Archaeology with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Birkbeck, University of London

Do you have a genuine passion for the material culture of the past? On our BA Archaeology you will study from a broad chronological and geographical perspective, with topics ranging from human evolution and prehistory to Greek sculpture, and the Roman Middle East to medieval Italy.

In studying archaeology you will develop the ability to understand how people lived, thought and acted with their physical environment. You will be able to choose from a wide variety of option modules across a span of prehistoric, ancient and medieval periods, from Britain to the Near East.

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. It will involve you learning through the resources of archives, collections and practice in the field, including alongside professionals from Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) on the Thames through Time field school.

The BA Archaeology is ideal if you have a keen interest in understanding the past through people’s relationships with things and places. You will develop the ability to construct and present convincing archaeological arguments through text and image by:

• accessing and interpreting written, graphic and material evidence
• honing your skills in dealing with data
• questioning accepted histories.

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

Highlights

• You will gain valuable experience of working with professionals from Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) on the Thames through Time field school module. This is an intensive fieldwork experience that gives you practical exposure to archaeological finds and features. It will also give you an insight into possible future careers.
• We are an international centre of excellence. Since 2001 we have consistently been in the top ten departments evaluated by the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
• Situated in historic Bloomsbury, we are at the heart of academic London with access to unparalleled research resources. Situated very close by are: the Institute of Historical Research and the Institute of Classical Studies, with their specialist libraries, training facilities and seminars; the British Museum and other world-class galleries and museums; and the British Library, the largest national library in the world.
• In history, classics and archaeology, Birkbeck is home to thriving student societies and a number of affiliated research centres that actively run seminars, conferences and other events where some of the world's best scholars present their latest research.
• Get a flavour of our teaching and research in this area through the wide range of free online and in-person seminars, workshops and tasters; check out our Discover the Past and Taster programmes as well as events at the Raphael Samuel History Centre, a leading centre for public history which the department co-directs.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in archaeology, conservation and education, as well as in UK Government Offices, publishing and journalism. Possible professions include:

• heritage manager
• archaeologist
• museum/gallery curator
• higher education lecturer.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.