Course overview
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
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023
We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded aGold rating for educational excellence.
Findout why we're rated Gold
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.
Compulsory modules
PRINCIPLES OF ARCHAEOLOGY (ALGY101)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1
ALGY101 introduces students to the concepts, methods and evidence that archaeologists use to study and interpret the past. Students gain core skills essential to building and evaluating knowledge about the human past from material remains.
BRONZE AGE CIVILIZATIONS: MESOPOTAMIA AND THE MEDITERRANEAN (ALGY106)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1
This module provides an introduction to the history and archaeology of the Near East and Aegean from ca. 4,000 to 800 BC, specifically the ancient cultures of the Near East, Levant and Greece. The module includes artefact handling sessions.
INTRODUCTION TO ANCIENT EGYPT I (ALGY109)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1
ALGY109 is designed as an introductory, level one module aiming to provide students with an overview of Ancient Egyptian history from prehistory to AD 395 both in its chronological development and in its environmental and geographical setting, including the fundamentals of the chronology of Ancient Egypt (including the limitations of available evidence), and a good awareness of how major archaeological sites and other forms of primary evidence fit within this framework.
THE PRACTICE OF ARCHAEOLOGY (ALGY102)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2
This module introduces students to the design and implementation of archaeological projects (and thereby research design more generally). It is concerned with how archaeological questions are addressed through projects, the practices involved in the various stages of archaeological projects, including desk-based assessment, mapping, data collection and analysis, field recording, excavation strategy, interpretation and site/heritage management planning. There is a strong practical element to the module which focusses on the planning and execution of a project relating to a cemetery in Liverpool.
INTRODUCTION TO ANCIENT EGYPT II (ALGY116)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2
ALGY116 is designed as ayear onemodule which aims to provide students with an overview of Ancient Egyptian culture. In particular it has as its core aim the development of students’ understanding of the broader thematic aspects of Egyptian society, such as writing, religion, art and social structure. The emphasis will be on the use of primary data (written and material culture), and on awareness of how major archaeological sites fit within this framework.
EMPIRES AND CITIZENS: THE CLASSICAL MEDITERRANEAN AND THE NEAR EAST (ALGY131)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2
This module introduces students to the archaeology of Classical Greece and the Roman Empire by comparing these two Mediterranean civilisations across common themes relating to the life experiences of people in the ancient world.
Optional modules
FROM VILLAGE TO CITY: THE ORIGINS OF CHINESE CIVILISATION (ALGY112)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1
This module will introduce students to the development of early Chinese civilisations. We will investigate the transition from hunter-gatherers to the first sedentary village farming communities and the emergence of the earliest cities and states from these early village societies. We will thus also investigate some formative features of Chinese societies that persisted for millennia. The module will also place developments in China in a broader comparative context and allow discussion of the emergence of social and political hierarchies, complex economies and the appearance and nature of the state. The module will also introduce students to some of the conceptual tools and methodologies needed to investigate these issues in the archaeological record.
WARFARE, POLITICS, AND SOCIETY IN THE GREEK WORLD, 510-323 B.C. (CLAH104)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1
This module introduces the history and society of the ancient Greek world, from the liberation of Athens from tyranny in the late sixth century BC through to the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. The module offers students a foundation of knowledge in the history of events, as well as exploring a range of aspects of Greek society and culture, including the Greek ‘way of war’, sexuality and religion. It also introduces a range of sources for the study of ancient history, especially the two great Greek history writers, Herodotus and Thucydides.
CLASSIC GREEK LITERATURE AND CULTURE (CLAH115)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1
This module aims to introduce students to a broad range of texts and material evidence about the literature and culture of the 5th century BC. You will look at texts from a broad range of types, including some of the greatest Greek literature ever written, philosophy, history, and oratory, and set this into context using art, archaeology, inscriptions and other kinds of evidence.
FROM HANNIBAL TO SEVERUS: AN INTRODUCTION TO ROMAN HISTORY (CLAH105)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2
This module deals with the history and society of Rome and the Roman world from the foundation of Rome to the end of the second century AD, i.e. the periods of the ‘Roman Republic’ and the ‘Principate’ (named after the princeps, a title of the Roman emperor). The aims are to provide (1) an introductory survey of the political and military history of Rome and the Roman empire; (2) to build a sound
chronological, geographical and conceptual framework for understanding the ancient Roman world; (3) to introduce students to reading primary sources in translation and evaluating their historical significance; (4) to introduce students to a limited range of scholarly views on ancient Roman history; and (5) to teach fundamental research skills.
