingham offers a range of support and activities to enhance the student experience, including:

• Accommodation options in the UK’s second city
• Exciting activities to get involved in outside studies
• Support and advice for students
• A beautiful campus with excellent facilities
• Opportunities for research, cultural, intellectual, and social activities
• A vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture in the city of Birmingham

Student Stories

Students share their experiences and tips for studying at the University of Birmingham, including:

• A day in the life of a BA Ancient and Medieval History student
• Top tips for commuters
• How to use the library at the University of Birmingham
• The most exciting thing about studying Anthropology