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Classical Archaeology and Classical Civilisation BA

London, Bloomsbury

Explore the history, art and material culture of the classical world. Examine the changing settlements, social structures and everyday practices of Greek and Roman civilisations, as well as the legacies of the Greco-Roman world. You will study at least one classical language, receive an introduction to key archaeological theories and methods, and develop practical skills through field visits.  

This degree is perfect for students, who want to analyse and interpret the history of the ancient world, using skills from both disciplines.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 academic years
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£9,535
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£36,500
Programme starts
September 2025
Application deadline
29 Jan 2025
UCAS course code
VQ48

Entry requirements

A levels IB Diploma Other qualifications
Grades
ABB
Subjects
No specific subjects. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

Contextual offer information

Grades
BBC more about contextual offers
Subjects
No specific subjects. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Points
34
Subjects
A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.

Contextual offer

Points
30 more about contextual offers
Subjects
A total of 15 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Pass in Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction, 12 credits at Merit and 3 credits at Pass, all from Level 3 units.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) or BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF - teaching from 2016) with Distinction, Distinction, Distinction.

D3,M1,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects

ABB at Advanced Highers (or AB at Advanced Higher and BBB at Higher)

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades ABB.

International applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.
Check your Access UCL Scheme eligibility

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview

This degree examines the cultures, societies and material remains of Greek and Roman civilisations. Students will complete 70 days of partially-funded fieldwork, which includes excavation, museum work, research and digital fieldwork. For Classical Archaeology & Classical Civilisation BA students this may include a six-week Field Study Tour to the Mediterranean as part of the fieldwork component (also partially funded). The Field Study Tour is a programme of individual or group visits to sites and museums around the Mediterranean, allowing you to undertake first-hand examination of ancient sites, museums and objects in preparation for the final year dissertation. Alternatively, you can choose to do the partially-funded 70 days of fieldwork, or a reduced length Mediterranean Study Tour alongside other fieldwork.

The programme provides a foundation in archaeological approaches, field methods and explores current archaeological issues focusing on themes of landscape, material culture, social change and social organisation. You will also take an Ancient Language module (Greek or Latin) at beginner or advanced level.

You will pursue specialist interests through optional modules focused on particular geographical regions, time periods and archaeological materials. This includes ancient languages, Greek and Roman art, archaeology and literature options. Optional modules will help you develop practical skills in a range of areas, from working with archaeological written sources to illustration and imaging. There are archaeology optional modules that run on a biennial basis and range from Roman Art and Architecture to Pottery Analysis; from Geoarchaeology to Zooarchaeology; from Amazonia or the Aztecs to Stonehenge, China and Early Islamic Archaeology.   

What this course will give you

You will become part of a top-class institution, currently ranked third in the world for archaeology in the QS World Rankings 2022 and fifth in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2023. We offer an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment across all levels of study. 

The Institute of Archaeology's degree programmes offer a huge variety of optional modules, covering a diverse range of archaeological topics in both a theoretical and a practical manner. Optional modules (subject to change) include Greek Art & Architecture, Zooarchaeology, Archaeological Ceramics, Human Evolution, Museum Archaeology. 

The degree includes 70 days of partially funded fieldwork, including physical fieldwork in destinations across the globe and digital fieldwork. For Classical Archaeology & Classical Civilisation BA students this may include a six week study visit to the Mediterranean.  

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BA (Hons) in Classical Archaeology and Classical Civilisation.

Modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

First year compulsory modules provide an introduction to Greek and Roman archaeology, a grounding in the broad range of materials analysed by archaeologists, fieldwork methods and a survey of world archaeology. You will also take an Ancient Language module (Greek or Latin) at beginner or advanced level.  

Second year modules provide you with a more advanced understanding of classical civilizations, archaeological theories and debates, and develop your research and presentation skills. You will have the option to undertake a six-week Study Tour in the Mediterranean, allowing you to undertake first-hand examination of ancient sites, museums and objects. Alternatively, you can choose to do the partially-funded 70 days of fieldwork, or a reduced length Mediterranean study tour alongside other fieldwork.  

In your final year you will present a portfolio designed to encourage you to critically reflect on your fieldwork and/or Mediterranean study tour experiences. You will also write a 10,000 word dissertation, on a subject selected with the support of a supervisor.  

In second and third year you will select 45 credits worth of modules focused on ancient languages, archaeology, or the ancient world (art/history/literature). You can also select optional modules focused on particular geographical regions, time periods or archaeological materials. 

All students will complete 70 days of partially-funded fieldwork, which includes excavation, museum work, research and digital fieldwork. Recent fieldwork destinations include the UK, Belize, Greece, Georgia, Portugal, Romania, Uganda, and USA. This may include the Mediterranean Study Tour.  

