BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with Professional Placement
-
UCAS code
PV15 -
Clearing BTEC offer
MMM -
Clearing A level offer
CCD -
Year of entry
2024/25 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
-
Year of entry
2024/25 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
Take your first step towards a rewarding career in heritage – and gain vital industry experience – with our BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with Professional Placement degree.
Choose the University of Reading
- Top 100 in the world for Archaeology (QS World Rankings by Subject 2023)
- Ranked 1st in the UK for environmental and ethical performance (People and Planet University League 2023/24)
- In 2023, the University of Reading was the first ever winner of the Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership
- Ranked 1st in the UK for research quality and research outputs in Archaeology (Times Higher Education Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of REF 2021)
- 100% of our research in History is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – History)
- Top 3 in the UK for teaching quality in Archaeology (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
- 97% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, 97.06% of responders from the Department of Archaeology)
- Overall, 97% of graduates from Archaeology are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21; includes all Archaeology responders).
- Our three on-site museums – including the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology – enable you to gain practical, hands-on experience.
At Reading, you will combine the study of museology with the excitement of archaeological discovery. You'll learn the core skills of curatorship: researching, analysing, cataloguing, interpreting and displaying museum objects, historic buildings and landscapes.
You will also benefit from the professional expertise of our Museum Studies staff. All of our lecturers are practising heritage professionals, including curators, conservators and archivists.
Explore how we understand and communicate the past
With our BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with Professional Placement degree, you'll explore archaeological techniques and gain practical training on museum practices, perspectives and ethics.
Your studies will explore our human past through material remains, spanning as far back as the first hominins millions of years ago. Our wide range of modules allows you to shape your own learning, focusing on the topics and periods that most interest you.
At Reading, you'll examine archaeological and heritage issues that are critical to our shared global future, including:
- diets and health
- identity and inequality
- migration and environmental change
- social and cultural differences.
You’ll learn how to investigate, interpret and present our human past through artefacts, sites, digital and museum exhibitions, and public engagement.
We’ll support you to develop a broad range of subject-specific and transferable skills that span the sciences, humanities and social sciences. Your learning can include:
- the investigation of artefacts, monuments, and museum collections
- the development of human societies from six million years ago to the present day
- museum history, policies and ethics
- the role of religion and gender in social change through different time periods
- collections management and preparing exhibitions
- interpreting archaeological subjects and objects for and with different audiences.
By studying human societies through time and investigating how we discuss and display them today, you'll understand how today's issues have roots in the past, and how previous cultures tackled comparable problems.
Professional placement
A professional placement allows you to apply – and increase – your academic knowledge while enhancing your employability. We encourage all our students to consider any placements that can equip them with skills to support them in their future careers.
Previous placement students have analysed samples in labs, processed human remains, worked on hominin skeletal morphology, drawn archaeological finds, conducted collections-based research, studied the ecology of the Crusades through isotope analysis and faunal remains, investigated paleoclimate records, and participated in castle excavations in Spain.
You'll undertake your placement during the third year of your degree, returning to complete your final year of study in your fourth year.
You can complete your placement with an employer in the UK or abroad, and take advantage of our connections with a range of organisations in the archaeological, heritage, planning and museum sectors, including:
- research institutions
- government organisations
- local planning authorities
- archaeological consultancies
- field units
- museums and archives.
Alternatively, you may choose to complete a placement in a non-related industry to explore different career options and develop your skills.
Recent placement employers have included:
- Oxford Archaeology
- Thames Valley Archaeological Services
- Archaeological Research Services
- Ure Museum
- Cole Museum of Zoology
- The Museum of English Rural Life
- QUEST, the University of Reading's scientific consultancy company
- Durham Blue Coat C.E. aided Junior School
- Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization
- Signals (art and education charity).
In addition to your formal professional placement, you will also be encouraged to undertake short placements with local and regional employers during your studies.
As a placement student, you are responsible for finding your own placement. We have a dedicated placements team and member of staff in Archaeology who will provide you with advice and support throughout the process.
For more information about securing and completing a placement during your placement year, please visit our Important Information page.
A supportive, collaborative learning environment
Join the University of Reading's Department of Archaeology and Museum Studies – both communities of passionate and inquisitive staff, students and alumni.
