UCAS code V401
If you are fascinated by the ancient civilisations of Egypt, the Mediterranean and the Near East, this programme allows you to study these civilisations with a unique range and depth. You will be introduced to the archaeology, culture, society and history of the key civilisations of Ancient Greece, Egypt, Rome and the Near East, combined with training in the latest archaeological techniques and methods.
A rich variety of archaeological remains and literary sources reveals a world of poets, historians, artists, politicians, emperors, priests, administrators, slaves, soldiers, aristocrats and ordinary men and women. Understanding the ambitions, beliefs and lives of this world enriches our understanding of what it is to be human and the rise of our societies. Year one provides a broad introduction to archaeological methods and the archaeology and history of Egypt, Greece, Rome and the ancient Near East. In years two and three you study subjects central to our understanding of ancient civilisations, social and political organisation, art, religion and texts, combined with a detailed study of at least two civilisations (the Near East, Egypt, or Greece and Rome). This programme requires four weeks of archaeological experience spread over years one and two. Year one fieldwork consists of participation in the department field school. In year two, many students work on overseas research excavations, currently these are based in Greece, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Zambia as well as the UK.
This programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA).
Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) is the leading professional body representing archaeologists working in the UK and overseas. We promote high professional standards and strong ethics in archaeological practice, to maximise the benefits that archaeologists bring to society. We are the authoritative and effective voice for archaeologists, bringing recognition and respect to our profession.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one provides a broad introduction to archaeological methods and the archaeology and history of Egypt, Greece, Rome and the ancient Near East.
All modules in Year 1 are required.
Students taking a programme with an Archaeology component at 50% or higher will have to opportunity to qualify with a Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) accreditation. To qualify, students must have taken ALGY101, ALGY102, ALGY248, ALGY250, ALGY399, ALGY450, ACE Archaeological Field School assessed in ALGY248, and a further 10 days of fieldwork/employability experience.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
In year two you study subjects central to our understanding of ancient civilisations, social and political organisation, art, religion and texts, combined with a detailed study of at least two civilisations (the Near East, Egypt, or Greece and Rome).
Students take 15 credits of required modules and 45 credits of optional modules in each semester. Optional modules must be chosen from TWO pathways (1-3) across the session – 30 credits in each pathway. Students must then take 30 credits from any pathway (1-4) across the session.
Pathway 1 – Archaeology of the Near East
Pathway 2 – Archaeology of Ancient Greece and Rome
Pathway 3 – Egyptian Archaeology
Pathway 4 – Archaeological Methods and Practice
Students are required to complete 20 days of archaeological fieldwork training, normally during the summer vacation period at the end of Year 1 and Year 2. The fieldwork is assessed on ALGY248.
CLAH222 requires prior approval and is subject to a suitable placement being sourced. Students will not be able to register directly for this module.
Registration onto HLAC220 is only for students planning to undertake a Work Placement Year.
Students may take 15 credits of optional cognate modules outside of their degree programme with permission from the Subject Lead.
CLAH263 includes a five-day research and learning experience in Italy. For further details please contact the Module Convenor. Students wishing to take CLAH263 must have taken CLAH104, CLAH105 or ALGY131.
Students taking a programme with an Archaeology component at 50% or higher will have to opportunity to qualify with a Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) accreditation. To qualify, students must have taken ALGY101, ALGY102, ALGY248, ALGY250, ALGY399, ALGY450, ACE Archaeological Field School assessed in ALGY248, and a further 10 days of fieldwork/employability experience.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| WORKING WITH THE PAST (ALGY248) | 15 |
| ARTEFACTS AND TECHNOLOGY (ALGY250) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
Year three includes a required dissertation on a subject of your choice, and also gives you the opportunity to choose modules relating to two of the civilisations studied in year two (Near East, and/or Greece and/or Rome and/or Egypt).
Students take 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in Semester 1.
Students take 15 credits of required modules and 45 credits of optional modules in Semester 2.
Optional modules must be chosen from TWO pathways (1-3) across the session – 30 credits in each pathway. Students must then take 30 credits from any pathway (1-4) across the session.
Pathway 1 – Archaeology of the Near East
Pathway 2 – Archaeology of Ancient Greece and Rome
Pathway 3 – Egyptian Archaeology
Pathway 4 – Archaeological Methods and Practice
ALGY450 is a ‘year-long’ module and represents 15 credits in each semester.
With the permission of the subject lead, it is also possible to choose 15 credits from those offered in year two to fit the themed pathway or support your dissertation.
Students may only take ALGY213, ALGY288 or ALGY386 in their final year if they have not taken them before.
Students taking a programme with an Archaeology component at 50% or higher will have to opportunity to qualify with a Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) accreditation. To qualify, students must have taken ALGY101, ALGY102, ALGY248, ALGY250, ALGY399, ALGY450, ACE Archaeological Field School assessed in ALGY248, and a further 10 days of fieldwork/employability experience.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY: ETHICAL AND POLITICAL ISSUES (ALGY399) | 15 |
| DISSERTATION (ALGY450) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
Modules are delivered by a mixture of lectures and seminars in year one, in year two the lecture element within modules is complemented by student led seminars. Finally, in year three, most modules are delivered by a short series of lectures with a focus on student-led seminars thereafter. Self-directed study is also expected through the course reading list and conducting research for your essays and projects. Academic staff area regularly available via their office hours for one-to-one feedback and support. Course material is available 24-hours a day on Canvas, our online learning platform, and study support is available from our dedicated student services team.
Typical forms of assessment include:
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
The Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures. Teaching takes place across campus, including in specialist facilities in the Central Teaching Hub.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
My degree was key in helping me secure my first role in the sector. Once in the sector, it gave me the background knowledge to be able to deliver educational activities within the museum with confidence.
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An Archaeology degree from Liverpool provides you with a rigorous training experience that produces graduates with an exceptional breadth of knowledge.
Our graduates are well-equipped for a wide variety of private or public sector careers, including in finance, journalism, teaching, law, the police or Civil Service, tourism, and heritage management where knowledge of archaeology is a specific advantage.
Past students have successfully gained employment in universities and major museums, locally, nationally, and internationally.
Recent employers include: