University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This combined Arts major brings together classical civilisation and archaeology across a flexible degree structure. You will encounter core subjects in classical studies—such as ancient history, Greek and Roman literature, mythology and the study of ancient languages—and archaeology units that cover field methods, artefact analysis, archaeological theory and heritage practice.

• Classical studies modules: Greek and Roman history and society; literary and epigraphic analysis; ancient religion and philosophy; introduction to Latin and/or Ancient Greek (beginner to intermediate pathways).
• Archaeology modules: archaeological methods and recording; stratigraphy and excavation techniques; artefact studies (ceramics, small finds); archaeological science and dating methods; landscape archaeology and settlement studies.
• Practical and applied learning: opportunities for supervised fieldwork or excavation placements, lab-based artefact processing and conservation introduction, and project work in heritage interpretation and museum practice.
• Theoretical and research-focused units: debates in archaeological theory, cultural heritage management, ethics and law in heritage practice, and research methods that prepare students for honours or postgraduate study.

The degree is structured so you can combine these subjects with other humanities or social science electives, allowing you to tailor your studies to interests such as languages, anthropology, history or museum studies. Students typically progress from foundation survey units to more specialised third-year options and a capstone research project or field school experience.

Entry requirements

Admission is through the University of Adelaide undergraduate entry process. Applicants with a senior secondary qualification (equivalent to Australian Year 12) or recognised international qualifications may apply. The programme is open to school leavers, mature-age applicants and those with prior tertiary study.

• Academic preparation: Background in humanities, languages, history or social sciences is advantageous but not mandatory; beginners can usually start language streams from introductory units.
• English language: International applicants must meet the University's English language requirements (for example, recognised IELTS or equivalent tests) as part of admission.
• Alternative entry: Applicants with relevant work or life experience, or prior higher education study, may be considered through alternative entry pathways.

Career prospects

Graduates gain skills in research, critical thinking, communication, data recording and cultural interpretation that are valued across multiple sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Field archaeologist or archaeological technician (working on surveys, excavations and post-excavation analysis)
• Heritage and conservation professional, including cultural heritage management and consultancy
• Museum and gallery roles such as collections management, curation, education and public programs
• Archives, cultural policy, and tertiary or secondary teaching (often requiring additional qualification for teaching roles)
• Tourism, cultural tourism development and interpretation services focused on historic sites
• Further study and research: honours and postgraduate pathways leading to academic or specialist careers in archaeology, ancient history, conservation science or heritage law.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers a humanities environment with options for practical archaeological training and classical language study alongside broader Arts electives. Students benefit from access to teaching staff engaged in archaeological and classical research, laboratory and teaching facilities, and opportunities to participate in field schools, internships or placements with cultural institutions.

The programme is designed to combine rigorous textual and language-based study with applied archaeological skills, preparing graduates for both hands-on field roles and research, interpretation or policy-oriented careers in the heritage sector.