School: College of Arts and Law, School of History and Cultures, Department of African Studies and Anthropology (jointly run with the Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology). This interdisciplinary joint honours degree allows you to explore the rich intersections of culture and society throughout human history. You will learn about the diverse cultures of the contemporary world through social anthropology, while delving into the ancient worlds of Greece, Egypt, and Rome by studying their literature, drama, myth, religion, history, philosophy, and art. The program focuses on understanding human behavior, cultures, and societies across different time periods, fostering critical thinking, analysis, and cross-cultural understanding. Students will gain critical and transferable skills through work-based placements, employability-focused modules, and opportunities for independent research projects, including a final-year dissertation.

Graduates develop highly valued transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, analytical reasoning, and effective communication, which are applicable across a wide range of sectors. Career paths include: Heritage Management, Museum/Gallery roles, Academic Research, International Development, NGOs, Human Resources, Marketing and PR, Market Research, Management Consultancy, Social Research, Civil Service, Government (e.g., policy analysis), Journalism, Media, Education, Publishing, Arts and Culture organizations, and roles in diverse commercial sectors. Many graduates also pursue further postgraduate study (MA, PhD) in Anthropology, Classics, or related fields. The University of Birmingham is consistently among the most targeted universities by top UK employers.

The University of Birmingham is a member of the UK's prestigious Russell Group, known for its world-leading research and excellent teaching. It is a highly ranked red brick university in the heart of England, offering a strong academic reputation. Birmingham is the UK's second-largest city and is very multicultural, providing a dynamic and diverse environment for studying human societies. The Department of African Studies and Anthropology and the Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology are both highly rated for their research (Classics is Top 10 in the UK according to Complete University Guide 2025). Students benefit from exceptional learning resources, including environmental and material culture teaching collections, the Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum, the Cadbury Research Library (with rare books and manuscripts), and the Eton Myers Collection and Danford Collection of African art and artefacts. The university offers a supportive environment with personalized academic support and opportunities for work placements and study abroad.