MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Professional Placement
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA in Ancient History and Archaeology with Professional Placement at the University of Reading is designed for students who wish to explore the ancient world through historical, archaeological, and cultural perspectives. This program provides a robust understanding of ancient civilizations, artifacts, and archaeological practices while offering valuable real-world experience through a professional placement. Students will develop the analytical and research skills needed to explore the ancient past, both in the classroom and on field trips. The inclusion of a professional placement ensures that students not only learn theory but also apply their knowledge in practical settings, increasing employability and enhancing their career prospects.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Professional Placement is carefully structured to provide both theoretical grounding and practical experience. It covers a wide array of subjects, including the history of ancient societies, archaeology, the study of artifacts, and ancient languages. Students are introduced to a diverse range of topics, from the cultures of ancient Egypt and Greece to Roman and Near Eastern civilizations. The program also incorporates practical fieldwork, where students gain hands-on experience in archaeological digs and laboratory analysis. Courses in critical thinking, research methods, and academic writing are integral to the program, helping students hone their scholarly skills. In addition to core courses, the program allows students to specialize in areas that align with their interests. This flexibility enables students to explore sub-disciplines like bioarchaeology, museum studies, or heritage management. The professional placement year, typically between the second and final year of study, provides students with invaluable industry experience, which may include working with museums, archaeological organizations, or research institutes.
Research Focus: The University of Reading has a strong research focus, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, bringing together history, archaeology, and environmental sciences. The university’s research in ancient history and archaeology is internationally recognized, with staff members contributing to cutting-edge discoveries and publications in their fields. Students benefit from a research-led teaching approach, gaining insight into the latest academic developments and participating in ongoing research projects. The university’s involvement in excavations and collaborations with global research institutions offers students opportunities to engage in high-impact projects that contribute to a deeper understanding of ancient cultures and history.
Industry Engagement: The University of Reading prides itself on its strong industry connections and partnerships with leading organizations in archaeology, museums, heritage, and research. Through these collaborations, students on the BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Professional Placement have access to a wealth of industry knowledge and networking opportunities. Professional placements allow students to gain experience in a range of sectors, including archaeological fieldwork, curation, heritage management, and academic research. These placements not only enhance students’ practical skills but also enable them to build valuable professional networks that can significantly enhance their career prospects upon graduation.
Global Perspective: The University of Reading adopts a global perspective in its approach to education, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and offering numerous opportunities for international collaboration. The program encourages students to explore ancient civilizations from around the world, fostering a deeper understanding of global history. The university’s commitment to global engagement is reflected in its wide-ranging partnerships with institutions and archaeological projects across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Students are encouraged to participate in study-abroad programs, attend international conferences, and contribute to global research initiatives. This international outlook ensures that graduates are equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in an increasingly globalized job market.
Location
Reading
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25250
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 125.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.
Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.
Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.
The University of Reading, a prominent educational institution in the United Kingdom, is known for its academic rigor, extensive research contributions, and a broad array of programs designed to cater to a variety of student interests. One of its standout offerings is the BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Professional Placement program. This specialized course combines the study of ancient civilizations, historical analysis, and archaeological methods, alongside a professional placement that enhances employability prospects. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue careers in various fields within academia, cultural heritage, archaeology, and beyond.
Archaeologist: Graduates of the BA Ancient History and Archaeology program are highly qualified to pursue careers in archaeology, both in the UK and internationally. Archaeologists are responsible for excavating, analyzing, and interpreting artifacts and sites from ancient civilizations. They may work for government agencies, private archaeological firms, or non-profit organizations. The practical experience gained during the professional placement year, which may involve fieldwork or lab-based research, gives students a significant advantage in securing roles in excavation projects and archaeological research.
Museum Curator: The BA Ancient History and Archaeology program opens doors to careers in museum curation. Museum curators are responsible for the acquisition, preservation, and exhibition of historical artifacts and artworks. Graduates may find work in national or regional museums, galleries, or specialized collections. The program’s emphasis on material culture, artifacts, and historical preservation equips students with the necessary skills to curate exhibits, conduct research, and design educational programs within museums and heritage centers.
Heritage Manager/Consultant: Many graduates of the BA Ancient History and Archaeology program go on to work in heritage management, where they play a key role in preserving historical sites and monuments. Heritage managers work with governmental and non-governmental organizations to ensure the protection and promotion of cultural heritage. This career path can lead to roles in the preservation of ancient sites, project management of excavation sites, and working with tourism boards to integrate historical culture into modern settings. The professional placement offers opportunities to gain industry experience with heritage organizations, making it easier to transition into this field.
Academic Researcher/Professor: For those interested in pursuing further education, the BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Professional Placement provides a strong foundation for academic research and teaching careers. Many graduates continue their studies at the postgraduate level, specializing in a specific region, time period, or archaeological method. Graduates with advanced degrees may pursue careers as university professors, researchers, or lecturers, contributing to the academic community through teaching, publishing research, and collaborating on global archaeological projects.
Cultural Resource Manager: Cultural resource management (CRM) is an important field for graduates with a background in archaeology and ancient history. CRM professionals assess the cultural significance of sites or artifacts that may be affected by development projects. These specialists ensure that the cultural heritage is preserved during construction and development processes. With their expertise, BA Ancient History and Archaeology graduates are well-positioned for roles in both public and private sectors, particularly in urban planning, environmental agencies, or consulting firms.
Archivist: Archivists play a crucial role in preserving documents, records, and materials that are of historical importance. Graduates from the BA Ancient History and Archaeology program can apply their expertise to managing collections of historical documents, manuscripts, and archives in libraries, research institutions, or governmental agencies. Their knowledge of ancient languages, historical methods, and archival practices makes them valuable contributors in managing collections that relate to ancient civilizations and cultures.
Tourism and Education: Graduates of the program may also find career opportunities in the tourism and education sectors. As experts in ancient history and archaeology, they may become tour guides at historical sites, developing educational programs that bring ancient cultures to life for tourists. Additionally, they can work in education, either as primary or secondary school teachers, or by delivering educational workshops and activities for institutions, museums, and cultural organizations.
Public Engagement and Communication: A growing field within the archaeological and historical sectors is public engagement, where graduates help bring history to the public through media, publications, and events. This can involve roles such as outreach coordinators, museum educators, or media consultants. Graduates can work with organizations to design engaging exhibitions, develop educational content, and organize events that increase public awareness and interest in ancient cultures.
Government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Many graduates pursue careers within government or NGOs focused on heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy, and international development. This may involve working with heritage sites in conflict zones, contributing to global preservation projects, or advising on cultural policy and funding. The program’s emphasis on the global perspective of ancient civilizations is particularly beneficial for those looking to engage with international heritage issues.
Freelance Consultant or Author: Some graduates may choose to work independently as consultants or authors, offering their expertise to various clients, including research organizations, archaeological companies, museums, and publications. Freelance consultants can assist with archaeological assessments, heritage evaluations, and specialized research, while authors can write books or articles related to ancient history and archaeology, sharing their expertise with a wider audience.
