Ancient History, BA (Hons)

Students with a passion for history can specialize in the ancient worlds of Greece and Rome, exploring the significance of key events such as the Roman Empire's shift from polytheism to Christianity and the role of slavery. The program examines themes including progress and decline, labor and leisure, revolution and reconciliation, ancient gender roles, and the dynamics between elite and non-elite cultures. Supported by expert faculty, students develop analytical, communication, and evidence-handling skills using diverse resources. Modules integrate history, art, archaeology, literature, and culture, while highlighting the ancient world's influence on modern popular culture. Greek or Latin study is optional, with no prior knowledge required, and texts are read in translation.The curriculum begins with first-year core modules that introduce ancient history, building foundational skills in research, writing, and debate, alongside optional subjects like archaeology. In the second year, students take Extended Source Study and Studying Classical Scholarship to prepare for a third-year dissertation, with options in Greek and Roman topics or language learning. The final year offers two or three core modules, combinable with electives including Greek or Latin.

Our first-year core modules are designed as an introduction. Even if you haven’t studied ancient history before, we’ll build everyone's knowledge to the same level, so you can progress through to year two. In year one, your core modules will focus on thinking about the nature of ancient history as a discipline and developing the skills required for researching, writing and debating. You will also take optional modules, which may be in ancient history, or in other subjects such as archaeology or history of art. In year two, you will take Extended Source Study and Studying Classical Scholarship, to prepare you for third-year dissertation work. Your optional modules also include a selection of topics in Greek and Roman history and civilisation, and the opportunity to continue or start learning Greek or Latin. In year three, you will take two or three of the core modules available. These may be combined with optional modules, including starting or continuing Greek or Latin.