Archaeology is an international, research-intensive department with expertise that spans the sciences, humanities and social sciences. You’ll learn about global issues, enhanced by the latest developments in research.
- Professor Hella Eckardt is demonstrating Britain’s long history of diversity
- Professor Aleks Pluskowski is using environmental archaeology to provide a different perspective on the impact of religious change
- Dr Alanna Cant studies how people make use of culture and the past in today’s world
- Our Museums and Special Collections are home to a range of nationally and internationally significant museums and collections.
You'll also have the chance to join RUined, a student-run society for those passionate about archaeology. RUined is a great way to meet people across Reading, build your network, and participate in events like club nights, quizzes, alcohol-free socials, and the annual summer and winter formals.
- Read about Marcie Weeks' experience as a joint honours student in Archaeology.
Field School and field trips
Put your learning into practice through our Archaeology Field School, which is optional on this degree. You’ll gain hands-on experience in all aspects of an archaeological excavation, including:
- surveying
- geophysics
- mapping
- planning
- finds processing
- studying ancient plant and animal remains.
Beyond the Field School, many of our modules include field trips to sites and museums around England. You’ll be encouraged to get involved with research excavations in the UK and Europe, spanning prehistoric monuments, Roman cities and medieval castles.
Hands-on learning
At Reading, you’ll learn through a combination of problem-solving and enquiry-based learning techniques.
You can also enhance your knowledge and understanding of museum and archaeological practices through varied learning opportunities, such as:
- artefact-focused modules
- final-year exhibition project
- hands-on experience with artefacts and exhibitions from the University’s Museum of English Rural Life and the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, which features one of the largest collections of Greek and Egyptian antiquities in Britain.
Flexible study options
Tailor your degree to your interests with our range of optional modules and varied learning opportunities, through modules and opportunities that cover:
- cultural and social diversity
- material culture, heritage, and museums
- particular periods or cultural areas.
Skills for life
Throughout your degree, you’ll gain a broad range of skills and experiences that are highly regarded by employers, including:
- the ability to analyse and understand complex information
- the ability to research and present findings in a coherent manner
- empathy with others from diverse cultures, backgrounds and beliefs.
All our degree programmes include professional development training and further opportunities, supported by the University’s dedicated Careers Service.
Study Abroad
Combine your studies with opportunities to study abroad, or take a year abroad with our four-year BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad course.
Alternatively, you can study this course over three years by choosing our BA Museum Studies and Archaeology degree.
Overview
Take your first step towards a rewarding career in heritage – and gain vital industry experience – with our BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with Professional Placement degree.
Choose the University of Reading
- Top 100 in the world for Archaeology (QS World Rankings by Subject 2023)
- Ranked 1st in the UK for environmental and ethical performance (People and Planet University League 2023/24)
- In 2023, the University of Reading was the first ever winner of the Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership
- Ranked 1st in the UK for research quality and research outputs in Archaeology (Times Higher Education Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of REF 2021)
- 100% of our research in History is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – History)
- Top 3 in the UK for teaching quality in Archaeology (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
- 97% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, 97.06% of responders from the Department of Archaeology)
- Overall, 97% of graduates from Archaeology are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21; includes all Archaeology responders).
- Our three on-site museums – including the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology – enable you to gain practical, hands-on experience.
At Reading, you will combine the study of museology with the excitement of archaeological discovery. You'll learn the core skills of curatorship: researching, analysing, cataloguing, interpreting and displaying museum objects, historic buildings and landscapes.
You will also benefit from the professional expertise of our Museum Studies staff. All of our lecturers are practising heritage professionals, including curators, conservators and archivists.
Explore how we understand and communicate the past
With our BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with Professional Placement degree, you'll explore archaeological techniques and gain practical training on museum practices, perspectives and ethics.
Your studies will explore our human past through material remains, spanning as far back as the first hominins millions of years ago. Our wide range of modules allows you to shape your own learning, focusing on the topics and periods that most interest you.
At Reading, you'll examine archaeological and heritage issues that are critical to our shared global future, including:
- diets and health
- identity and inequality
- migration and environmental change
- social and cultural differences.
You’ll learn how to investigate, interpret and present our human past through artefacts, sites, digital and museum exhibitions, and public engagement.
