We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2026/27 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2025/26 courses.
Explore the material remains of past societies – from the first hominins millions of years ago to the modern day – with our accredited BA Archaeology degree.
Learn how to investigate, interpret and present our human past through the study of artefacts, sites, landscapes and cultures. Our wide range of modules allows you to shape your own learning, focusing on the topics and periods that most interest you.
At Reading, you'll examine archaeological issues that are critical to our shared global future, such as:
By studying human development through the ages, you’ll understand how the critical issues of today have roots in the past and how previous cultures tackled comparable problems.
We'll support you to develop a broad range of subject-specific and transferable skills that span the humanities and sciences. Your learning can include:
Our BA Archaeology degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA). The course was among the first to be recognised for providing key skills relevant to careers in the historic environment.
At Reading, you'll be offered student membership of CIfA, giving you access to their e-learning modules, specialist professional networks, and details of jobs in the profession. We also have close links with a number of local and national archaeological units and museums.
Join the University of Reading’s Department of Archaeology, a community of passionate and inquisitive staff, students and alumni.
We’re an international, research-intensive department with expertise that spans the sciences, humanities and social sciences. You’ll learn about global issues, enhanced by the latest developments and thinking within social and scientific archaeology.
You'll also have the chance to join RUined, a student-run society for those passionate about archaeology. RUined is a great way to meet people across Reading, build your network, and participate in events like club nights, quizzes, alcohol-free socials, and the annual summer and winter formals.
This programme includes a compulsory four-week field school in the summer before Year 2, where you'll develop essential practical archaeological skills through hands-on excavation experience. There, you will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of an archaeological excavation, including:
Beyond the Field School, many of our modules include field trips to sites and museums around England. You’ll be encouraged to get involved with research excavations in the UK and Europe, spanning prehistoric monuments, Roman cities, and medieval castles.
Archaeology is not just about digging – it's an academic subject that will teach you valuable theoretical and practical skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to use specialist equipment and GIS (geographical information systems), work in laboratories, and access the University’s three on-campus museums.
Tailor your degree to your interests with our range of optional modules and flexible pathway structure. For example, you can pursue pathways in:
Build your portfolio of experience with short term placements or study abroad opportunities.
Placements are a great way to enhance your employability and develop your network. You can find placements across the archaeological, heritage, planning and museum sectors, or beyond the field of archaeology to explore your interests and expand your career options.
Our students can also benefit from distinctive Reading experiences, including artefact-focused teaching sessions and internship opportunities at the British Museum's new Archaeological Research Collection facility (BM_ARC), located at the Thames Valley Science Park.
Learn more about our partnership with the British Museum Archaeological Research Centre.
You can also choose to take this course over four years to include a year-long professional placement or a study year abroad.
Throughout your degree, you’ll gain a broad range of skills and experiences that are highly regarded by employers, including:
All our degree programmes include professional development training and further opportunities, supported by the University’s dedicated Careers Service.
