This programme provides the opportunity to study the ancient civilisations of Egypt and Western Asia, as well as Greece and Rome and prehistoric societies in the Mediterranean and Britain. By interpreting historical and archaeological evidence together, we can build a rounded picture of the life and culture of these ancient societies.

The Institute of Archaeology and Antiquity is a lively environment where students find friendly encouragement to follow their own particular interests in the past, and where they can gain the necessary skills to equip them for a variety of careers in the future. We place a distinctive emphasis on the combination of archaeological and historical approaches in the study of the ancient world, and the range of expertise available ensures that a wide choice of periods, countries and cultures may be studied. To a large extent you can build your own degree through choice from the options available.

The majority of you will have chosen to study subjects with us which you have had little chance to explore at School or College, and which, therefore, will be new and exciting ways of understanding ancient civilizations. These will include primary sources such as Mesopotamian, Egyptian or Classical texts which have survived to the modern day or the monuments and objects which the members of those civilizations themselves created – a steadily growing resource as new discoveries are made.

Your learning with us will be your own voyage of discovery. This will be through small group projects in the first year, seminars in the second and third years and a dissertation in the third. In each year you will be guided in your learning by an expert in the subjects you have chosen and you will learn to research a variety of different source materials, to analyse them, to construct a coherent arguments and to present the story orally or in writing. 

Your first year is the foundation of everything which you will achieve with us. In your first year you will be introduced to the University of Birmingham’s principles of Enquiry Based Learning (EBL).  We will guide you in methods of research, give you feedback on each task, help you improve your style of writing and your use of referencing.  We will show you how to examine the views of scholars critically as well the evidence they have used and you will use to construct your stories about each task. Gradually, you will come to rely on the evidence you have found for yourselves and the judgements you have formed about it more than the text books you started with. Soon it will be natural to question rather than accept, to argue your own theories and to be unafraid to disagree with us as well as your classmates. The lectures will be led by experts in their field who will provide the background to your own discoveries, the background which is itself based on the latest research and discovery.  Lectures will be supported by discussion classes to provide the background to your understanding of the subject area.

You will also gain practical experience in a three week period of practical fieldwork at the end of the summer term in your first year. This provides a unique opportunity to understand the methods of archaeology in the field and to work as a team under the guidance of our expert archaeologists – and quite possibly to contribute to our knowledge with your own discoveries.

One of the highlights of your degree programme will be a real voyage of discovery – to Italy, Greece, Egypt or elsewhere - in the two week Study Tour you will undertake at Easter in your second year.  A small group of you with similar interests will be guided by us in planning your own personal tours, in setting objectives to inform your individual projects – and carrying them out in order to present a lucid and lively academic report on what you have seen, experienced and discovered.

As your personal tutors, we will discuss with you individually your progress in general and identify strengths to build on – or weaknesses to be addressed. We will help you develop transferable skills as well assist you with welfare issues if necessary.

Graduates of archaeology, like all arts and humanities students, develop a wide range of skills which are highly attractive to employers. Studying archaeology involves analysing evidence of human activity throughout human history. This helps the development of skills in research and analysis of complex information, working independently and as part of a team, and articulate communication of judgments and arguments. Archaeologists study material remains in addition to other sources such as written evidence, and use scientific principles and concepts. Students have the opportunity to carry out self directed project work which helps self management, organisation and research skills.

The skills of an ancient historian - research, analysis and reasoning - are highly attractive to employers. Studying ancient history involves analysing the ancient world in a political, social, economic and cultural context. This helps the development of skills in research and analysis of complex information, working independently and as part of a team, and articulate communication of judgments and arguments.

The University of Birmingham has graduate employability rates for archaeology graduates above the national average and in the top 10 for the subject from UK universities. Graduates in archaeology go on to careers in professional archaeology, museums and curatorial work, and a wide range of other professions such as education, business and industry, the Civil Service, and the media. Jobs taken by archaeology graduates include archives, conservation, heritage and museums roles, project officer and recruitment consultant. Employers of archaeology graduates include central and local government, museums, cultural and heritage organisations, charities and a range of commercial companies. About 20% of archaeology graduates pursue postgraduate study to specialise in an area of archaeology or related disciplines of interest to them, or to prepare for careers such as law and teaching.

The University of Birmingham has graduate employability rates for ancient history graduates above the national average and in the top 10 for the subject from UK universities. Graduates in ancient history go on to careers in a wide range of areas including law, business, education and the media. Jobs taken by ancient history graduates include PR and Communications, human resources, legal work, library work, events planning and tourism. Employers of ancient history graduates include central and local government, museums, cultural and heritage organisations, charities and a range of commercial companies.

The University's Careers Network works with the Institute of Archaeology and Ancient History to provide tailored support to the students of archaeology during and after their course. This includes individual careers advice and events to give an insight into professions and employers of interest to students including our annual 'Careers in heritage, archaeology and museums' event. We also hold events covering careers in teaching, event management, law, marketing and working with charities, all of which can be of interest to archaeology students. The newly developed optional professional skills module allows students in their 2nd year to gain experience in a working environment which can lead to the development of further skills which are highly valued by employers. Placements are offered with the support of local employers. Archaeology students gain project management skills by planning and organising their study tours. We are developing links with heritage and cultural organisations to create more opportunities for students. Our students are encouraged to apply their skills in the workplace by undertaking internships in the summer; the work experience bursary scheme enables students to apply for funding for those career areas where placements are often unpaid. There is even an opportunity for students to apply for our 'Global Challenge' to work overseas on an expenses paid placement during their summer vacation.

The Personal Skills Award is an accredited award for employability skills based on your university experience and you can find more about careers support at College of Arts and Law Careers. To find out more about careers relating to archaeology degrees look at the 'Archaeology' section of the 'Options with your Subject' pages on www.prospects.ac.uk or look at the 'What do Graduates do?' report also available on the 'Prospects' website.

Extra-curricular activities

To enhance your career prospects even further, you will need to think about engaging in some extra-curricular activities while you're at university to broaden your skills and your network of contacts. This can include the many societies at the Guild of Students and also the many voluntary opportunities offered with local arts organisations. Our employer-endorsed award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects.

Our College of Arts and Law undergraduate research scholarship scheme enables interested students to work on a current academic research project being run by one of the College's academic researchers. Undergraduate research scholars gain work experience over the summer after their first or second year and have the chance to develop skills in both collaborative and independent research.

Cultural Internships

Our innovative Cultural Internships offer graduates the opportunity for a six month paid internship at a leading cultural institution in the West Midlands. These internships are a unique opportunity to learn fundamental, transferable business and interpersonal skills, through experience of real work in an established cultural institution. Our current partners include Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery, Birmingham Royal Ballet, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust and the Library of Birmingham. We have plans to expand the scheme to include our own major cultural assets, such as Winterbourne House, the Lapworth Museum, and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. This scheme will give you professional experience to set you apart in a competitive graduate market.