University of Leicester

Ancient History and Archaeology BA

University of LeicesterLeicester, Campus-based

Course overview

During your Ancient History and Archaeology BA degree, you will develop an understanding of societies and cultures in the past, with an emphasis on Ancient Greece and Rome, as well as the wider ancient world in North Africa and the Near East. You will examine classical texts and material remains in order to understand these peoples and their legacies. Practical experience is a key part of the archaeological part of this degree.

You will have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork and field trips and gain skills in recognising past material culture. We have specialist facilities and an outstanding range of equipment for hands-on teaching and research in science-based analytical techniques, including our state-of-the-art human bone laboratory, environmental laboratory, zooarchaeology laboratory, and ceramics laboratory. You will also have the opportunity to gain experience with local heritage organisations, schools and our professional archaeological unit (ULAS) through Year 2 and 3 module placements and our acclaimed accredited internship programme.

Our School of Archaeology & Ancient History hosts a world-class, international team of scholars engaged in cutting-edge research and teaching in our twin disciplines of Ancient History and Archaeology. We have a long history of making high-impact, world-leading discoveries, of which you could be a part. Our staff work all over the world on research projects – in Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Greece, Central Europe, Egypt, North Africa, Sudan, Iran, Syria, Pakistan, South East Asia, China, Australia, the USA, the Caribbean and elsewhere – and we cover all periods, from the earliest humans to the recent past.

Other official national and international qualifications considered from across the world. You can review some of the qualifications we accept on our countries page and English Language equivalencies. If your qualification or country is not listed, please contact us for more information, including the name and

Key highlights

  • Focus on Ancient Greece, Rome, North Africa and the Near East
  • Study classical texts alongside material remains of ancient peoples
  • Fieldwork and field trips build skills in recognising material culture
  • Human bone, environmental, zooarchaeology and ceramics laboratories
  • Year 2 and 3 placements with heritage organisations, schools and ULAS
  • Accredited internship programme available to students

Entry requirements

  • A-level: ABB — A/AS-levels : ABB.
  • A-level: BBB — with EPQ; + EPQ at grade B
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass — Pass Diploma with 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Distinction
  • International Baccalaureate: 30 — International Baccalaureate : Pass Diploma with 30 points.
  • BTEC: DDM — BTEC Nationals : Pass Diploma with DDM.
  • T-level: Merit — T Levels: Merit.

Scholarships

  • Chancellor’s International Scholarship

    This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.

    Up to £3,000

  • Choral Scholarships at Leicester Cathedral

    Leicester Cathedral offers three Choral Scholarships of £1,000 each year to University of Leicester students (undergraduates or postgraduates).

    Up to £1,000

  • Family Loyalty Discount

    10% discount on the tuition fee for each year of your course.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • International Citizens of Change Scholarship

    A £10,000 tuition fee discount will be awarded to 10 undergraduate international fee-paying students starting an undergraduate programme in September 2026 for each year of their course for up to three years.

    Up to £10,000

  • International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

    This merit-based scholarship, worth £5,000 per year, is offered to international-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester who achieve or exceed the academic grades outlined.

  • International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver

  • Music Scholarship

    Music Scholarships of £500 are available for the academic year to cover the cost of music lessons for student musicians who are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any subject.

    Up to £500

  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Each Sanctuary Scholarship consists of a tuition fee waiver, and a support package to be confirmed following assessment with our Welfare Service.

  • Sports Scholarships - The Talented Athlete Award

    Financial contribution on agreed items up to £500 (e.g., travel expenses, equipment, specialist coaching, nutritional advice).

Careers this course leads to

  • Archaeologist
  • Heritage officer
  • Museum curator
  • Archivist
  • Field archaeology technician
  • Historic environment officer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790; £10,050 | International: £21,950

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Leicester, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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