MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
BA Archaeology and History
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA Archaeology and History program at the University of Reading is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in both archaeology and history. The program is typically structured over three years, with the option of a placement year for those seeking practical experience. In this program, students explore a variety of historical periods and geographical regions while learning about the development and methods of archaeological research. The program integrates classroom-based learning with opportunities for fieldwork and research, ensuring that students acquire both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA Archaeology and History program is designed to balance both the theoretical and practical aspects of the two disciplines. In the first year, students are introduced to fundamental subjects such as the principles of archaeology, historical methods, and the exploration of ancient civilizations. As they progress to their second and third years, students have the opportunity to specialize in areas of interest, such as ancient Greece and Rome, medieval history, and the archaeology of early human societies. The program also offers practical modules in fieldwork and laboratory techniques, giving students the chance to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. The final year allows students to focus on independent research through a dissertation or project, demonstrating their ability to carry out original academic work.
Research Focus: The University of Reading has a strong research focus, with faculty members specializing in a range of topics related to archaeology and history. Research areas include prehistoric archaeology, the ancient world, medieval history, and the study of material culture. Faculty members are involved in various cutting-edge research projects, such as exploring ancient human behavior, studying the effects of climate change on past societies, and investigating the interactions between different cultures throughout history. Students benefit from being part of a research-driven environment, with opportunities to engage in ongoing research projects, attend seminars, and work alongside experts in the field. The university also has strong connections with national and international archaeological and historical research networks, offering students the chance to contribute to global research initiatives.
Industry Engagement: The BA Archaeology and History program places a strong emphasis on industry engagement, with numerous opportunities for students to gain practical experience. Students can participate in fieldwork, internships, and placements with heritage organizations, museums, and archaeological units. These experiences allow students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their employability after graduation. Additionally, the University of Reading has established strong links with various institutions, organizations, and businesses in the heritage and archaeology sectors, which offer students valuable networking opportunities and potential career paths. The professional placement option further enhances career prospects by allowing students to gain direct experience in their chosen field.
Global Perspective: The University of Reading fosters a global perspective in its teaching and research. Students in the BA Archaeology and History program are encouraged to engage with international archaeological and historical research, gaining a broader understanding of global issues and trends. The university has established collaborations with universities, research institutions, and heritage organizations worldwide, giving students the chance to participate in international conferences, research projects, and exchange programs. This global outlook enriches students’ understanding of archaeology and history, helping them to develop a more nuanced view of the world and its past. Additionally, the program provides opportunities for students to study abroad or work on international projects, further broadening their academic and professional horizons.
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, located in the United Kingdom, offers a prestigious BA Archaeology and History program that provides students with a thorough grounding in both historical studies and archaeological research. This interdisciplinary program is designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to excel in a wide range of career paths, particularly in the heritage, museum, research, and education sectors.
Archaeologist / Field Archaeologist: Graduates can pursue a career as archaeologists, working in the field on excavations, surveys, and preservation projects. As field archaeologists, individuals are responsible for exploring and interpreting historical sites, artifacts, and human remains. They often work for archaeological units, research institutions, or governmental organizations. Many archaeologists also engage in specialized roles such as environmental archaeology, where they assess past human interactions with landscapes, or excavation directors leading archaeological digs. The skills learned in fieldwork, research, and historical analysis make graduates highly employable in this sector.
Heritage Manager / Heritage Consultant: Heritage management is another prominent career choice for graduates of the BA Archaeology and History program. Heritage managers are responsible for the conservation, promotion, and management of historical sites, artifacts, and heritage assets. They work for government agencies, museums, and heritage sites to ensure the protection of cultural heritage while making it accessible to the public. Graduates can also become heritage consultants, advising on the preservation of historical sites, particularly during development projects or conservation efforts.
Museum Curator / Collections Manager: Museums and galleries offer exciting opportunities for graduates to work as curators or collections managers. In these roles, individuals are responsible for organizing exhibitions, managing collections, and ensuring the proper care and preservation of historical artifacts. Graduates may specialize in areas such as museum education, collections care, or exhibition design. The program’s emphasis on material culture and archaeological techniques provides the expertise needed to manage and present artifacts in a museum setting.
Historical Researcher / Archivist: With a background in both history and archaeology, graduates are well-prepared to work as historical researchers or archivists. These professionals work in research libraries, archives, or historical institutions to collect, preserve, and interpret historical documents, manuscripts, and other records. They also assist in developing research projects that contribute to the academic and public understanding of history. Graduates may work for universities, governmental bodies, or private research institutions. They can also pursue a career in academic research, contributing to the development of new historical knowledge and publishing scholarly work.
Forensic Archaeologist: A specialized field within archaeology, forensic archaeology offers opportunities for graduates to apply archaeological techniques to solve modern-day cases. Forensic archaeologists work with law enforcement agencies to investigate crime scenes, recover human remains, and provide evidence for criminal investigations. Graduates typically pursue further training or education in forensic science, but the foundational skills acquired in the BA Archaeology and History program make them well-suited for this career path.
Conservationist / Cultural Resource Manager: Conservationists play a critical role in preserving historical sites, artifacts, and monuments. They use scientific methods to prevent decay and ensure the longevity of important cultural resources. Graduates may work for cultural heritage organizations, environmental agencies, or museums, applying their archaeological and historical knowledge to conserve significant cultural assets. A cultural resource manager focuses on overseeing the preservation of historical landmarks and advising on the impact of development projects on heritage sites.
Public Engagement Officer / Education Officer: Public engagement is a growing field in archaeology and history, with many graduates working as public engagement officers or education officers for museums, heritage sites, and historical organizations. These professionals develop educational programs, organize outreach activities, and engage the public with history and archaeology in a meaningful way. The goal is to increase public interest in history and foster a deeper understanding of the past. Public engagement officers work closely with schools, community groups, and other organizations to develop educational resources and events.
Cultural Heritage Tourism Professional: Cultural heritage tourism has become an increasingly popular sector, and graduates can pursue careers in managing and promoting historical sites for tourism. As cultural heritage tourism professionals, they may work with tourism agencies, travel companies, or historical sites to create tourism strategies that highlight the significance of archaeological sites, museums, and historic landmarks. This role blends knowledge of history and archaeology with marketing, event planning, and customer engagement.
Academic Careers (Lecturer/Professor/Researcher): For graduates who are passionate about further academic exploration, pursuing a career in academia is a viable option. Many graduates go on to complete a Master's or Ph.D. in archaeology or history and become lecturers or professors at universities. These roles involve teaching, conducting research, publishing academic papers, and contributing to the development of the field. The University of Reading’s strong focus on research ensures that graduates are well-prepared for this academic career path.
