BA (Hons) Archaeology, Anthropology and Art History
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- V0L0
- Typical Offer
- ABB.
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Discover how society’s views, beliefs and actions are recorded in the things we make, use and value. Through the study of archaeology, anthropology and art history, you’ll learn how to examine the visual and material culture of societies across the world, from prehistory to the present.
On this unique and dynamic BA in Archaeology, Anthropology and Art History, you’ll gain a strong grounding in all three disciplines – archaeology, anthropology and art history – with a central focus on analysing and interpreting visual and material culture from around the world. You’ll gain key skills in interpreting the past and understanding its role in the present.
During your degree, you‘ll have the opportunity to study the visual and material cultures of African, Near Eastern, South American and Pacific societies, and the Mediterranean world, alongside this you will also engage with the arts of Europe and the Americas.
You’ll study archaeology, anthropology and art history as an integrated whole, and will develop a multi-faceted appreciation of the visual and material culture of a wide range of places and times. You’ll begin to understand how the interaction of people and things is fundamental to humanity.
By studying archaeology, you’ll gain the ‘long view’ of how people successfully (or unsuccessfully) adapted and changed over hundreds and even thousands of years. Anthropology will provide you with multiple perspectives on how we live and interact now. From art history, you’ll gain an understanding of how human creativity has shaped the world we live in, from technological creativity to individual ingenuity.
You’ll have the opportunity to study the collections of the world-famous Sainsbury Centre, itself a celebrated icon of modern museum architecture. This means you will have access to important artworks from Asia, Africa, the Pacific, the Americas, and Europe. You will be able to study relevant objects first hand, while learning about the processes of collecting objects for museums. You’ll be taught by experts from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, who will encourage you to approach works of art from different perspectives.
The Department of Art History and World Art Studies at UEA is a world-leading art history department. Our main areas of research are the history of art and architecture in Europe and North America, the arts of Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America, the archaeology and anthropology of art, and museum studies and cultural heritage.
We are part of a close network of internationally renowned centres for the study and display of art: the Sainsbury Centre, the Sainsbury Research Unit for the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll have the option to apply to study abroad for one semester of your second year. Study abroad is a wonderfully enriching life experience – you will develop confidence and resilience while learning about another culture.
For further details, visit our Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your BA in Archaeology, Anthropology and Art History begins by establishing firm foundations for the study of art and material culture. You’ll start with studies of artists, artisans, and the processes of creating. Here you’ll engage directly with artworks first-hand in order to explore different techniques and visual effects, deepening your appreciation of their different functions and meanings. At the same time, you’ll be introduced to the principles of art history, archaeology and anthropology.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll be taught by leading scholars in the field of art history, archaeology, and anthropology, and will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and field trips.
Throughout this degree your learning activities will involve a combination of lectures, small group seminars and tutorials combined with independent learning. A representative week will consist of 15-20% class time, 40% work on assessments and 40% on independent learning.
Your seminar groups will very rarely have more than 18 students. This allows for plenty of dialogue between tutors and students. Teaching methods vary but most sessions are organised around investigation of particular topics supported by close analysis of artworks, material objects, and texts. As you progress through your course you will expand your knowledge, skills and understanding as you become familiar with different practices and techniques in the study of art history, anthropology and archaeology.
In lecture modules, you’ll engage with a range of problems and methods in your subjects. Your lectures will be delivered by members of staff from art history, anthropology, and archaeology, plus specialist guest speakers.
In your first year, you’ll be guided to prepare material for classes, which you will often later use as a starting point for an assessment. You will also be given the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of relevant presentation styles such as catalogue entries and exhibition reviews.
Assessment
You won’t sit any formal examinations. Instead, in each year you’ll be assessed on written coursework, usually in the form of essays, presentations, critiques, posters, exhibition catalogues to name only a few. Our assessment methods have been developed to measure your skills, but also to aid your learning.
In your first year, assessment will be aimed at cultivating the skills of close analysis and critical thinking you will need throughout the degree.
Structure
At this stage of your course, you’ll be introduced to the most recent theoretical approaches to material culture studies, and also develop your knowledge of archaeology. You’ll be encouraged to think about the strange and varied ‘lives of objects’ as they move through different contexts and how art history interacts with anthropology and archeology. In your spring semester, you’ll be invited to consider how your historical studies relate to contemporary debates about the status of art and the role of galleries and museums in the present. Alongside these lectures, you’ll choose from a range of optional modules through which you’ll develop more specialist knowledge of particular problems and periods.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
As the course progresses, you’ll have the opportunity to explore more specialized topics that reflect the current research of those teaching the modules. Each year, as your knowledge and study skills become more advanced, you’ll be introduced to material that will encourage your own independent research on topics that interest you.
Assessment
In your second year, you’ll have more autonomy over the way you respond to your assessment prompts, devising your own essay topics and further developing your perspective as an art historian.
Structure
In your final year of study, you’ll take three optional modules which involve close engagement with advanced topics in art history, archaeology and anthropology. Currently our optional modules address topics such as mapmaking between 1000 and 1400, public memorials and the arts of memory, and the art and archaeology of ancient cultures. You’ll also write a dissertation on a topic that has most sparked your interest, working closely with a supervisor to design your own research programme.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 30)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In the Spring semester of your third year, independent learning increases again in line with work towards your dissertation.
As you develop specialist knowledge in your final year, you’ll also begin work on a dissertation. This will enable you to refine your understanding of a particular topic, develop confidence and independence as an art historian, archaeologist, and anthropologist. You’ll graduate ready to take all the skills you’ve learnt beyond university.
Assessment
In your final year, you will work on assessment designed to take a deep dive into the specialisms of our research-active staff. You’ll also write a dissertation, a piece of independent research on a topic you will devise and develop while working closely with an academic supervisor.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Any subject is acceptable.
- BTEC
- DDM. Excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BBC
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DMM
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway. Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 points.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM.
Diploma: DD plus grade B at A-level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-level.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as History of Art with Foundation Year
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Humanities and Law (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You may need to pay some small additional costs for field trips, which are subsidised by the department.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate ready for a wide range of careers in the art world, the heritage industry, academia, art publishing, teaching, and business. You’ll be equipped with sought-after skills such as independent and critical thinking, time management, teamwork, organisation and research skills, public speaking and more. Your experience of studying in a world-famous art museum will give you an edge in the sector. You will also be well placed to study for a postgraduate degree either here at UEA or at another university. Our Careers Service is here to support you with advice on writing CVs and applying for internships. In the department, we work closely with the Careers Service to provide workshops and seminars with successful alumni.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Recent graduates have entered a number of fields, including:
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Museums and art galleries
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Commercial art galleries
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Event management
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Publishing
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Journalism
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Teaching/lecturing
Discover more on our Careers webpages.