| UCAS code | VVC4 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Classics and Ancient History |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB-ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB-BBC |
| UCAS code | VV1K |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Classics and Ancient History |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB-ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB-BBC |
| UCAS code | VV2K |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Classics and Ancient History |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB-ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB-BBC |
| UCAS code | VV3K |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Classics and Ancient History |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB-ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB-BBC |
Overview
- Explore Greek and Roman history, society and political life, and the ways in which Greeks and Romans thought about their own past
- Study key texts in translation
- Optional Ancient Greek or Latin language modules
- Wide variety of Archaeology modules ranging from the microscopic analysis of ancient artefacts to the exploration of entire fossilised landscapes, from understanding prehistoric villages to recording historic buildings
Top 10 in the UK for Classics and Ancient History
7th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Top 5 in the UK for Archaeology and Forensic Science
5th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Top 50 in the world for Classics and Ancient History
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Applied experience and fieldwork opportunities in the UK and abroad
Top 10 in the UK for Classics and Ancient History
7th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Top 5 in the UK for Archaeology and Forensic Science
5th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Top 50 in the world for Classics and Ancient History
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Applied experience and fieldwork opportunities in the UK and abroad
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAB-ABB | n/a |
| IB | 34/665-32/655 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDM | n/a |
| GCSE | Grade 4/C | GCSE English Language |
| Access to HE | 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBB-BBC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Coming to the University of Exeter to study Archaeology was definitely the right decision.
All the professors and lecturers in the department were willing to connect with the students, which made me feel like I'm a part of the community and not just a student at the department.
During my 3 years in Exeter I was blessed with the opportunity to participate in archaeological fieldwork in both the United States and Kazakhstan as part of my course under the guidance of professors. These experiences abroad were not only eye-opening, but also helped me discover my passion for archaeology that I did not have beforehand.
Hei Chun Ho
BA Archaeology
Course content
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
30 credits of compulsory Archaeology modules, 30 credits of compulsory Ancient History modules, 30 credits of optional Archaeology modules, 30 credits of optional Ancient History module
Compulsory modules
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
a - select either CLA1001 or CLA1002; the modules run in alternate years so you must select the one which is running in this academic year.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARC1010 | Themes in World Archaeology | 15 |
| ARC1020 | Essential Archaeological Methods | 15 |
| CLA1001 | Greek History: Problems and Sources [See note a above] | 30 |
| CLA1002 | Roman History: Problems and Sources [See note a above] | 30 |
Optional modules
b - select 30 credits of Archaeology modules from this list.
c - select 30 credits of Ancient History modules from this list.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Archaeology Stage 1 BA Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above] | ||
| ARC1080 | Archaeology and Heritage: Past and Futures | 15 |
| ARA1030 | Introduction to Islamic Archaeology | 15 |
| Ancient History and Classical Studies Combined Hons Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note c above] | ||
| CLA1029 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic-Roman Syria | 15 |
| CLA1354 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus | 15 |
| CLA1031 | Text and Context: Women in Homer | 15 |
| CLA1405 | Text and Context: Roman Laughter | 15 |
| CLA1516 | Ancient World (Written Evidence): Persuasion in Ancient Greece | 15 |
| CLA1301 | Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) - Tyranny | 15 |
| CLA1508 | Ancient World: Roman Philosophy | 15 |
| CLA1030 | Ancient World: Racecraft | 15 |
| CLA1027 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin I (A) | 15 |
| CLA1028 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin I (B) | 15 |
| CLA1252 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 |
| CLA1254 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin III | 30 |
| CLA1025 | Classical Language and Texts Greek I (A) | 15 |
| CLA1026 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek I (B) | 15 |
| CLA1202 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 |
| CLA1204 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek III | 30 |
60 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules in Archaeology and 30 credits of optional modules in Ancient History.
Compulsory modules
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
d - You must take either ARC2003 or ARC2004 (you cannot choose both).
e - select either CLA2001 or CLA2002; the modules run in alternate years so you must select the one which is running in this academic year.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARC2003 | Archaeological Fieldwork Project [See note d above] | 30 |
| ARC2004 | Archaeological Fieldschool [See note d above] | 30 |
| CLA2001 | Greek History: Problems and Sources [See note e above] | 30 |
| CLA2002 | Roman History: Problems and Sources [See note e above] | 30 |
Optional modules
f - select 30 credits of Archaeology modules from this list.
