Archaeology and Classical Studies BA (Hons)

BA Archaeology and Classical Studies course offers an in-depth study of the Ancient World and its literature. The Classical Studies element of the course provides a broad exposure to the literature, history, and culture of the Greek and Roman worlds, which sit at the heart of modern Western civilisation.

Your literary modules, studied in translation, include poetry, tragic and comic drama, and cover broad themes such as love, loss, duty, war and peace. There is also the opportunity to discover how the ancient world has influenced modern literature and culture, and to study other aspects of the ancient past such as its art – including through first-hand access to our own unique collection of Greek and Egyptian antiquities. In 2019, the Department of Classics achieved a 93% overall satisfaction score in the National Student Survey, and 100% of our Department's research was judged to be of international standing in the Research Excellence Framework 2014.

Career

This joint degree can lead to a variety of careers. The course is an ideal foundation to begin your career in commercial archaeology, heritage management and research, as well as disciplines such as teaching, business, publishing and marketing.

You will gain a broad range of subject-specific and transferable skills spanning the humanities and sciences. Our curriculum is designed to give you not just knowledge in subjects you are passionate about, but also the qualities that employers really care about – qualities that are transferable to a diverse range of careers.

We have long-established, excellent relationships with employers within the archaeology, heritage and related sectors. Archaeology and Classical Studies graduates from the University of Reading are represented among the staff of major employers such as Oxford Archaeology, Wessex Archaeology, Museum of London Archaeology, Natural History Museum, Environment Agency, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, GCHQ, the University of Oxford and Sotherby’s. Some of our graduates have progressed into roles in the civil service and in teaching at both primary and secondary levels. Each year several graduates pursue further, higher study following graduation.