Course summary

Our BA Archaeology equips you with understanding of the diversity of the human past through studying the material culture, architecture and landscapes of past people. Covering a time span from the earliest humans to the contemporary world, you will gain hands-on experience with collections, a critical encounter with heritage on fieldtrips, and archaeological practice in the field. Why choose this course?

• This course is ideal if you have a keen interest in understanding the past through people’s relationships with things and places.

• Practical experience is a key element of this degree. You will complete our London-centred archaeological field school alongside professionals from Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) on the module Thames Through Time.

• You will benefit from our close links with the heritage sector, including various London museums.

• You can choose option modules which offer you the opportunity to work directly on collections of artefacts and records of archaeological excavations with the experts who excavated those sites.

• You will gain valuable experience of working with professionals from Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) on the Thames Through Time field school module, an intensive, week-long fieldwork experience.

• We are an international centre of excellence. Since 2001 we have consistently been in the top ten departments evaluated by the Research Excellence Framework (REF).

• Situated in historic Bloomsbury, we are at the heart of academic London with access to unparalleled research resources at the Institute of Historical Research and the Institute of Classical Studies; the British Museum; and the British Library.

• The School of Historical Studies at Birkbeck 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.

• a sophisticated use of written and spoken English

• an ability to evaluate and analyse visual and material evidence

• an advanced critical ability in understanding and applying complex theories

• facility and precision in the use of analytical tools

• strong skills and initiative in collecting and organising complex materials and writing up clear, well-presented reports or fluent critical arguments

• an ability to study independently and through teamwork.

• the heritage sector, including museums

• archaeological practice

• academia

• research.