Archaeology and Ancient History (BA)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

 

We are currently working with our students to update and improve the content of this course. The information shown below reflects the current curriculum and is likely to change. The review of the course is expected to be completed by August 2022 and this page will be updated by end of October 2022 to reflect the changes.

 

This is a three-year degree programme of 360 credits, 120 credits in each year comprising core modules, which provide essential skills and training, and a wide variety of optional modules that allow you to tailor your degree to meet your interests. The course is structured so that you acquire in successive years the knowledge and skills required to become an independent researcher, equipped for high-level professional employment. 

 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

 

Year one
The first year provides you with an introduction to the study of ancient history and archaeology, and initial training in the techniques and approaches that archaeologists and ancient historians employ.

 

You take one core module (20 credits). You will take 40 credits from each of the degree subjects, including modules on Mediterranean archaeology, Greek or Roman history, and archaeological techniques or ancient historical skills.

 

For the remaining credits, you can choose additional Archaeology or Ancient History modules, or optional modules from another subject within the School.

 

You undertake your first fieldwork archaeology project in the summer at the end of the first year, although it is credited to the Autumn Semester of Year Two.  This project is taught through four-weeks of student participation on archaeological excavations, field-surveys, museum curatorial projects or other post-excavation, laboratory-based activities.

 

Year two
Years two and three are taught together as Part Two and modules are offered in alternate years to ensure breadth of options.

 

Over the two years, you will complete 240 credits of modules, normally 120 credits each in Archaeology and Ancient History, including one pair of complementary modules in Ancient History and Archaeology where the same chronological period is covered for either Greek or Roman society.

 

You are required to undertake an independent study during year two and one further core module in either Ancient History or Archaeology.

 

An archaeology fieldwork placement is a core requirement of each year and takes place during the summer preceding that academic year (between years one and two and between years two and three). You will learn key practical skills through four weeks of participation in archaeological excavations, field surveys, museum curatorial projects or other post-excavation, laboratory-based activities.

 

Year three
You undertake your second fieldwork project in the summer at the end of your second year, although it is credited to the Autumn Semester of Year Three.  This project is taught through four-weeks of student participation on archaeological excavations, field-surveys, museum curatorial projects or other post-excavation, laboratory-based activities.

 

You can choose to study a subject of particular interest in depth in the optional dissertation module (40 credits). You can write on a topic that combines both archaeological and historical material or on a topic that uses historical or archaeological material alone.

A level
ABB-BBB

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

 

International Baccalaureate
32-31 overall or 665 in 3 HL subjects. 

 

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

 

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

 

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

 

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

 

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

 

Fees for overseas status

• £18,950

In 2016/17, 96% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating.

 

We organise interactive workshops with the Careers Service to help students identify their skills and attributes. History graduates find work in a wide range of related and non-related professional employment. Some choose to undertake postgraduate study at Cardiff or elsewhere, and some have become internationally reputed historians.

 

Graduate careers

• Archaeologist
• Historian
• Lecturer