Ancient History and Archaeology

Course Summary
BA (Joint Hons) Ancient History and Archaeology allows you to combine ancient history modules from the Department of Classics and Ancient History with archaeology modules from the Department of Archaeology. The balance is broadly equal, but as you progress through your course, you will have several opportunities to follow your particular interests in one or both areas. Your dissertation provides a further option to concentrate your studies in an area that captures your imagination.

Studying this course will provide you with a wider perspective on these related subject areas, enabling you to gain expertise in using both textual and material evidence to understand the cultural history of antiquity.

Why Durham University?
Gain an understanding of the present by unlocking the past. Combine academic theory with lab and fieldwork and the examination of historic objects when you study in this world-leading Department at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Archaeology at Durham is an exciting and diverse discipline that delves into the past to inform our understanding of the modern world.
Flexibility - We offer a range of single and joint honours BA and BSc degrees with flexible pathways to suit your interests and career goals, and most courses include the possibility of a work placement or year abroad.

Rankings
3rd in the UK Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
5th in the Guardian University Guide 2026
5th in the UK Complete University Guide 2026
Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026

Career Opportunities
Archaeology
Our close links with industry specialists coupled with in-house archaeological facilities give you a taste of the industry from the beginning of the course.
This broad-based discipline can take you into many different careers. This experience helps develop a broad range of subject-specific skills from osteology, geochemistry and the conservation of archaeological objects, to survey and remote sensing techniques and applications for Geographic Information Systems.
Our graduates work for organisations all over the world, from national and international heritage organisations, museums, environmental agencies, and commercial archaeological services to law and publishing, forensic science, teaching, tourism, and local and national government.

Classics and Ancient History
Our students acquire many skills which are readily transferable to a whole range of professions.
You will learn to search for, gather, and process information, to evaluate evidence and to express yourself clearly and succinctly, both verbally and in writing.
Classics graduates have progressed to careers as diverse as computing, the Civil Service, gold dealing, teaching, journalism, law, accountancy, public relations and the theatre.

Course Modules

Durham Education 2027

The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.

For current module information please visit our course page.

https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/courses/ancient-history-and-archaeology-vf14/september-2027/

On this course, you will be assessed through traditional coursework, essays, presentations, exams, hands-on practical exercises and alternative projects.

In the final year, you will write a dissertation on a topic of special interest to you, allowing you independent research supported by one-on-one supervision, and this makes up one-third of your final-year marks.