The combined Archaeology and Anthropology BA develops an understanding of the relationship between archaeology and anthropology as subjects offering a uniquely broad perspective on human experience, past and present. It draws upon an unparalleled range of expertise in the analysis of social change, human evolution and material culture.

What this course will give you

When you join us at UCL to study for our BA Archaeology and Anthropology degree, you become part of a top-class institution, currently ranked third in the world for archaeology in the QS World Rankings and second in the UK in the Guardian Newspaper’s University Guide 2022 League Table with a score of 91.2 out of 100. We offer an inclusive, diverse working environment at 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. Alongside this there are also a wide range of modules to select from in Anthropology.

Optional modules (which may not run every year) include Greek Art & Architecture, Zooarchaeology, Archaeological Photography, Indigenous Archaeology, Archaeology of Human Evolution.

The degree includes 70 days of partially funded fieldwork (both physical and digital online fieldwork): destinations have included Belize, Spain, USA, Romania, Portugal, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Wales, Scotland, Uganda & Greece.

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.

Assessment

Coursework, typically 1,500-2,500-word essays, is used to assess most modules. Most compulsory modules and some optional modules involve an examination element too. The completion of 70 days' fieldwork is a requirement for all archaeology students.

Careers

Throughout the degree, which includes 70 days of fieldwork, students develop the ability to work collaboratively and effectively within teams as well as working independently in order to execute research. Students develop strong research and analytical skills and an appreciation of the importance of recovering primary data through practical experience.

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

Our graduates go on to work in a variety of fields from archaeology (fieldwork, research and academia) and anthropology, heritage, museums, the UK civil service and police, law, engineering, business - the possibilities are extremely wide and varied. Alumni have gone on to work for Consultancies, City Businesses and the Government, as well as Museums, Academia and Heritage organisations.