| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
It offers hands-on learning through fieldwork and research projects, allowing students to specialize in specific areas of interest. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in the heritage sector and beyond, with a strong track record of graduate employability.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Name: BA in Archaeology and Ancient History
- Offered by: Cardiff University
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full-time
- Objectives:
- Gain understanding of ancient societies and cultures through archaeology and ancient history.
- Develop practical skills in archaeological excavation, surveying, illustration, and public outreach.
- Specialize in specific periods or cultures of interest.
- Explore themes such as gender, politics, warfare, religion, art, and medicine.
- Learn about archaeological methods and skills.
- Place research and knowledge into a contemporary context.
- Manage heritage sites and collections.
- Understand the influence of the ancient world on modern society.
- Distinguishing features:
- Combines approaches from archaeology and ancient history.
- Offers hands-on learning through fieldwork and research projects.
- Allows specialization in specific areas of interest.
- Integrates contemporary perspectives into the study of the past.
- Prepares graduates for careers in the heritage sector and beyond.
Outline:
- Structure: The program consists of 120 credits per year, with 6 modules in each of the first two years and 4 modules plus a 40-credit dissertation in the final year.
- Content: The program covers various aspects of ancient societies and cultures, including:
- Archaeological methodologies and techniques
- Historical analysis and interpretation
- Specific periods and civilizations (e.g., Greece, Rome, Egypt)
- Themes such as gender, warfare, and religion
- Archaeological illustration and photography
- Museum studies and heritage management
- Individual modules: Some examples of modules offered are:
- The Archaeology of Britain: Prehistory to Present
- Discovering Archaeology
- The Near East, Greece, and Rome, 1000-323 BCE
- Gender and Sexuality in the Ancient World
- Crossing Boundaries: Interdisciplinary Dissertation
Assessment:
- Methods: The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Essays
- Source analysis exercises
- Exams
- Presentations
- Creative projects
- Practical work
- Blogs
- Vlogs
- Social media projects
- Reports
- Proposals
- Criteria: Assessments are designed to assess knowledge, understanding, critical thinking, research skills, communication skills, creativity, and employability skills.
- Feedback: Students receive individual written feedback on all assessed work and have opportunities to discuss this feedback with tutors.
Teaching:
- Methods: Teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Active problem-solving classes
- Practicals
- Field trips
- One-to-one tutorials
- Independent study and research
- Faculty: The program is taught by experienced academics and researchers, actively involved in research in their respective fields.
- Unique approaches: The program emphasizes hands-on learning through fieldwork and research projects. It also integrates contemporary perspectives into the study of the past and prepares students for careers in the heritage sector and beyond.
Careers:
- Potential career paths: Graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including:
- Archaeology
- Heritage management
- Museum studies
- Education
- Media
- Civil service
- Business
- Law
- Charity sector
- Opportunities: The program offers placements in archaeological projects, museums, and other heritage organizations. It also provides career development support through workshops and training.
- Outcomes: Graduates are well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience to succeed in various careers. The program has a strong track record of graduate employability.
Other:
- The program integrates learning and assessment to develop students' skills and knowledge.
- It emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, research, communication, and collaboration.
Fees for home status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Additional costs
You’ll need suitable clothing (including waterproofs and suitable footwear) and sometimes accommodation (such as a tent and sleeping bag) for field trips and fieldwork. The University has funds available for students experiencing financial difficulties in purchasing this equipment. You may also want to buy copies of other books, either because they are particularly important for your modules or because you find them particularly interesting.
Course specific equipment
You will need suitable clothing (e.g. waterproofs and suitable footwear) and sometimes accommodation (e.g. tent and sleeping bag) for field trips and fieldwork. The university has funds available for students experiencing financial difficulties in purchasing this equipment.
