BA Ancient History and Archaeology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA Ancient History and Archaeology at the University of Exeter combines the study of ancient civilisations with archaeological investigation, allowing students to explore the history, cultures and everyday lives of people in the ancient world. The programme is designed for students who are fascinated by the past and want to develop skills in analysing historical sources, interpreting archaeological evidence and conducting independent research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
The first year introduces students to the key concepts and methods used in ancient history and archaeology. Through modules such as Greek History: Problems and Sources, Roman History: Problems and Sources, Archaeology: Theory and Practice, and The Ancient World, students learn how to examine historical evidence, understand archaeological approaches and explore the development of ancient societies.

Year 2:
In the second year, students expand their knowledge through more specialised studies of ancient cultures, societies and archaeological evidence. Modules such as Roman Death and Commemoration, Text and Context: Women in Homer, Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) and archaeology-focused options allow students to explore topics including religion, identity, politics, social structures and material culture in the ancient Mediterranean world.

Year 3:
The final year allows students to undertake advanced study and independent research in areas that match their interests. Students can explore topics such as Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds, The World of Late Antiquity, Domination and Resistance in Roman Britain, and complete a Dissertation that develops advanced research, evaluation and academic writing skills.

Year 4 (Optional Study Abroad or Employment Experience):
Students who choose the four-year pathway can gain additional international or professional experience alongside their studies. The Study Abroad option provides the opportunity to study at a partner university overseas, while the Employment Experience option allows students to gain workplace experience and develop professional skills before completing their degree.

Focus Areas: Ancient Greek and Roman History, Archaeology, Material Culture, Classical Civilisations, Ancient Literature, Historical Sources, Archaeological Methods, Heritage Studies, Research Skills, Cultural Interpretation.

Learning Outcomes: Students develop the ability to analyse historical texts and archaeological evidence, understand ancient societies and cultures, apply research methods, conduct independent investigations, communicate ideas effectively and critically evaluate different interpretations of the past.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The BA Ancient History and Archaeology does not have a specific professional accreditation but provides students with valuable transferable skills including research, critical thinking, communication, problem-solving and project management. These skills prepare graduates for careers in areas such as heritage, museums, archaeology, education, publishing, cultural organisations and further academic study.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Exeter has a strong reputation for humanities and archaeology research, with students benefiting from expert academic teaching, research-led learning and opportunities to engage with current discoveries and debates in ancient history and archaeology. The programme helps students develop skills that are valued across a variety of graduate careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the BA Ancient History and Archaeology at the University of Exeter gain practical experience by combining the study of ancient societies with hands-on archaeological methods, allowing them to work with historical sources, artefacts and material evidence. The programme helps students develop research, analytical and practical skills through archaeological activities, fieldwork opportunities, laboratory-based learning and digital approaches to studying the past. Students benefit from specialist facilities, research collections and expert guidance from academics working across ancient history, archaeology and heritage studies.

The programme supports practical learning through a combination of research activities, specialist facilities and professional experiences:

Gain hands-on archaeological experience through fieldwork opportunities, including excavation projects, museum-based activities and archaeological site visits, helping students apply academic knowledge to real-world research.
Develop practical archaeological skills using specialist equipment such as GPS systems, total station theodolites and geophysical survey tools used for field research and landscape analysis.
Work in the Experimental Archaeology Labs, where students explore ancient technologies and practical techniques through reconstruction activities and material investigations.
Access the Bioarchaeology Lab to study human and animal remains, developing skills in areas such as skeletal analysis, palaeopathology and archaeological interpretation.
Use specialist research spaces including Wet Labs, Clean Labs, microscope facilities and artefact processing areas to analyse archaeological materials and environmental evidence.
Explore digital approaches to heritage research through the Digital Humanities Lab, where students learn how technology can support the study, interpretation and preservation of cultural heritage.
Gain experience with digital preservation methods through facilities such as the SHArD 3D Laboratory, which uses scanning and imaging technologies to record and analyse archaeological and cultural artefacts.
Participate in collaborative learning through group activities, practical assignments and research projects that develop teamwork, problem-solving and communication skills.
Complete independent research projects and dissertation work using specialist resources, academic guidance and research materials from the department.
Access archaeological collections containing artefacts, animal bones and plant remains, along with university library resources and specialist collections to support independent study.
Gain additional international or professional experience through the four-year pathway options, including Study Abroad and Employment Experience, allowing students to develop global awareness or workplace skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A BA Ancient History and Archaeology degree from the University of Exeter prepares graduates with a strong combination of historical knowledge, archaeological understanding and transferable skills such as research, critical thinking, communication and problem-solving. The programme helps students develop the ability to analyse evidence, interpret information and communicate ideas effectively, creating opportunities across heritage, museums, education, publishing, media, business and public-sector sectors. Graduates can explore careers such as Heritage Officer, Museum Professional, Archaeological Researcher, Archives Assistant, Publishing Assistant, Journalist and Research Administrator.

The degree supports career development through specialist guidance, practical experience and opportunities to build professional skills:

Benefit from the University of Exeter’s Careers Service, which provides career advice, mentoring, employability workshops, employer events and resources to help students prepare for their future careers.
Develop professional skills through initiatives such as the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award, which help students enhance their employability through workshops, volunteering, leadership activities and workplace experiences.
Gain practical workplace experience through the optional four-year Employment Experience pathway, allowing students to complete a professional placement and apply their academic knowledge in a real working environment.
Develop employer-valued skills including research, analysis, evaluation of evidence, independent thinking, communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
Explore career opportunities across areas such as museums and heritage, education, publishing, journalism, marketing, finance, business, law, cultural organisations and the public sector.
Apply specialist knowledge and transferable skills to roles such as Archives Assistant, Business Development Associate, Freelance Journalist, Grants and Partnerships Assistant, Investment Analyst, Marketing Manager, Publishing Assistant, Research Culture Administrator, Trainee Chartered Accountant and Media Producer.
Benefit from Exeter’s strong reputation among employers, with graduates supported by university career services to successfully transition into employment or further study.
Use the combination of ancient history, archaeology and research skills as a foundation for a wide range of professional pathways beyond traditional history-related careers.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA Ancient History and Archaeology, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes to specialise further or develop expertise in related fields. Possible progression options include MA History, MA International Relations, MSc Bioarchaeology, MSc International Management, Graduate Diploma in Law and MSc Library and Information Studies, depending on the student’s interests and career ambitions.