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Ancient History and Archaeology BA Honours

  • UCAS code: VV14
  • Full time
  • 3 years

Uncover the history, culture and philosophies of ancient Greece and Rome, along with the archaeological theories and techniques used to interpret what remains of these societies, while studying among rich local history on the edge of the Roman Empire.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2024-25


Next start date:

  • September 2024

Fees (per year)

  • Home: £9250
  • International: £22200

Entry requirements and offers

  • A-Level: ABB
  • IB: 32 points

UCAS Institution name and code:

  • NEWC / N21

Course overview

This Ancient History and Archaeology BA course is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeology (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK).

Immerse yourself in ancient history and archaeology on our joint honours degree. Learn Latin and Ancient Greek from beginners' or advanced level, and gain the skills you need to become a professional archaeologist and researcher. 

Explore the Greek and Roman worlds and piece together their history using diverse types of evidence. From analysing ancient texts to studying material remains, you’ll explore areas such as architecture, sculpture, pottery and coins ensuring you develop a broad range of knowledge.

Our classroom extends beyond the University, to the region's diverse heritage. From Hadrian's Wall to Bamburgh Castle on the Northumbrian coast, there's a rich past to discover on our doorstep.

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

You will receive the same introduction to archaeology as our single honours students, but focus on classical art and archaeology. Choose from Ancient History and Classics options, like Greek Literature, Ancient Moral Philosophy or Roman History and Culture.

In the summer, you'll have the opportunity to complete two weeks of funded fieldwork on Hadrian's Wall.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Introduction to Archaeology 20
The Archaeology of Britain from the Romans to the 20th Century 20
Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology 20
Optional Modules Credits
Introduction to Archaeological Science 20
Prehistoric Britain 20
The World of Latin Literature 20
Tragedy, Comedy, History: The World of Greek Literature 20
How Should I Live? An Introduction to Ancient Philosophy 20
Beginners' Greek in Action 1 20
Beginners' Greek in Action 2 20
West meets East: Greek History and Society 20
The Roman World from Romulus to Trajan 20
Beginners' Latin in Action 1 20
Beginners' Latin in Action 2 20
Slavery 20
Global Middle Ages 20
Stuff: living in a material world 20
Global Ancient Histories 20

Your studies will expand geographically through a module on the Archaeology of the Roman Empire, with options that might take you to the prehistoric Aegean, or Rome under the Emperors. You can also pick thematic modules on slavery or religion.

You'll complete a further two weeks of funded fieldwork choosing from our projects in the UK or abroad.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Fieldwork and Post-Excavation: Archaeology in the UK 20
Archaeologies of the Roman Empire: The Roman World from Augustus to Justinian 20
Optional Modules Credits
Archaeological Theory and Interpretation 20
Animals, Plants and People: an Introduction to Environmental Archaeology 20
Prehistoric Europe 20
Aegean Prehistory 20
The Medieval World: AD 400-1500 20
Colonial Worlds: History & Archaeology 20
Artefacts 20
Hellenistic Empires from Alexander to Cleopatra 20
The Roman World from Hadrian to Heraclius 20
Greek and Roman Religions 20
Slavery in Greco-Roman antiquity 20
Career Development for second year students 20

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

You'll learn from:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • tutorials
  • workshops
  • practical activities
  • site visits and fieldwork training
  • independent study

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

  • Assessments

  • Assignments – written or fieldwork

  • Dissertation or research project

  • Essays

  • Examinations – practical or online

  • Practical sessions

  • Reports

Skills and experience

Practical skills

Practical experience forms a key part of this investigative and interdisciplinary degree. You'll gain hands-on experience handling artefacts from our on-campus Great North Museum.

You'll gain excavation experience working along Hadrian's Wall, with further fieldwork opportunities elsewhere in the UK or abroad.

Research skills

You'll have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to spend the summer after your second year working alongside staff on your own research project. 

In your final year, you'll write a dissertation on on a topic of your choosing, using skills you have developed during your degree. You'll hone your investigative skills, undertaking independent research, with access to extensive resources, archives and special collections. 

Opportunities

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You'll have the opportunity to study abroad for a full year either after Stage One or after Stage Two. You can study in an EU country as part of a study abroad exchange or further afield. You’ll then return to Newcastle to complete your degree.

In Europe we currently have links with:

  • Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, France
  • Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain
  • Leiden University, Netherlands
  • Charles University Prague, Czech Republic
  • University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • Södertörn University, Sweden
  • University of Turku, Finland

Find out more about study abroad.

 

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year.  Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements.

Facilities and environment

Facilities

You'll be based in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology, located at the heart of campus in the historic Armstrong Building. Here you'll have access to excellent study resources including:

  • the Philip Robinson University Library, which houses over 800,000 books and provides access to ca. 1.8m e-books
  • the Library of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle

You'll also have access to our on-campus Great North Museum. This houses an extensive collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artefacts, including:

  • the Shefton collection of Greek Art and Archaeology
  • an impressive coin collection
  • material from Late Period Egypt

Support

You'll have the support of a lecturer as a personal tutor throughout your degree, and a student mentor will help you settle in.

Archaeology is a new subject for everyone: we teach you all you need to know, and support your progress through to the end of the degree.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.

Your future

Our Ancient History and Archaeology degree will set you up to start a career as a professional archaeologist or to pursue a future in museum and heritage work. 

As an archaeology student at Newcastle University, you'll develop a wide range of transferable skills, due to the interdisciplinary and investigative nature of the subject, which are highly sought by employers.

Some students begin careers as professional archaeologists, while others enter the heritage sector. There are lots of opportunities to engage with employers prior to graduation.

Other archaeology graduates use their team-working, project management and analytical skills to work in other fields, for example as company archivists, information technologists, specialist librarians and researchers. These skills are especially valued in industries such as publishing, broadcasting and public relations. Some students become teachers, lawyers, or start their own businesses.

Make a difference

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Careers support

Our unique Heritage City website connects you with heritage projects and employers in the region.

Work placements are available as part of your degree, and there are many volunteering opportunities to enhance your CV.

Students in their second year can apply for funding to support their own research projects over the summer break.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2024 entry.

A-Level
International Baccalaureate

Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications

Contextual Offers

Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.

What is a contextual offer? Find out more and if you’re eligible for this or our PARTNERS Programme supported entry route.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Entrance courses (INTO)

International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO. 

Find out more about International Pathway Courses

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

Qualification: BA Honours

Home students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

9250

International students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

22200

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

Scholarships

Find out more about:

Open days and events

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

  • the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
  • the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
  • the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages

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