g - select 30 credits of Ancient History modules from this list.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Archaeology Stage 2 BA Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above] | ||
| ARA2014 | Regions and Empires in Islamic Archaeology | 15 |
| ARC2118 | Lords to Lepers: Medieval Social Worlds | 15 |
| ARC2124 | Giving and Taking: Anthropology and Archaeology of Circulation and Exchange | 15 |
| ARC2130 | Discovering the Past with Molecular Science | 15 |
| ARC2131 | Palaeolithic Archaeology of Homo Sapiens 100,000-12,000 BP | 15 |
| ARC2135 | Trading Places, Towns, Royal Palaces and Fortifications: Early Medieval Centres in Europe | 15 |
| ARC2400 | Understanding the Landscape of Roman Britain | 15 |
| ARC2504 | Zooarchaeology | 15 |
| ARC2512 | Palaeobotany | 15 |
| ARC2513 | Aerial Survey | 15 |
| ARC2514 | Forensic Anthropology | 15 |
| Ancient History Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note g above] | ||
| CLA2029 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic-Roman Syria | 15 |
| CLA2354 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus | 15 |
| CLA2031 | Text and Context: Women in Homer | 15 |
| CLA2405 | Text and Context: Roman Laughter | 15 |
| CLA2516 | Ancient World (Written Evidence): Persuasion in Ancient Greece | 15 |
| CLA2301 | Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Tyranny | 15 |
| CLA2030 | Ancient World: Racecraft | 15 |
| CLA2252 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 |
| CLA2254 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV | 30 |
| CLA2202 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 |
| CLA2205 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV | 30 |
Typically, any placement year will take place in Year 3. If you are not taking a placement year please see the Final Year modules for year 3.
30 credits of compulsory modules, 30-60 credits of optional modules in Archaeology, 30-60 credits of optional modules in Ancient History (depending on the dissertation chosen)
Compulsory modules
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
h - You must select either ARC3000 or CLA3009 (you cannot take both modules).
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CLA3009 | Dissertation [See note h above] | 30 |
| ARC3000 | Archaeological Dissertation [See note h above] | 30 |
Optional modules
i - If you select CLA3009, you must take 60 credits of options from the Archaeology list.
j - If you select ARC3000 must take 60 credits of options from the Ancient History list.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Archaeology Final Stage BA Option Modules 2024-5 [See note i above] | ||
| ARC3003 | Professional Placement | 30 |
| ARC3006A | Advanced Fieldschool | 15 |
| ARC3013 | Practicing Archaeological, Forensic and Heritage Science | 15 |
| ARC3136 | Advanced Fieldwork | 15 |
| ARC3118 | Lords to Lepers: Medieval Social Worlds | 15 |
| ARC3124 | Giving and Taking: Anthropology and Archaeology of Circulation and Exchange | 15 |
| ARC3131 | Palaeolithic Archaeology of Homo Sapiens 100,000-12,000 BP | 15 |
| ARC3133 | Digital Pasts | 15 |
| ARC3135 | Trading Places, Towns, Royal Palaces and Fortifications: Early Medieval Centres in Europe | 15 |
| ARC3400 | Understanding the Landscape of Roman Britain | 15 |
| ARC3510 | Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations | 15 |
| ARC3512 | Palaeobotany | 15 |
| ARC3513 | Aerial Survey | 15 |
| ARC3611 | Funerary Osteoarchaeology | 15 |
| Ancient History & Classical Studies Final Stage option modules 2024-5 [See note j above] | ||
| CLA3251 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin V: Epic | 30 |
| CLA3059 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek V: Imperial Greek Prose | 30 |
| CLA3252 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 |
| CLA3254 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin III | 30 |
| CLA3206 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV | 30 |
| CLA3202 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 |
| CLA3204 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek III | 30 |
| CLA3205 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV | 30 |
| CLA3263 | Being and Not-Being in Greek Philosophy: from Parmenides to Aristotle | 15 |
| CLA3113 | Art in Greek Society | 15 |
| CLA3273 | Polybios and the Challenge of Change | 15 |
| CLA3126 | Critical Classics and the Contemporary World | 15 |
| CLA3276 | Courage in the Ancient World | 15 |
| CLA3275 | Women Writing Classics | 15 |
| CLA3056 | Ovid and the Erotic Passions | 15 |
| CLA3114 | Art in Roman Society | 15 |
| CLA3277 | Lost Works and Fragments | 15 |
| CLA3264 | Ancient Science and Society | 15 |
| HUM3004 | Transforming the Tablet: Digital Approaches to Ancient Text and Artefact | 15 |
| CLA3267 | Dialogues with the Past: Creative Interpretative Project | 15 |
| CLA3279 | Knowledge, Wealth and Power in the Ancient World | 30 |
| CLA3125 | Reading and Writing Greek Literature in the Hellenistic World | 30 |
| CLA3007 | The Crisis of the Athenian Polis | 30 |
| CLA3274 | The Persians in a Near Eastern Context | 30 |
| CLA3033 | Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds | 30 |
| CLA3008 | The Age of Cicero | 30 |
| CLA3042 | Ancient Literary Criticism | 30 |
| CLA3124 | Receptions of the Classical Body | 30 |
| THE3229 | Syriac Christianity: Monks, Monasteries and Mimre | 30 |
Course variants
UCAS code: VV1K
Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.
Why Study Abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I Study Abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. Please refer to your Study Abroad co-ordinator for further details.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your Study Abroad year.
