Archaeology, BA (Hons)

Course summary

Explore the material remains of past societies – from the first hominins millions of years ago to the modern day – with our accredited BA Archaeology degree.Learn how to investigate, interpret and present our human past through the study of artefacts, sites, landscapes and cultures. Our wide range of modules allows you to shape your learning, focusing on the topics and periods that most interest you. You'll examine archaeological issues critical to our shared global future, such as diets and health, climate and environmental change, inequality, migration, and identity.The University of Reading is ranked 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). It is in the top 100 in the world for Archaeology (QS World Rankings by Subject 2023).100% of students in the Department of Archaeology 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

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 Early Empires: Mesopotamia, Egypt and Rome Archaeology Field School and Professional Practice Ancient Objects: Materials and Meanings 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.