We’ll support you to develop a broad range of subject-specific and transferable skills that span the sciences, humanities and social sciences. Your learning can include:
- the investigation of artefacts, monuments, and museum collections
- the development of human societies from six million years ago to the present day
- museum history, policies and ethics
- the role of religion and gender in social change through different time periods
- collections management and preparing exhibitions
- interpreting archaeological subjects and objects for and with different audiences.
By studying human societies through time and investigating how we discuss and display them today, you'll understand how today's issues have roots in the past, and how previous cultures tackled comparable problems.
Professional placement
A professional placement allows you to apply – and increase – your academic knowledge while enhancing your employability. We encourage all our students to consider any placements that can equip them with skills to support them in their future careers.
Previous placement students have analysed samples in labs, processed human remains, worked on hominin skeletal morphology, drawn archaeological finds, conducted collections-based research, studied the ecology of the Crusades through isotope analysis and faunal remains, investigated paleoclimate records, and participated in castle excavations in Spain.
You'll undertake your placement during the third year of your degree, returning to complete your final year of study in your fourth year.
You can complete your placement with an employer in the UK or abroad, and take advantage of our connections with a range of organisations in the archaeological, heritage, planning and museum sectors, including:
- research institutions
- government organisations
- local planning authorities
- archaeological consultancies
- field units
- museums and archives.
Alternatively, you may choose to complete a placement in a non-related industry to explore different career options and develop your skills.
Recent placement employers have included:
- Oxford Archaeology
- Thames Valley Archaeological Services
- Archaeological Research Services
- Ure Museum
- Cole Museum of Zoology
- The Museum of English Rural Life
- QUEST, the University of Reading's scientific consultancy company
- Durham Blue Coat C.E. aided Junior School
- Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization
- Signals (art and education charity).
In addition to your formal professional placement, you will also be encouraged to undertake short placements with local and regional employers during your studies.
As a placement student, you are responsible for finding your own placement. We have a dedicated placements team and member of staff in Archaeology who will provide you with advice and support throughout the process.
For more information about securing and completing a placement during your placement year, please visit our Important Information page.
Learning
A supportive, collaborative learning environment
Join the University of Reading's Department of Archaeology and Museum Studies – both communities of passionate and inquisitive staff, students and alumni.
Archaeology is an international, research-intensive department with expertise that spans the sciences, humanities and social sciences. You’ll learn about global issues, enhanced by the latest developments in research.
- Professor Hella Eckardt is demonstrating Britain’s long history of diversity
- Professor Aleks Pluskowski is using environmental archaeology to provide a different perspective on the impact of religious change
- Dr Alanna Cant studies how people make use of culture and the past in today’s world
- Our Museums and Special Collections are home to a range of nationally and internationally significant museums and collections.
You'll also have the chance to join RUined, a student-run society for those passionate about archaeology. RUined is a great way to meet people across Reading, build your network, and participate in events like club nights, quizzes, alcohol-free socials, and the annual summer and winter formals.
- Read about Marcie Weeks' experience as a joint honours student in Archaeology.
Field School and field trips
Put your learning into practice through our Archaeology Field School, which is optional on this degree. You’ll gain hands-on experience in all aspects of an archaeological excavation, including:
- surveying
- geophysics
- mapping
- planning
- finds processing
- studying ancient plant and animal remains.
Beyond the Field School, many of our modules include field trips to sites and museums around England. You’ll be encouraged to get involved with research excavations in the UK and Europe, spanning prehistoric monuments, Roman cities and medieval castles.
Hands-on learning
At Reading, you’ll learn through a combination of problem-solving and enquiry-based learning techniques.
You can also enhance your knowledge and understanding of museum and archaeological practices through varied learning opportunities, such as:
- artefact-focused modules
- final-year exhibition project
- hands-on experience with artefacts and exhibitions from the University’s Museum of English Rural Life and the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, which features one of the largest collections of Greek and Egyptian antiquities in Britain.
Flexible study options
Tailor your degree to your interests with our range of optional modules and varied learning opportunities, through modules and opportunities that cover:
- cultural and social diversity
- material culture, heritage, and museums
- particular periods or cultural areas.
Skills for life
Throughout your degree, you’ll gain a broad range of skills and experiences that are highly regarded by employers, including:
- the ability to analyse and understand complex information
- the ability to research and present findings in a coherent manner
- empathy with others from diverse cultures, backgrounds and beliefs.
