Ancient World

The Ancient World program at University College London offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary study of the civilizations, cultures, languages, and archaeological remains of the ancient Mediterranean, Near East, and surrounding regions from the earliest times through late antiquity. This program provides an in-depth exploration of the political, social, religious, and cultural developments that shaped the foundations of Western and Near Eastern history. Students will engage with a wide range of sources, including ancient texts, inscriptions, artifacts, and archaeological sites, enabling them to develop critical skills in analysis, interpretation, and historical inquiry.

The curriculum covers a diverse array of topics such as the rise and fall of ancient empires like Egypt, Greece, Persia, and Rome, as well as the complex societies of Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and North Africa. Through coursework in classical languages, students can acquire reading proficiency in Latin and Greek, facilitating direct engagement with original texts. The program also emphasizes archaeological methods, providing practical skills in excavation techniques, artifact analysis, and digital documentation, which are essential for careers in archaeology, museum curation, and heritage management.

Students in this program benefit from UCL’s renowned research centers and museums, including access to extensive collections and resources that support their studies. The program fosters critical thinking, historical analysis, and intercultural understanding, preparing graduates for careers in academia, archaeology, education, public history, and cultural preservation. Additionally, the program encourages students to develop their research projects, culminating in a dissertation that allows for specialization in a chosen field of interest within the broad scope of the ancient world. With its combination of rigorous academic training and practical experience, the Ancient World program at UCL offers an exceptional foundation for those passionate about exploring humanity’s earliest civilizations and their enduring legacy.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

This flexible programme offers an almost entirely free choice of modules covering classical literature, history and archaeology, and does not require prior knowledge of Greek or Latin. In the first year, all students must take at least 1.0 credit of either Latin or Greek – they continue with this same language in the next year to complete the 1.5 credit requirement. All students must take one history module and one archaeology module in their first year and there is also a compulsory module on the ancient world. In the third year, students must take an Extended Essay module.

A levels

Grades

AAB

Subjects

No specific subjects.

GCSEs

English Language at grade B, Mathematics at grade C and an ancient or modern foreign language at grade C (to be attained prior to admission).

IB Diploma

Points

36

Subjects

A score of 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no score lower than 5.

Accepted equivalent qualification(s) for Russia

Successful completion of one year of a Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma at a Russian university recognised by UCL, with an average of 4.5/5.

The financing options for the Ancient World program at University College London are designed to support a diverse range of students through various scholarships, bursaries, and funding opportunities. Prospective students are encouraged to explore fully funded scholarships such as the UCL Scholarships for Excellence, which provide financial assistance based on academic merit. Additionally, the UCL Graduate Research Scholarships offer funding specifically for research-focused degrees within the department. International students may also benefit from external funding sources, including government-sponsored bursaries, international organization grants, and private scholarships relevant to their country of origin. Students are advised to consult the UCL Financial Support Office for personalized guidance on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines for these awards. Furthermore, the university provides information on student loans and payment plans, which can assist in managing tuition fees and living expenses throughout the duration of the program. It is important to note that the program’s tuition fees vary depending on the student’s fee status (UK, EU, or International) and whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time. The university also offers guidance on part-time work opportunities and internships that can help offset costs while gaining valuable experience. Prospective students should regularly check the UCL website for updates on new scholarship schemes or any changes to existing funding options. In summary, financing studies at UCL for the Ancient World program involves a combination of scholarships, external funding, loans, and work opportunities, all aimed at making the program accessible and affordable for students from diverse backgrounds.

The Ancient World program at University College London offers students a comprehensive study of ancient civilizations, focusing on their history, culture, art, and languages. The curriculum explores a wide range of topics, including the history of Greece and Rome, Egyptian civilization, the Near East, and other key regions of the ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern worlds. Students have the opportunity to examine archaeological findings, ancient texts, and material culture to gain insights into the social structures, beliefs, politics, and daily life of ancient peoples. The program emphasizes critical analysis and encourages students to develop skills in research, interpretation, and academic writing.

Students enrolled in this program can expect to take modules that explore classical literature, philosophy, and historiography, as well as the art and architecture of antiquity. The program often includes opportunities for field trips to relevant archaeological sites and museums, providing hands-on experience with artifacts and in-situ study of ancient remains. Language study is an integral component, with students gaining practical skills in Latin, Greek, or other pertinent ancient languages to facilitate original source analysis.

The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to customize their studies through optional modules in related disciplines such as archaeology, heritage, and classical studies. It prepares graduates for careers in academia, archaeology, cultural heritage management, education, and related fields. Support from experienced faculty members, many of whom are leading experts in their fields, helps students to develop a deep understanding of the ancient world and its enduring influence on contemporary civilization.

UCL's location in central London provides students with access to world-renowned museums, libraries, and archaeological collections, enhancing their learning experience. The university also offers various extracurricular activities, including conferences, seminars, and research projects, fostering a vibrant academic community focused on the study of antiquity. Overall, the program aims to cultivate a thorough knowledge of ancient civilizations and develop transferable skills valued in many professional contexts.