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Qualification type
BA (Hons)

Archaeology of Ancient Civilisations

UCAS code V401

Entry requirements
International Baccalaureate: 26 or 544
HKDSE: 4,3,3
India Standard XII: 60%
View full requirements
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 years
Start date and application deadlines
Start date
How to apply

Although the UCAS equal consideration date has now passed, many of our courses are still accepting applications from UK students for 2025 entry through UCAS.

The deadline for international students was 30 June 2025.

Combine this subject

With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.

  • Choose from 30 subjects and over 300 combinations
  • Choose joint or major minor subjects
  • Adjust the weight of your subjects at the end of your first year
  • Same number of credits as single honours students
  • Same classes as single honours students
  • Appeal to a wide range of employers

Explore combined degrees for Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology courses

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About this course

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.


Introduction

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.


What you'll learn

  • Detailed knowledge of the practice and theory of archaeology as an approach to understanding past societies
  • Knowledge of the history and culture of three Ancient Civilisations (Egypt, Greece and Rome, the Near East)
  • An in-depth knowledge of the nature and development of the culture, society, history and religion of at least two interrelated Ancient Civilisations
  • A practical knowledge of the techniques of archaeological excavation and recording
  • Practical experience of the recovery of primary archaeological data
  • Analysis and critical reflection on a range of archaeological data
  • Theoretical concepts within Archaeology
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We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.


Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

Year one provides a broad introduction to archaeological methods and the archaeology and history of Egypt, Greece, Rome and the ancient Near East.

Students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules in each semester.

Year two

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.

Modules

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Year three

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 in semester one and 15 credits of required modules in semester two.  Students take 30 credits of optional modules in semester one and 45 credits of optional modules in semester two.

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 so as to fit the themed pathway or support your dissertation.

Modules

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

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.

How you're assessed

Typical forms of assessment include:

  • Exams – an examination may cover essay-based work or language work
  • Essays or projects
  • Portfolio submission – such as a critical reflection of seminars
  • Presentations
  • In-class tests and continuous assessment (primarily used for language modules)

Liverpool Hallmarks

We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

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Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

Qualification Details
International Baccalaureate

26 points overall with no score less than 4, or Pass the IB Diploma plus 5,4,4 in 3 HL subjects. Plus a minimum of 5 in SL Maths or 4 in HL Maths and 5 in SL/HL English A or 7 in SL English B or 6 in HL English B

HKDSE

433 from 2 electives plus one core subject (excluding Citizenship and Social Development) and a minimum grade 3 in core Mathematics. Grade 4 (with no component less than 4) in HKDSE English Language

India Standard XII

Overall average of 60% from four core subjects, a minimum of 75% in English dependent on exam board (not including Hindi, Regional Language, Environmental Education and PE) and a minimum of 50% for Standard X Maths.

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Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global opportunities

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.

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

  • Learn Chinese
  • Study in a bustling world heritage city
  • Improve employment prospects
  • Study Chinese culture
  • 30 minutes from Shanghai
  • Learn new skills

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

Year abroad

Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.

  • Choose from up-to 26 countries
  • Experience another way of life
  • Inspire your future career or studies
  • Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
  • More likely to earn higher salary
  • More likely to be employed after graduating

Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Hong Kong
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • USA

More about taking a year abroad

Semester abroad

Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

  • Inspire your future career or studies
  • Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
  • More likely to earn higher salary
  • More likely to be employed after graduating

More about taking a semester abroad

Summer abroad

Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

  • Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
  • Study abroad without adding an extra year
  • Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
  • Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline

Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?

  • Hong Kong
  • Japan
  • South Korea

More about taking a summer abroad

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

  • A dedicated languages degree
  • A language as a joint or major/minor degree
  • Language modules (selected degrees)
  • Language classes alongside your studies

Read more about studying a language

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Your experience

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.

Explore where you'll study

Abercromby Square Home to the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology
Environmental Sciences and Archaeology Laboratory
Garstang Museum of Archaeology
Special Collections and Archives
Central Teaching Laboratory
Female student painting ancient markings onto the wall of the Archaeology caveonto
Cave Painting

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Why Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology at University of Liverpool?

  • Fantastic on-campus facilities such as the Garstang Museum with its outstanding archaeological collections and GIS suite for archaeological drawing
  • Our extensive laboratories used for conservation, lithics, geomagnetism, stable isotope, trace elements, finds processing and sample preparation
  • An enviable library which has been built up since the Ancient World and Archaeology has been studied at Liverpool since the 1880s
  • Opportunities to learn ancient languages such as Greek, Latin, Akkadian, Sumerian, Egyptian and Coptic
  • Archaeological projects based internationally, in Egypt, Greece, Bulgaria, Jordan, Turkey, Italy, Zambia, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa, as well as in the British Isles
Archaeology of Ancient Civilisations BA Graduate Aisling Serrat

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.

Aisling Serrant, BA (Hons) Archaeology of Ancient Civilisations 2013
Two students chatting while walking through campus.

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Watch on Panopto: A day in the life of Historical and Classic Studies student Amy

A day in the life of Historical and Classic Studies student Amy

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Careers and employability

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:

  • The National Trust
  • English Heritage
  • Civil Service
  • Archaeology South East

88% of students go on to work or further study within 15 months of graduation.

(Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.)

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Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £24,100
Year abroad fee - £12,050 (applies to year in China)

The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.


Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes specialist equipment and fieldwork costs.

Students will be required to cover the costs listed below for year one compulsory fieldwork- two weeks in Penycloddiau, North Wales:

  • Approved 4-inch WHS Spear and Jackson wood-handled trowel, such as this one. Students can buy a trowel for around £10-14. Please note that gardening trowels are not appropriate.
  • Students will pay a sustenance contribution for food during the trip. This was £100 in 2017.

In year two, those who must complete a further two weeks of fieldwork have several options with varying costs. Some options are based in the UK and have no additional costs, others are based abroad. For those choosing to join a site abroad, students will be expected to pay for their own flights, accommodation, and sustenance. The costs for this vary from site to site.

Find out more about additional study costs.


Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

If you’re a high-achieving international student starting an undergraduate degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a fee discount of up to £5,000. You’ll need to achieve grades equivalent to AAA in A levels. Most of our undergraduate degrees are eligible, with the exception of clinical programmes in Medicine and Dental Surgery.

Kaplan Digital Pathways Excellence Scholarship

Completed a Kaplan Digital Pathways Foundation Certificate? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study for a maximum of two high achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from an online Kaplan Foundation Certificate.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

Completed a Foundation Certificate at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from UoLIC.

University of Liverpool International College First Class Scholarship

We’re offering a £1,000 fee discount for years 2 and 3 of undergraduate study to eligible students progressing from University of Liverpool International College. You’ll need to be studying a non-clinical subject and get an average of 70% or above in year 1 of your degree.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a £3,000 fee discount off the first year of your undergraduate degree.

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Last updated 17 June 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions

Changes to Archaeology of Ancient Civilisations BA (Hons)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

29 April 2025: Duolingo requirements – multiple UG courses

Duolingo requirements updated to: 125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 95.

14 January 2025: Duolingo English Test requirements updated

Duolingo English Test requirements updated. See English language requirements for details of the revised requirements.

16 December 2024: Change to Year in Industry information

This course was updated to reflect the fact that an official “Year in Industry” option is not currently available.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.