Ancient History and Archaeology

Our BA Ancient History and Archaeology allows you to combine and pursue your interests in the history and archaeology of the ancient world. We will equip you to study the ancient past through textual and archaeological evidence, from Greek inscriptions to Roman pottery, from ancient cities to classical authors.

You will learn the essential analytical techniques of archaeology to develop your understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in the interpretation of material remains.

This degree includes modules which will provide you with a broad chronological and geographical sweep of ancient history, and the fundamentals of archaeology, as well as more specialist classes over the course of your degree. You will also receive practical archaeological experience through the resources of archives, collections and practice in the field, including alongside professionals from Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) on the Thames through Time field school.

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

This course has an evening timetable with classes taking place in the evening. There is also a week-long field school in Year 1 summer term.

Highlights

You will gain valuable experience of working with professionals from Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) on the Thames through Time field school module. This is an intensive, week-long fieldwork experience you will take in the summer term of Year 1 that gives you practical exposure to archaeological finds and features. It will also give you an insight into possible future careers.

The School of Historical Studies at Birkbeck is home to thriving student societies and a number of affiliated research centres that actively run seminars, conferences and other events where some of the world's best scholars present their latest research.

Birkbeck was ranked in the top eight universities in the UK for its History research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Our research is unique in its range across geographical and chronological boundaries. We are the only university in London to include historians, classicists and archaeologists in the same team of academics who investigate every period from prehistory to the early twenty-first century. We see the study of the past as crucial for our understanding of present-day society, culture and politics.

We are at the heart of academic London with access to unparalleled research resources. Situated very close by are: the Institute of Classical Studies, with its library, training facilities and seminars; the British Museum, with its extensive collection of classical antiquities; and the British Library, the largest national library in the world.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in archaeology, conservation, education, and local and national government roles. Possible professions include:

archaeologist

heritage manager

museum/gallery curator.

The degree will provide you with a host of transferable skills, including the analysis and critique of complex archaeological and textual sources.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.