
ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANCIENT HISTORY
Overview
Bachelors studies on Ancient History, combined with Archaeology offers a study on the humankind. Learning and uncovering history from the origins of the human species to present day. Through this course, students can develop an understanding of societies and culture in the past.
Students will get chance to examine ancient scrolls , scripts and manuscripts and materials remains to develop the knowledge of ancient civilisations and their legacy.
Gaining practical experience is goint to be the crucial part the archaeological subject. Through this combined studies, students can learn about Ancient Egypt, ancient Mediterranean empires and the Greek and Roman worlds.
Also includes the archaeology of Britain and wider Western Europe. Students are able to learn ancient languages, gain hands-on sight experiencer through planned fieldworks and excavation projects.
Throught this subject area, students will also be able to learn on how humans evolved, major transformational processes in human history such as the development of farming, expansion of towns and trading systems. And most importantly, the spread of world religion and its impact on modern times.
Students are provided with archaeological labs and museum archives and given to use a wide range of equipment to analyse and record objects in their research study. Successful completion on this subject area can lead a path into working roles such as field archaeologists undertaking excavations, surveys or post-excavation work, as heritage consultants, local authority archaeological advisors and museum curators.
Objectives
- To understand Human History and Cultures
- Understand cultural, political, economic, and social developments from prehistoric to early historic times
- Learn fieldwork techniques such as excavation, surveying, and mapping
- Gain skills in artifact analysis, dating methods, and conservation practices
- Gain Interdisciplinary Knowledge on anthropology, history, art history, geology, and environmental science
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills to analyze and interpret archaeological and historical data
- Understand the importance of heritage preservation through ethical and cultural awareness
- Develop skill to use digital tools and databases relevant to archaeology and history
- Prepare for careers in archaeology, heritage management, museums, education, tourism, or academia
Prerequisites
- Passion for history and heritage
- Analytical thinking skills
- Practical skills like research, writing and fieldwork
- Physical Fitness to work in a harsh environment.
- Language Proficiency
- A combination of arts and science subjects
Curriculum Outline
- Introduction to Archaeology
- Ancient Civilizations (Egypt, Greece, Rome)
- Methods and Techniques in Archaeology
- Historical Analysis and Interpretation
- Introduction to Anthropology
- Archaeological Fieldwork and Excavation Techniques
- Material Culture Studies
- Environmental Archaeology
- Ancient History Topics (Classical Greece, Roman Empire)
- Optional Modules (Digital Archaeology, Ancient Languages)
- Advanced Archaeological Theory
- Dissertation or Independent Research Project
- Specialized Topics (Maritime Archaeology, Urban Archaeology)
- Heritage Management and Conservation
- Optional Modules (Archaeological Science, Public Archaeology)
Teaching Method
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Laboratory sessions
- Lecture Classes
- Fieldwork
- Group exercises
- Presentation classes
- Reporting
- One to one academic support session
- Original research guided by academic tutors
- Fieldwork includes one-day site visits as well as extensive periods of excavation in a wide range of locations
Modules
- The Archaeology of Mediterranean Societies: Egypt, Greece and Rome
- Discovering Archaeology
- The Archaeology of Britain: Prehistory to Present
- Investigating the Ancient World: Skills and Evidence
- The Near East, Greece and Rome, 1000-323 BCE
- Empires East and West, 323 BCE to 680 CE
- Independent Second Year Study
- Professional Placement in Archaeology or Heritage
- Past, Present and Future
- An Introduction to Prehistoric Europe
- Past and Present: Encountering Antiquity
- The Late Ancient World
- Crossing Boundaries: Interdisciplinary Dissertation
- Roman Britain
- Neolithic/Early Bronze Age Britain
- Forensic and Osteoarchaeology
- Empire of Faith: Religion, Politics and Belief in the Roman Empire of the Fourth Century CE
Assessment Methods
- Essays and Written Assignments
- Written Examinations to test knowledge of ancient history, archaeological methods, and theoretical frameworks
- Through Fieldwork reporting
- By oral presentation on specific topics
- Dissertations submission
- Practical Assessments
- Individual projects
- Digital posters
- Fieldwork workbooks
- Practical Tests
Course Duration
In general, The course duration of Bachelors in Archaeology and Ancient History takes 3 years to complete as a full-time student. The duration may differ for part-time students and some university may offer similar programme with lengthy duration.
Facilities
- Specialized Laboratories
- Libraries and Archives
- Museum access
- Access to collection of antique items
- Mandatory fieldwork opportunities
- IT and digital resources
- Research and examination department
- Modern archaeological research facilities.
Career Pathways
- Professional Archaeologist
- Museum Curator
- Archivist
- Heritage Consultant
- Academic Researcher
- Cultural Resource Manager
- Conservation Specialist
- Tour Guide or Educator
- Writer or Content Creator for historic books
- History Teacher/Professor
Fees and Fundings
The cost of pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Archaeology and Ancient History is different depending on the institution, its facilities, and the country locations.
For example if an international student intend to study in the UK , then he/she needs to spend around £20,000 to £42,000 for each year of study for three years.
Entry Requirements
The requirements differ depending on the university and the country where the course is offered. But some general patterns and common requirements are:
- High School Diploma/Equivalent
- Specific Subject Requirements such as History, Geography, Social Science and Mathematics
- English Language Proficiency or another language proficiency required by the institution
Field Work and Internships
- Archaeological field project or a practical museum placement
- Preparation of a report on a particular ancient site, or on an artefact or set of artefacts in a museum of your choice
- Archaeological Excavations (Digging at prehistoric, classical, medieval, or historic sites)
- Survey Projects
- Laboratory Work with post-excavation analysis
- Experimental Archaeology in recreating ancient tools
- Internship at Museums & Heritage Sites
- Work for Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Firms
- Opportunities with national archaeological services
- Join professors or PhD students in field projects and lab research.
- Many universities offer field schools abroad (e.g., excavations in Italy, Greece, Egypt, or the Americas).
- Work with UNESCO, World Heritage Sites, or international NGOs.
Certifications
- Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA)
- Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA – US/Canada)
- Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)
- European Association of Archaeologists (EAA)
- Health & Safety (CSCS Card - UK)
- First Aid Training (incl. Remote/Outdoor)
- GIS & Spatial Analysis (ArcGIS, QGIS Certs)
- Drone Operator Certification
- Heritage Impact Assessment Training
- Photogrammetry/3D Modeling
- Environmental Archaeology Skills Certs
- Society for American Archaeology (SAA) and the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA)
- Council for British Archaeology (CBA)
- University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS)
Intakes
In the UK, the primary intake happens in September/October, and the secondary intake happens in January/February.
Frequently asked questions
Archaeology is the study of human history through material remains, while Ancient History focuses on written records and civilizations of the past.