Ancient History and Archaeology Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

This Ancient History and Archaeology degree at Birkbeck, University of London is ideal if you are interested in understanding the ancient past through people’s relationships with words, texts, objects, buildings and places. We will give you access to a wide range of textual, graphical and material evidence and develop your ability to interpret and process that data. We will also encourage you to question accepted histories, so you can construct and present convincing historical and archaeological arguments using texts, images, and material objects and remains as evidence.

You will study a broad chronological and geographical sweep, with topics including the rise of the Greek city-states, Classical Athens, the foundations of the Roman Empire, the transformation of the Roman Empire in Late Antiquity, and the Byzantine Empire from the foundation of Constantinople to the medieval period. 

The study of archaeology develops the ability to understand how people lived, acted and thought in the past. You will learn the essential analytical techniques of archaeology to develop your understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in the interpretation of material remains. Practical archaeological experience is a key element of this degree. 

Careers

Graduates can pursue careers in, for example, archaeology, conservation, education, or local and national government roles. This degree may also be useful in becoming an archaeologist, heritage manager, or museum/gallery curator. It will provide you with a host of transferable skills, including the analysis and critique of complex archaeological and textual sources.

We offer a comprehensive Careers and Employability Service to help you advance your career, while our in-house, professional recruitment consultancy, Birkbeck Talent, works with London’s top employers to help you gain work experience that fits in with your evening studies.