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Compulsory modules






Optional modules








Compulsory modules




Optional modules










The Age of Stonehenge

Roman Britain: History and Archaeology

Early Medieval Archaeology of Britain A


The Islamic World in the Global Age 900-1400



Compulsory modules




Optional modules






Zooarchaeology

The Archaeology of the Near East from Prehistory to 2000 BC



Economy and Trade in the Mediterranean Iron Age

The Late Bronze Age Aegean in the Mediterranean


Your learning

You will be taught using a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, either field or laboratory-based. Full use is made of our extensive teaching and reference collections and close connections to the national museums and collections of London.

Fieldwork is a major component of the degree with 70 days of partially funded fieldwork being a compulsory element. Fieldwork includes excavation, museum work, research, and digital fieldwork projects that takes place all over the globe. Recent projects have taken place in England, Wales, Scotland, Turkmenistan, Georgia, Greece, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Tunisia, Morocco and USA. For students on this programme the fieldwork component may include a six week study visit to the Mediterranean.

Each student will engage in 1200 learning hours every year, made up of teaching time (lectures, seminars and workshops), independent study, assessment and feedback. Students on this will also be expected to complete 70 days of fieldwork.

Assessment

Coursework, typically 1,000-2,500-word essays, is used to assess most modules. Some modules also involve an examination element.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Archaeology taster lecture and Q&A (AM)

—

Join us for an engaging online taster lecture and Q&A session, where you can ask any questions you may have about the programmes offered in the department. Speak directly with our academics and students to gain a thorough understanding of our programmes. This interactive session is designed to provide you with valuable insights, helping you make an informed decision about your academic future. Don’t miss this chance to explore what the programme has to offer! 

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Archaeology taster lecture and Q&A (PM)

—

Join us for an engaging online taster lecture and Q&A session, where you can ask any questions you may have about the programmes offered in the department. Speak directly with our academics and students to gain a thorough understanding of our programmes. This interactive session is designed to provide you with valuable insights, helping you make an informed decision about your academic future. Don’t miss this chance to explore what the programme has to offer! 

Online - Open day

Classical Archaeology and Classical Civilisation, Archaeology and Anthropology information video

Watch this video to find out more about Classical Archaeology and Classical Civilisation, Archaeology and Anthropology at UCL, including entry requirements, course structure and other helpful information. Recorded Spring 2024.

Watch on demand event

The foundation of your career

Students learn to communicate effectively verbally, visually and in writing to diverse audiences and develop a sensitivity to different cultures.

They also develop excellent transferable skills providing the experience necessary to work both within the archaeology, heritage and museum sector and in numerous sectors outside of the discipline. 

Our graduates go on to work in a diverse range of fields including archaeology (fieldwork, research and academia), heritage, museums, the UK civil service and police, law, engineering, business - the possibilities are extremely wide and varied. (Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of UK and EU graduates in the 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21 cohorts).

Employability

Throughout the degree, students develop highly desirable transferable skills valuable across a range of job sectors. This includes both independent working and teamwork skills, research and analytical skills, planning and project management, and an understanding of the importance of recovering primary data through practical experience.

Accreditation

All UCL Institute of Archaeology undergraduate degrees are accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and Universities Archaeology UK (UAUK).   On graduation students can become a Practitioner member of CIfA (PCIfA), which demonstrates the skills required for employment in archaeology, heritage and museums, as well as a commitment to maintain high professional standards, attributes that are important for employment in many sectors within or outside of archaeology.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £9,535
Tuition fees (2025/26) £36,500

Fees are for Undergraduate 2025/26 entry and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases and are subject to the passing of secondary legislation. Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2025/26 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

Additional costs

The department contributes to the costs of the study tour.  Additional costs will be dependent on your chosen destinations and activities whilst on the study tour. 

Fieldwork costs can be covered by the department provided that students attend recommended UK based projects. Students who choose to go on other fieldwork will need to contribute to any additional charges involved.

Students normally cover the costs of their own equipment approximately £300 (trowel / tent / sleeping bag / boots / jackets etc.). Email Charlotte Frearson c.frearson@ucl.ac.uk for a more comprehensive list of equipment.

A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

Your application

We are looking for students who can demonstrate an interest in the past, human experience, and the development of human societies across geographical regions, time periods and material cultures. We will refer to your Personal Statement for evidence of critical thinking, communication and analytical ability. We are keen to attract a diverse student cohort, and welcome applications from mature students.

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

Once an offer has been made applicants are invited to attend a Post Offer Open Day (in person and virtual are organised) where they will meet staff and students and will be able to see all of the facilities on site at the UCL Institute of Archaeology and UCL.

Additionally, the open day allows you to learn about our archaeological artefacts, meet specific tutors, tour UCL and the institute, and find out more about the degree programmes, resources and facilities we offer. Alternative arrangements can be made for those living overseas including Virtual Open Days and tours outside of the advertised dates. 

The UCAS application forms are assessed by a central UCL team and the Archaeology department.  The personal statement and predicted grades are used for assessment and sometimes extra information is requested. 

Download prospectus

Got questions? Get in touch

Institute of Archaeology
Institute of Archaeology

c.frearson@ucl.ac.uk

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