Program Overview

BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad

The BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad degree offers a unique opportunity to combine the study of museology with the excitement of archaeological discovery. This four-year program includes a year abroad, where students can further their studies at one of the university's partner institutions overseas.

Overview

This degree program allows students to explore archaeological techniques and gain practical training in museum practices, perspectives, and ethics. The program covers a wide range of topics, including the investigation of artifacts, monuments, and museum collections, as well as the development of human societies from six million years ago to the present day.

Choose the University of Reading

The University of Reading is ranked 49th in the world for Archaeology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025) and 1st in the UK for research quality and research outputs in Archaeology (Times Higher Education Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of REF 2021). The university's Department of Archaeology is an international, research-intensive department with expertise spanning the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Learning Structure

The program includes a combination of compulsory and optional modules, allowing students to tailor their degree to their interests. Compulsory modules include:

• Revolutions and Transitions: The Human Journey from 6 Million Years Ago to the Present Day
• Archaeology Today: Methods and Practice
• Early Empires: Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Rome
• Presenting the Past: An Introduction to Museum Studies

Optional modules include:

• Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death
• Contemporary World Cultures: An Introduction to Social Anthropology
• Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis
• Roman History: The Rise and Fall of the Republic

Study Abroad

A key component of this course is a year abroad, which enables students to further their studies at one of the university's partner universities overseas. All classes are conducted in English, and bursaries are available to help with travel and accommodation costs.

Entry Requirements

The typical offer for this program is A Level BBB. International Baccalaureate students must achieve 30 points overall, while BTEC Extended Diploma students must achieve DDM. English language requirements include IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5.

Fees

The home tuition fee for 2026 entry is ｣9,790, while the international tuition fee is ｣25,850 for 2026/27. Additional costs may include field trips and extra resources, as well as accommodation and living costs.

Careers

Graduates from this program have gone on to work for employers such as Thames Valley Archaeological Services, The Museum of London Archaeology, and the Ashmolean Museum. The program develops a range of practical and academic skills, preparing students for careers in archaeology, heritage, and related fields.

Related Subjects

Related subjects include Archaeology, Classics and Classical Studies, and Museum Studies.