University of Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Social Anthropology and Archaeology seek to understand the nature of human societies, the material worlds they inhabit and the extraordinary variety of cultural life over time. This integrated undergraduate degree programme is run jointly by the Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology, and the Department of African Studies and Anthropology, who together provide an exceptionally diverse and dynamic learning environment. It is designed both for future archaeologists and anthropologists and for those seeking an exciting and dynamic non-vocational degree course. Every aspect of human experience and expression is open to archaeological and anthropological enquiry, including ritual and religion, social organisation, art, architecture, music, mythology, dress, identity, technology, health, violence, migration, economy, and landscape. Each discipline complements and enriches the other and, in combination, guide contemporary understanding of global human culture and its diverse forms, achievements and changing character. In this degree programme there is great emphasis on student choice, small-group teaching, individual research and thematic study. Areas of study in the course are diverse and the coverage global, ranging from Europe to Africa, Asia and the Americas, and embraces all human cultural life from the Palaeolithic to the present day. Why study this course? Exceptional learning resources – You will have access to a range of learning resources including environmental and material culture teaching collections at the University of Birmingham; the Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum; the Eton Myers Collection and the Danford Collection of African art and artefacts. Field work opportunities – There are many opportunities to take part in undergraduate field work and develop your practical archaeology experience. Recent digs include a middle-saxon site in nearby Shropshire and a long-term project to uncover an imperial palace in Carnuntum, Austria. Be a part of an exciting department – You will join a lively environment with many opportunities to enhance your student experience, including the highly active Birmingham Ancient History, Classics and Archaeology Society (BACAS), which organises events such as film nights and museum trips throughout the academic year. Get a head start in the graduate market - Alongside practical research experience, you will gain critical and transferable skills that open up a broad range of career opportunities. You can also take advantage of our work-based placements and employability focused modules available to all our students. Learn in a supportive environment - You will receive personalised support on coursework and feedback. The relatively small size of the department means that you will get to know your academics on a personal level. Top 15 for Anthropology and Archaeology in the Complete University Guide 2024 16th for Anthropology and Archaeology in the Guardian League Table 2024
Modules
First-year modules cover a broad base of the subject and are designed to introduce you to ways of studying at university. By the final year the modules you take will become more specialised and reflect the research expertise of the academic staff. More detailed module information can be found on the ‘Course detail’ tab on the University of Birmingham’s coursefinder web pages.
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- LV64
- Institution code:
- B32
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - ABB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
For details of the annual tuition fee for International Students please see the course web page listed in the 'course details' section above.
If you are made an offer to study by the University, the yearly tuition fee will be stated in your offer letter.
Provider information
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT