Ancient History and Archaeology

Uncover the ancient world by combining both historical and archaeological approaches to studying the past. Our Archaeology and Ancient History undergraduate degree programme combines the best of both disciplines into one exciting programme.

You will have the opportunity to study the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Greece and Rome, and prehistoric societies in the Mediterranean, Europe and Britain. We place a distinctive emphasis on the combination of archaeological and historical approaches in the study of the ancient world, including modules in field archaeology, material culture studies and historical interpretation, with exciting opportunities for specialisation in Archaeology, Ancient History, or both disciplines. In addition to compulsory modules, this course offers flexibility to tailor your own undergraduate degree from the variety of optional modules available.

Our degree offers you an exciting opportunity to undertake field work, where you will gain core practical skills and first-hand knowledge of archaeological fieldwork methodology. In your second year, you will be financially supported by the department for your Study Tour – an opportunity to travel abroad with your fellow students and academics on a guided tour of archaeological sites and monuments relevant to your studies.

Why study this course?

Study tour – Our unique two-week Study Tour gives you the opportunity to undertake travel to countries such as Italy and Greece to visit sites, monuments and museums of interest.

A wide range of learning resources - Including environmental and material culture teaching collections and our on-campus Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum, where teaching takes place.

Marketable skills that are highly sought-after by employers - Pursue your career goals with one of our bespoke internships, offered exclusively to University of Birmingham students. Past placements have included the National Trust, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and West Midlands Transport.

Field work opportunities – There are many opportunities to take part in field work and develop your practical archaeology experience. Recent undergraduate digs include a middle-saxon site in nearby Shropshire and a long-term project to uncover an imperial palace in Carnuntum, Austria.

Top 15 for Classics and Ancient History in the The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

16th for Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology in the Guardian University Guide 2024

Top 10 for Archaeology in the Complete University Guide 2025