Course summary

Do you have a genuine passion for the material culture of the past? On our BA Archaeology you will study from a broad chronological and geographical perspective, with topics ranging from human evolution and prehistory to Greek sculpture, and the Roman Middle East to medieval Italy. You will choose from modules spanning not only history, classics and archaeology, but also geography, literature and art history. In studying archaeology, you will develop the ability to understand the lived experiences of past peoples.  You will learn the essential analytical techniques of archaeology to develop your understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in the interpretation of material remains. Practical archaeological experience is a key element of this degree. It involves you learning through the study of archives and practice in the field, alongside professionals from Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) on the Thames Through Time field school.  The archaeology course is ideal if you have a keen interest in understanding the past through people’s relationships with things and places. You will develop the ability to construct and present convincing archaeological arguments through text and image by:

• accessing and interpreting written, graphic and material evidence

• honing your skills in dealing with data

• questioning accepted histories.

• You will gain valuable experience of working with professionals from Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) on the Thames Through Time field school module. This is an intensive fieldwork experience that gives you practical exposure to archaeological finds and features. It will also give you an insight into possible future careers.

• Birkbeck was ranked in the top eight universities in the UK for its History research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

• Situated in historic Bloomsbury, we are at the heart of academic London with access to unparalleled research resources. Situated very close by are: the Institute of Historical Research and the Institute of Classical Studies, with their specialist libraries, training facilities and seminars; the British Museum and other world-class galleries and museums; and the British Library, the largest national library in the world.

• The Department of History, Classics and Archaeology is home to thriving student societies and a number of affiliated research centres that actively run seminars, conferences and other events where some of the world's best scholars present their latest research.

• Get a flavour of the department through the wide range of free online and in-person seminars, workshops and tasters; check out our Discover the Past and taster courses as well as events at the Raphael Samuel History Centre, a leading centre for public history which the department co-directs.

• heritage manager

• archaeologist

• museum/gallery curator

• higher education lecturer.

Course details