Our Degrees in Archaeology and Ancient History

• BA Archaeology
• BA Ancient History and Archaeology
• BA Ancient History and History
• BA History and Archaeology
• Study Abroad

Click on the highlighted items above to read more.

For prospectus entries and other information on our courses, for entry requirements, and for links to information on accommodation, student life, Leicester, etc. please click here. For information on student finance arrangements for UK/EU undergraduates students commencing at Leicester in 2012, click here.

Meanwhile, watch and listen into a video profile (left) by one of our recent Ancient History and Archaeology graduates, Jemma Mitchell, who can tell you what the courses, department and University are like. For other, current undergraduate student profiles, click here

What we teach and who we are

Archaeology and Ancient History are fascinating subjects, practical as well as academic. They draw upon a broad range of disciplines from social theory and human biology to the study of manuscripts, and from pottery analysis to forensic archaeology. Our degrees provide the 'transferable skills' in communication, presentation, critical analysis and teamwork that students will need in their future careers, whether it is in archaeological or historical studies or in one of the wide range of other professions that attract our graduates. It doesn't matter if you have little or no previous experience of either discipline; we have designed our courses for maximum flexibility, to allow students to choose how they want to specialise or diversify as their knowledge and understanding develop.

At the School of Archaeology and Ancient History, staff and students work together to create a fertile and stimulating environment for learning and furthering our knowledge of the past. Our aim as archaeologists and ancient historians is to enhance our understanding of the wonderful diversity of past ways of life that have left fragmentary traces in the form of material objects and texts. Our aim as teachers is to share with you that understanding, and our passion for the subject.

The recognition the School has received for its teaching and research excellence, nationally and internationally, is testimony to our success in achieving these aims. This success is founded on our continuing commitment to students and to innovative, high-quality teaching.

Learning More!

The School has numerous links with partner departments and Universities in Europe and in Canada and in Australia - our students have the chance to spend a full year abroad in exciting places like Malta, Denmark, Italy or Holland, and to learn from diverse approaches to the past. And the School welcomes many exchange students who are always delighted at the quality of teaching and the helpfulness of our staff!

And finally, you will all get a chance to develop practical skills in our annual fieldschool at the nearby Iron Age hillfort Burrough Hill (read a summary so far and next targets) - a great chance to learn how to dig, record, find bits of the past, make new friends, and get to know professional and academic staff alike! 

National Student Survey Ranking: 95% of students satisfied with their course. click here
Teaching Quality score: 24/24
Research Rating: 90%

Recent graduates in our programmes say:

Leicester is one of the best universities for Ancient History and Archaeology. I came to an open day and really liked the campus. I loved the practical side to the degree – it’s very hands on. The tutors were great – we got on with them very well and they always had time for you.

Holly Kyle (BA Ancient History & Archaeology graduate)

Emma Jansson (Sweden - BA Archaeology)

The teaching at Leicester University and in the School was really good. I could easily follow the lessons and understand what the lecturers said... the professors helped me a lot in preparing essays, especially with the language.   From the Erasmus office to the tutors, all the people were really friendly and helped me anytime I needed it.  Life in Leicester was great, and all the people I met there were really nice. From the first week I was there I found a lot of friends of all nationalities that I carry on keeping in touch with.    So…..do not dither about going on Erasmus exchange to Leicester…It was the best experience ever of my life!

Giulia Lazzarini (Bologna University: exchange year 2009-10)

Contact the Admissions Team. Tel: 0116 252 2720/2611. Email: arch-anchist@le.ac.uk