All our degree programmes include professional development training and further opportunities, supported by the University’s dedicated Careers Service.
Study Abroad
Combine your studies with opportunities to study abroad, or take a year abroad with our four-year BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad course.
Alternatively, you can study this course over three years by choosing our BA Museum Studies and Archaeology degree.
Clearing A Level CCD BTEC offer MMM
A Level
- CCD
International Baccalaureate
24 points
BTEC
MMM
GCSE
- English: C (or 4)
- Maths: C (or 4)
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AR1EMP | Early Empires: Mesopotamia, Egypt & Rome | PROF Roger Matthews |
AR1MET | Archaeology today: methods and practice | PROF Mary Lewis |
AR1RAT | Revolutions and Transitions: The Human Journey from 6 Million Years Ago to the Present Day | DR Rob Hosfield |
MC1PTP | Presenting the Past: An Introduction to Museum Studies | DR Rhi Smith |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AR1EMP | Early Empires: Mesopotamia, Egypt & Rome | PROF Roger Matthews |
AR1FOR | Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death | DR Gundula Müldner |
AR1RAT | Revolutions and Transitions: The Human Journey from 6 Million Years Ago to the Present Day | DR Rob Hosfield |
AR1SOC | Contemporary world cultures: an introduction to social anthropology | DR Alanna Cant |
AD1SPA | Towards Sustainability: Positive Action for a Better World | PROF Julian Park |
CL1GH | Greek History: war, society, and change in the Archaic Age | PROF Emma Aston |
CL1RH | Roman History: the rise and fall of the Republic | DR Andrew Fox |
CL1SO | Ancient Song | PROF Ian Rutherford |
CL1TR | Texts, Readers, and Writers | DR Andreas Gavrielatos |
FA1DR2 | Drawing Practice | DR Florian Roithmayr |
FT1ATF | Approaches to Film | MR James Kenward-Abdollahyan |
FT1ATP | Analysing Theatre and Performance | DR Lucy Tyler |
FT1CSS | Comedy on Stage and Screen | DR Tonia Kazakopoulou |
FT1WD | Wildlife Documentary: Ecology and Representation | DR Adam O'Brien |
HS1004 | Doomsday Dystopias: Nuclear Disaster in the Cold War Imagination | PROF Patrick Major |
HS1007 | Merlin: Magic and Prophecy | PROF Anne Lawrence |
HS1016 | Warfare in Early Modern Europe, c 1500-1715 | PROF Joël Félix |
HS1019 | After Malthus: Sex, Society, and Sustainability in the Long Nineteenth Century | PROF David Stack |
HS1024 | US Foreign Policy and the Environment: from Nixon to Obama | DR Mara Oliva |
IL1GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | MRS Daniela Standen |
IL1GMB | Modern Britain: Society, History and Politics | DR Lucy Watson |
LS1ELS | English Language and Society | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
ML1GEC | Greats of European Cinema | DR Marta Simo-Comas |
PO1BRI | British Society | DR Dawn Clarke |
PO1INE | Inequality | DR Jonathan Golub |
PO1IPI | Introduction to Political Ideas | DR Rob Jubb |
PO1WAR | War and Warfare | DR Vladimir Rauta |
PP1GJ | Global Justice | MISS Michela Bariselli |
PP1ML | The Meaning of Life | DR George Mason |
PP1RP | Radical Philosophy | PROF Maximilian De Gaynesford |
PY1IPY | Introduction to Psychology | DR Katie Barfoot |
TG1WTF | What the Font? Making and Using Typefaces | DR Borna Izadpanah |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AR2AOB | Ancient Objects: Materials and Meanings | PROF Hella Eckardt |
AR2TAH | Archaeology and heritage: past, present and future | DR Amy Richardson |
MC2CCM | Curatorship and Collections Management | DR Rhi Smith |
MC2LE | Museum Learning and Engagement | DR Rhi Smith |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AR2BIO | Bioarchaeology | DR Aleks Pluskowski |
AR2CSA | Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis | PROF Mary Lewis |
AR2FSC | Archaeology Field School and Professional Practice | MS Amanda Clarke |
AR2M8 | Medieval Europe: power, religion and death | DR Gabor Thomas |
AR2P14 | Prehistoric Europe: the first million years | PROF Duncan Garrow |
AR2R8 | Rome's Mediterranean Empire | PROF Hella Eckardt |
AR2SCF2 | Changing the Face of the Earth: Past, Present and Future Sustainability | DR Wendy Matthews |
AD2SPA | Towards Sustainability: Positive Action for a Better World | PROF Julian Park |
CL2AE | Ancient Epic | DR Doukissa Kamini |
CL2CGH | Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander | PROF Emma Aston |
