BA Ancient History and Archaeology
About this course
BA (Hons) Ancient History and Archaeology is a joint degree within archaeology and classics, examining the ancient world through both written sources and material remains. Core topics include research methods, fieldwork and project management. The two departments contribute roughly equally, and students may substitute one optional module per year with a modern language. A compulsory dissertation in the final year develops independent research and project management skills. The first year establishes foundations across both disciplines through compulsory modules: Monuments and Memory in the Age of Augustus examines Roman history and Latin literature, Introduction to the Greek World covers Archaic and Classical Greece, Introduction to Archaeology in Britain introduces archaeological interpretation, and Cities in Antiquity surveys ancient Mediterranean urban centres. In the second year, students choose optional modules from both departments, including Emperors and Dynasties, Developing Archaeological Research, and Prehistoric Europe: From Foragers to State Formation. The final year pairs the compulsory Dissertation with further optional choices, which may include Advanced Professional Training involving a three-week fieldwork, museum or laboratory placement. Optional modules across the course span topics from Latin and Greek language study to digital humanities and heritage interpretation.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB IB: 35 to include 665 in higher level subjects.
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 63%: 50 offers from 80 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 7 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 84%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 77%
- Learning resources: 100%
- Student voice: 79%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 34 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 23%
- Further study: 21%
- Unemployed: 3%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 30%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 85 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 10%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 47%
- South East: 15%
- South West: 6%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Monuments and Memory in the Age of Augustus (Classics and Ancient History Department)
- Introduction to the Greek World (Classics and Ancient History Department)
- Introduction to Archaeology in Britain (Archaeology Department)
- Cities in Antiquity (Archaeology Department)
- Example optional modules
- Example optional modules
- Dissertation
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Ancient History and Archaeology at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £40,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,500 and £55,000. The £40,500 median after five years is £15,000 more than the UK median for Archaeology.
What do graduates of BA Ancient History and Archaeology at Durham University do next?
89% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Ancient History and Archaeology at Durham University?
100% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Ancient History and Archaeology at Durham University?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 150 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA Ancient History and Archaeology at Durham University?
63% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 50 offers from 80 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BA Ancient History and Archaeology at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Ancient History and Archaeology at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.