Archaeology and Ancient History BA (Hons)
Cardiff University
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.4) View reviews

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Different course options
2 options available
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Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

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Location

Main Site - Cardiff

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Location

Main Site - Cardiff

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

SELECTED

Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Location

Cathays Park Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

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Subjects

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Archaeology
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History
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Exam type

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A level
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Extended Project
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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T Level
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Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
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England
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Scotland
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Wales
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Northern Ireland
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EU
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Course info

Why study this courseIn our interdisciplinary BA in Archaeology and Ancient History, you will explore the ancient societies and cultures of the Mediterranean, Europe and the Near East, from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine Empire, including Greeks, Romans, Persians, Egyptians, Etruscans, Celts and Carthaginians. By combining approaches from archaeology and ancient history, you will learn how to understand these societies from different perspectives, as well as acquiring practical skills such as ...Read more

Why study this course

In our interdisciplinary BA in Archaeology and Ancient History, you will explore the ancient societies and cultures of the Mediterranean, Europe and the Near East, from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine Empire, including Greeks, Romans, Persians, Egyptians, Etruscans, Celts and Carthaginians. By combining approaches from archaeology and ancient history, you will learn how to understand these societies from different perspectives, as well as acquiring practical skills such as archaeological excavation, surveying, illustration and public outreach.

You will be able to specialise in the periods or cultures that interest you most, explore themes such as gender, politics, warfare, religion, art and medicine, or learn about archaeological methods and skills. Well ensure that you can place this research and knowledge into a contemporary context, including how heritage sites and collections are managed, and how the ancient world continues to inspire the modern world and inform debates in todays society.

Our teaching is informed by the latest findings, and youll share in the process of discovery by participating in fieldwork and carrying out your own research project. As a graduate in archaeology and ancient history, you will have the skills, knowledge and confidence that you need to succeed in a range of careers, in the heritage sector or elsewhere.

Learning and assessment

We employ a range of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, active problem-solving classes, practicals, field trips, and one-to-one tutorials. You will also undertake independent study and research, with guidance from tutors or on a self-directed basis.

Lectures provide an overview of the key concepts and frameworks for a topic, equipping you to carry out independent research and develop your own ideas for the seminars, active classes and assessments. These materials may be delivered to you face-to-face or provided in electronic form so that you can study them at your own pace and convenience.

Seminars and active problem-solving classes provide a dynamic environment in which you can explore the ideas and debates outlined in lectures. These sessions usually consist of a group of students and the group leader (a member of the teaching team). They may take various forms, including plenary group discussion, small group work and student-led presentations. They offer a rewarding opportunity to debate and engage critically with key ideas and reading, and to explore areas of particular interest with an expert in the field.

Key stats

Archaeology
WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
22/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
13th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
27th
Forensic and Archaeological Sciences
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 90 = 10% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
10%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
90%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Forensic and Archaeological Sciences graduate salary at this uni
£18,000
UK Forensic and Archaeological Sciences graduate salary
£19,000
History
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 90 = 10% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
10%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
94%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
History graduate salary at this uni
£18,000
UK History graduate salary
£18,000
What students say
K
Kitty-May
28 Jan 25

Great..Read more

T
Thomas
18 Dec 24

Thoroughly enjoyed the social aspect of it, particularly the students union societies and sports Wednesday. The location is also great. Currently having issues with lack of..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

BBC - ABB Grades / Points required

Extended Project:

A Grades / Points required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

32 - 30 Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DDM - DMM Grades / Points required

T Level:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

For applicants taking the EPQ qualification, an A in the EPQ can be recognised to lower the entry requirements by a single grade. For example, an AAB offer would be "AAB from 3 A-levels or ABB from 3 A-levels and a grade A in the EPQ". Please note that any subject specific requirements must be met.

32-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.

in a BTEC Extended Diploma in Humanities or Social Science subjects. We will consider BTECs in alternative subjects alongside other academic qualifications and any relevant work or volunteer experience.

Acceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. Consideration will be given to the T Level grade/subject and grades/subjects achieved at GCSE/Level 2.

The Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in place of one A-level at the A-level grades specified, excluding any subject specific requirements.

Popular A-level subjects

Forensic and Archaeological Sciences

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

History
78%
English Literature
29%
Religious Studies & Theology
19%
Sociology
14%
Government & Politics
12%
HESA
History

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

History
62%
Psychology
33%
English Literature
30%
Biology
20%
Mathematics
19%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,000 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,000 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,000 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,000 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,000 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£22,700 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£22,700 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£22700 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Ancient History reviews

Ancient History
Ancient History
Archaeology
K
Kitty-May
28 Jan 25
Ancient History (PhD/MPhil)
Great...
Read more
T
Thomas
18 Dec 24
Ancient History BA (Hons)
Thoroughly enjoyed the social aspect of it, particularly the students union societies and sports Wednesday. The location is also great. Currently having issues with lack of...
Read more
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How Ancient History students rated:

Student rating
( 4.3) 32 reviews
5 star
41%
4 stars
50%
3 stars
9%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.4) 3,380 reviews
5 star
48%
4 stars
45%
3 stars
7%
2 stars
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1 star
0%
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Uni info

Cardiff University
30-36 Newport Road Cardiff CF24 0DE United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Cardiff Queen Street  0.1 miles away
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