Immerse yourself in studying the history, culture, and politics of the ancient world in all its richness and diversity.

Course overview

Our wide-ranging and inclusive Ancient History degree focusses upon a period extending from the eighth-century BCE ‘beginnings’ of Greek history. This was a time of widespread mobility, inter-cultural contact and exchange, to the fall of Alexandria in 641 CE.

During your degree you'll explore:

• a broad range of historical questions relating to Greek and Roman history
• their interactions with neighbouring or conquered peoples

The areas covered include:

• the Pillars of Herakles (the Rock of Gibraltar)
• the mountains of the Hindu Kush
• beyond (e.g., Graeco-Roman Egypt, Babylon, or the steppe regions north of the Euxine/Black Sea)

You'll focus upon ideas of power, identity, religion, and culture together with the histories and experiences of historically marginalized groups.

You'll learn how to work with a wide range of evidence, including:

• historical texts
• inscriptions
• papyri
• coins
• art
• architecture

You can also choose to study ancient Greek and Latin language, from Beginners to Advanced level. You'll be learning and working alongside internationally recognised experts. This provides you with the opportunity to specialise in the topics relating to our various areas of expertise.

Teaching methods

You'll be taught through a dynamic range of methods and activities, including:

• lectures
• seminars
• tutorials
• workshops
• practical activities
• site visits
• independent study

These activities take place in the classroom, library, field, and the museum.

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.

If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.

Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.