UCAS code: VV2K
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience?
Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
UCAS code: VV3K
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience Abroad?
Spending up to a year living and working in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. By carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements abroad you can demonstrate to employers your adaptability, cultural awareness, independence and resourcefulness and, depending on where you stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector and country you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fee?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Is the placement paid?
You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
Our department has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and you’ll benefit from small group teaching and plenty of contact with staff. You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials, field trips and computer-led learning. Seminars complement lectures by encouraging you to explore issues in small group discussion meetings and our first-year tutorial system concentrates on study methods and core skills.
Practical work
You will carry out a large amount of practical work, as you complete assignments and put into practice different archaeological and scientific techniques. We frequently employ experiments in our teaching about ancient technologies (e.g., flint knapping, pot making, bronze smelting and casting). Everyone completes at least four weeks’ practical work, usually during the first summer vacation, and we have excellent provision of technical equipment for field study, including GPS, total station theodolite and geophysical equipment.
Teaching hours
You’ll have 1-3 teaching hours per module per week and will need to allow for additional hours of private study. You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time.
Research-inspired teaching
Research-led teaching ensures lectures are up-to-date and relevant and you will benefit from access to the latest thinking, equipment and resources. All staff teach third year options which are linked to their own interests which include the study of topics, as diverse as maritime archaeology and Egyptology. You’ll also be encouraged to participate in research projects and be able to choose dissertation topics that contribute original research to a project.
Academic support
All students have a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies. There are also several services on campus where you can get advice and information, including the Students’ Guild Advice Unit.
Assessment
Assessment includes formal exams and assessed coursework, including essays and projects as well as practical assignments and field work notebooks. Formal exams contribute about 40 per cent of your overall assessment. You must pass your first-year modules in order to proceed: this level does not count towards your final degree classification. To be eligible for ‘Study Abroad’ you will need to attain an average of 60% or more in your first year. The assessments in the second year, year abroad (if applicable) and final year will contribute towards your final degree classification.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in specified subjects, you may have the words 'with proficiency in’ added to your degree title when you graduate.
Facilities
As a member of the Archaeology Department and key part of our student community you will have full access to our exceptional, modern facilities.
• Experimental Archaeology Labs
• Bioarchaeology Lab
• Clean Lab and fume cupboards for preparing stable isotope samples
• Landscape archaeology project office
• Microscope room equipped with high specification microscopes and image processing facilities
• Digital Humanities Lab
• Wet labs for artefact and environmental sample processing
• Digital x-ray facilities and equipment for elemental analysis
• State-of-the-art surveying equipment
• Outdoor experimental space
SHArD 3D Laboratory
The University of Exeter's Science, Heritage and Archaeology Digital 3D (SHArD 3D) Laboratory, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to digitally replicating and preserving biological and cultural artefacts. Funded by nearly £893,000 from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), SHArD 3D employs advanced scanning and microscopy techniques to create detailed 3D models, enhancing the study of archaeological finds and bio-cultural heritage.
This cutting-edge laboratory offers students unparalleled opportunities to engage with the latest digital preservation technologies, including portable 3D scanning equipment for fieldwork and a microCT scanner for non-destructive imaging of artefacts. Collaborations with institutions like Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum will further enrich the learning experience, providing practical skills in digital archiving and analysis.
By studying Archaeology at the University of Exeter, students will be at the forefront of innovative research methods, preparing them for dynamic careers in heritage preservation and forensic analysis.
Learn more about our facilities
Collections
On top of all that we also have extensive reference collections of artefacts, animal bones and plant remains. So whatever your specific interests within archaeology we have the kit for it.
And of course you will have access to the wider resources of the University too, including the Library and Special Collections.
Your future
Employer-valued skills this course develops
A degree in Classics and Ancient History, will provide you with skills which are highly valuable to employers across many sectors. You will develop an advanced knowledge of other cultures, learn how to think logically and independently, to interpret and critique sources, to assess and evaluate information and to communicate (verbally and in writing) in a sophisticated way.
Career support
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. The Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market. Our graduates compete very successfully in the employment market, with many employers targeting the University when recruiting new graduates.
Career paths
As a Classics and Ancient History graduate, you will have an array of different industries open to you, such as museum and heritage work, education, journalism, business, and law. Our recent graduates have since secured a variety of positions, such as:
- Archives Assistant
- Business Development Associate
- Freelance Journalist
- Grants and Partnerships Assistant
- Investment Analyst
- Marketing Manager
- Publishing Assistant
- Research Culture Administrator
- Trainee Chartered Accountant
- Media Producer
Further study
A degree in Classics and Ancient History will put you in an excellent position to pursue postgraduate study after you have graduated. Our recent graduates have since enrolled on courses such as:
- MA History
- MA International Relations
- MSc Bioarchaeology
- MSc International Management
- Graduate Diploma in Law
- MSc Library and Information Studies