VISUAL CULTURE (CLAH114)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2
In this module you will explore the visual modes and media by which people have expressed themselves individually and societally in different periods of human history. We will start by exploring ideas of visual culture and art, as well as the historical context of the module. You will be introduced to some of the core theoretical issues that underpin the production and consumption of visual culture including questions of what an image is and its relationship to ideology and theories of representation.
We will explore contexts across the ancient Mediterranean from the Palaeolithic to Imperial Rome. We wlll explore a range of themes and you will learn about a wide variety of visual culture from monuments and statues to painted pottery and the visual culture of everyday life. You will learn how to ‘read’ these different media to reconstruct ancient culture and to appreciate the tastes, desires and ideas from the ancient Mediterranean. As you learn about the ancient world you will develop a range of valuable skills that will be of use in academic studies and employment.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
- Global opportunities Choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.
- Language study Combine this course, take language modules or short courses.
Your experience
TheDepartment of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptologyis 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
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Abercromby Square Home to the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology
![Archaeology of Ancient Civilisations BA (Hons) (2) Archaeology of Ancient Civilisations BA (Hons) (2)](https://i0.wp.com/wsrv.nl/?url=programmes.liverpool.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/Environmental-Sciences-and-Archaeology-Laboratory-300x151.png)
Environmental Sciences and Archaeology Laboratory
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Garstang Museum of Archaeology
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Special Collections and Archives
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Central Teaching Laboratory
![Archaeology of Ancient Civilisations BA (Hons) (6) Archaeology of Ancient Civilisations BA (Hons) (6)](https://i0.wp.com/wsrv.nl/?url=programmes.liverpool.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/cave-painting-300x200.jpg)
Cave Painting
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Archaeology laboratory
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Archaeology
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Archaeology – Flint Knapping
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Handling session in the Garstang Museum
![Archaeology of Ancient Civilisations BA (Hons) (11) Archaeology of Ancient Civilisations BA (Hons) (11)](https://i0.wp.com/wsrv.nl/?url=programmes.liverpool.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/┬®McCoy_Wynne-2644-300x227.jpg)
Garstang Museum Teaching Session
![Archaeology of Ancient Civilisations BA (Hons) (12) Archaeology of Ancient Civilisations BA (Hons) (12)](https://i0.wp.com/wsrv.nl/?url=programmes.liverpool.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/┬®McCoy_Wynne-2657-300x247.jpg)
Handling session in the Garstang Museum
![Archaeology of Ancient Civilisations BA (Hons) (13) Archaeology of Ancient Civilisations BA (Hons) (13)](https://i0.wp.com/wsrv.nl/?url=programmes.liverpool.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/┬®McCoy_Wynne-2675-300x222.jpg)
Garstang Museum Teaching Space
![Archaeology of Ancient Civilisations BA (Hons) (14) Archaeology of Ancient Civilisations BA (Hons) (14)](https://i0.wp.com/wsrv.nl/?url=programmes.liverpool.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/1-victoria-gallery-300x200.jpg)
Victoria Gallery and Museum
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Abercromby Square
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Harold Cohen Library
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Guild of Students
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The Quadrangle
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Sydney Jones Library
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
What students say...
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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.
Chat with our students
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Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
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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.
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) | |
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Full-time place, per year | £9,250 |
Year in industry fee | £1,850 |
Year abroad fee | £1,385 |
International fees | |
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Full-time place, per year | £22,400 |
Year abroad fee | £11,200 |
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.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.
Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.
Discover our full range of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here
Your qualification | Requirements About our typical entry requirements |
---|---|
A levels | BBB Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBC with B in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. |
T levels | T levels considered in a relevant subject. Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism. |
GCSE | 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics |
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | BTEC applications are encouraged. We evaluate each BTEC application on its merits. |
International Baccalaureate | 30, with no score less than 4 |
Irish Leaving Certificate | H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 |
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher | BBB in Advanced Highers, combinations of Advanced Highers and Scottish Highers are welcome |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced | Accepted including BB at A level. |
Access | 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits at Merit in a Humanities/Social Science based Access Diploma |
International qualifications | Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
English language requirements
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification | Requirements |
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IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19 |
Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with no component below 95 |
Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 60 |
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 | Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate. |
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 | Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening |
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 | 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall. |
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 | 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall. |
International Baccalaureate | Standard Level grade 5 or Higher Level grade 4 in English B, English Language and Literature, or English Language |
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced | 176 overall, with no paper below 162 |
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.
Alternative entry requirements
- If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
- If you are returning to learning, have had a disrupted education or are switching career pathways, the one-year Go Higher diploma qualifies you to apply for University of Liverpool arts, humanities and social sciences programmes
- Applications from mature students are welcome.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
- Chat with us
- Phone: +44 (0) 151 794 5927
- Send us a message
Last updated 27 June 2024 / /Programme terms and conditions