CL2DR | Ancient Drama | PROF David Carter |
CL2RO | Roman History: From Republic to Empire | DR Tim Penn |
FT2WD | Wildlife Documentary: Ecology and Representation | DR Adam O'Brien |
IC213 | Personal Finance | DR Antony Moore |
IL2GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | MRS Daniela Standen |
IL2GMB | Modern Britain: Society, History and Politics | DR Lucy Watson |
LS2LAT | Introduction to English Language Teaching | DR Erhan Aslan |
ML2STA | Society, Thought, and Art in Modern Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
PO2AMG | American Government and Politics | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
PO2THI | Political Thinking | DR Maxime Lepoutre |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AR2PPY | Professional Placement Year | PROF Duncan Garrow |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
MC3DD | Display Design, Planning and Creation: Project Module | DR Rhi Smith |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AR3D1 | Dissertation | DR Gundula Müldner |
AR3F1 | Post-Excavation: assessment, analysis & publication in the profession | MS Amanda Clarke |
AR3HCP | The Anthropology of Heritage and Cultural Property | DR Alanna Cant |
AR3M14 | Living in Medieval Towns | DR Brandon Fathy |
AR3P13 | Emergence of Civilisation in Mesopotamia | PROF Roger Matthews |
AR3P20 | Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Britain | PROF Duncan Garrow |
AR3P22 | The First Europeans: The Archaeology and Palaeoanthropology of the Lower Palaeolithic | DR Rob Hosfield |
AR3R12 | Objects and Identities in the Roman Empire | PROF Hella Eckardt |
AR3S20 | The Archaeology and Anthropology of Food | DR Gundula Müldner |
AR3S21 | Biological anthropology | PROF Mary Lewis |
CL3BSA | Archaeology and Topography of Ancient Greece | PROF Emma Aston |
LS3IC | Intercultural Communications | DR Erhan Aslan |
ML3IC | Identity and Conflict in Modern Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
ML3LP | Language and Power | PROF Federico Faloppa |
PO3FPT | Feminism and Political Theory | DR Maxime Lepoutre |
PO3GAP | Gender and Politics | DR Alice Baderin |
PO3IPE | International Political Economy | DR Jonathan Golub |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250
New international students: £22,350
UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Placement year fees
If you spend a full year on placement, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or contact placements@reading.ac.uk.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
Museum Studies and Archaeology are more than studying material culture: they’re disciplines that actively prepare you for the job market. You’ll develop an impressive range of practical and academic skills, whether you want to move into the archaeology or heritage sectors or enter a wide range of other industries and careers.
Overall, 96% of graduates from Archaeology are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. (Three-year average, based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022-2024, Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2019/20-2021/22; includes Full-time, UK domiciled, first degree Archaeology responders).
Currently, there is a rising demand for archaeologists in the UK. More than 40 major infrastructure projects are planned over the next 17 years, and archaeologists are required for exploratory excavations and analysis before construction begins. In 2021 David Connolly, Director of British Archaeological Jobs & Resources, said: “For all the infrastructure projects the government is pushing forward…the country is anywhere from 500 to 1,000 archaeologists short.”
- Read how Matthew Abel has used the skills he developed at Reading to pursue a career at the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Previous graduates have gone on to work within the archaeological and heritage sector for companies such as:
- Museum of London Archaeology
- Thames Valley Archaeological Services
- Cambridge Archaeological Unit
- Victoria & Albert Museum
Our graduates have also found careers with a diverse range of employers outside the heritage sector, including:
- Mott MacDonald (engineering consultancy)
- Hargreaves Lansdown (financial consultancy)
- RPS Group
Based on HESA data © HESA 2020 - 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18 - 2021/22; includes undergraduate responders from the Department of Archaeology.