This course is designed both for future archaeologists and for those who simply want an exciting and dynamic degree course providing hands-on experience of past cultures. We offer a unique range of subjects, from European prehistory and Egyptology to forensic archaeology and computer visualisation.
Practical fieldwork is an especially important component of this degree, involving six weeks’ training on projects run by the Institute of Archaeology and Antiquity and by Birmingham Archaeology, the University’s field archaeology unit.
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. Our distinctive emphasis on using literature, history and archaeology in the study of the ancient world, and the range of expertise available, ensures a wide choice of times, countries and cultures may be studied.
First year
Lecture courses introduce you to the study of human societies and cultural change. You will explore the theory and practice of archaeology, backed up by practical fieldwork experience. You also choose modules on specific cultures such as those of ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and the British Isles.
Second year
You will gain a grounding in the study of cultural heritage and practical aspects of professional archaeology before being introduced to a series of archaeological case studies presented by experts in the field. You also make your choice from our unique range of options in archaeology, history, literature, culture, language, myth, religion, art and philosophy. A special feature of the second year is the study tour to Northern Europe, Egypt, Turkey, Greece or Italy in the Easter vacation, a research project undertaken with financial support from the University.
Third year
We explore diverse topics including landscape reconstruction, and economic and political landscapes. Once again, you make your choice from our list of options, which changes from year to year. But the highlight of the final year is your dissertation: a substantial research project on a subject of special interest to you.
Teaching and assessment
Alongside lectures, you have tutorials, one-to-one meetings with supervisors, group meetings with other students and staff, and self-directed project work. You will learn to present ideas in writing (reports, reviews, essays and dissertation) as well as orally in presentations.
Career opportunities
Archaeology graduates have skills which equip them not only for careers in professional archaeology, museums and curatorial work, but also for a wide range of other professions such as education, business and industry, the Civil Service, and the media.