Archaeology, BA (Hons)

Discover the material remnants of ancient societies, spanning from early hominins millions of years ago to contemporary times, through our accredited BA Archaeology degree at the University of Reading. Students learn to investigate, interpret, and present human history via artefacts, sites, landscapes, and cultures. With a diverse array of modules, you can tailor your studies to focus on areas of personal interest, while addressing critical global challenges such as health, environmental change, inequality, migration, and identity. The University ranks first in the UK for archaeology research quality (based on REF 2021) and in the top 100 worldwide (QS World Rankings 2023), with 100% of students praising teaching clarity (National Student Survey 2023).Core 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; Archaeology Field School and Professional Practice; and Ancient Objects: Materials and Meanings. These have been approved in principle for 2025/26 but are subject to final university approval and potential changes. Optional modules may not be available to all, and updated details will be released in summer 2024. Visit the programme page for more information.

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.