Course summary
Explore humanity from its earliest origins to the cultures and societies of today with our BA Archaeology and Anthropology degree. and combine two fascinating and related disciplines. Archaeology examines the material evidence from our past and present, while anthropology focuses on human development and contemporary cultures.Studying these disciplines together will provide you with insight into what it means to be human. This will enable you to address issues that are critical to our shared global future, including:
- the relationship between humans and environmental change
- inequality, migration and identity
- population growth and development
- politics, economics and sustainability.
By examining human development, behaviour and different cultures, you’ll better understand the roots of these issues. You’ll learn how other societies have tackled comparable problems and how contemporary societies are addressing them now.A professional placement allows you to apply – and increase – your academic knowledge while enhancing your employability. We encourage all our students to consider any placements that can equip them with skills to support them in their future careers.You'll undertake your placement during the third year of your degree, returning to complete your final year of study in your fourth year.The University of Reading is ranked in the Top 100 in the world for Archaeology (QS World Rankings by Subject 2023). 100% of students in the Department of Archaeology and 100% of students studying BA History said our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (National Student Survey, 2023).For more information, please visit the programme page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/archaeology-ug/ba-archaeology-and-anthropology-with-professional-placement
Modules
The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2025/26. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change. Core modules for this course:
- Revolutions and Transitions: The Human Journey from 6 Million Years Ago to the Present Day
- Archaeology Today: Methods and Practice
- Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death
- Contemporary World Cultures: an Introduction to Social Anthropology
The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of the final approved modules will be available in the summer of 2024. We suggest you regularly revisit our course page during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme. Check our website for more details about the course structure.
The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2025/26.
Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.
Core modules for this course:
- Revolutions and Transitions: The Human Journey from 6 Million Years Ago to the Present Day
- Archaeology Today: Methods and Practice
- Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death
- Contemporary World Cultures: an Introduction to Social Anthropology
The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of the final approved modules will be available in the summer of 2024. We suggest you regularly revisit our course page during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.
Check our website for more details about the course structure.