Ancient and Medieval History

The BA in Ancient and Medieval History at Royal Holloway offers students a comprehensive exploration of the ancient worlds and medieval societies that have shaped modern civilization. This programme provides an immersive learning experience, combining rigorous academic courses with opportunities for independent research, critical analysis, and active engagement with historical sources. Students will examine a diverse range of topics, including the political, social, cultural, and economic aspects of ancient Greece, Rome, Byzantium, and medieval Europe, among other regions and periods. The curriculum includes modules on classical civilizations, medieval history, historiography, archaeology, and historical methods, allowing students to develop a deep understanding of historical processes and contextualize contemporary issues within a broad chronological framework.

Throughout the course, students will benefit from the expertise of experienced scholars and access to extensive library and archival resources. The programme emphasizes both the development of analytical skills and the ability to interpret primary sources, fostering a nuanced understanding of historical narratives and debates. Optional modules provide opportunities to specialize in specific areas of interest, such as ancient warfare, religion, art, and society, enabling students to tailor their degree to their academic and career aspirations.

The programme is designed to enhance critical thinking, research capabilities, and written and oral communication skills, preparing graduates for careers in education, research, archaeology, museums, heritage management, and other sectors that value historical expertise. Assessment methods include essays, examinations, presentations, and research projects, encouraging a variety of scholarly skills and independent work. The BA in Ancient and Medieval History at Royal Holloway uniquely combines theoretical knowledge with practical research experiences, making it an ideal choice for students passionate about exploring the foundations of Western civilization and understanding the interconnectedness of historical developments across different eras and regions.

FIRST YEAR

Students must take the following mandatory courses

• HS1002 History and Meanings: Part 1 (0.5 unit)
• HS1005 Public History or HS1111 Latin for (0.5 unit)
• CL1575: Ancient History: Methods and Approaches (0.5 unit)
• CL1550: Greek History and the City State (0.5 unit)
• CL 1560: Key Themes in Roman History (0.5 unit)
• Option from Classics year one introductory units (0.5 unit)
• Plus one History Gateway course from the list below (1 unit)
• HS1107: Republics, Kings and People: The Foundations of European Political Thought from Plato to Rousseau
• HS1108: The Rich Tapestry of Life: A Social and Cultural History of Europe 1500-1780
• HS1116: Rome to Renaissance: An Introduction to the Middle Ages
• Students may substitute HS1005/HS1111 and the optional Classics ½ unit for a language acquisition course from the Classics listings at an appropriate level.

SECOND YEAR

Students must take the following mandatory course

• HS2300: (0.5 unit) Independent Essay One History Group 2 course from those listed below (1 unit).
• HS2124: The Later Roman Empire
• HS2127: Byzantium and its Neighbours
• HS2132: London Urban Society, 1400-1600
• HS2142: The Crusades and the Eastern Mediterranean, 1095-1291
• HS2143: Medicine and Society in Medieval Europe

At least four from the following courses (0.5 unit):

• HS2004: The Rise and Fall of the Roman Republic (Group 1)
• HS2005: Rome and its Empire from Augustus to Commodus (Group 1)
• CL2352 Greek History to 322BC I
• CL2353 Greek History to 322BC II
• CL2355 Greek Historiography:
• CL2369 Historiography of the Roman World

Plus one further course (0.5 unit) from the list of Classics courses or the following Group 1 History courses

• HS2004: The Rise and Fall of the Roman Republic
• HS2009: Europe 1000-1300 (1): The Structures of Power
• HS2011: The Flowering of the Middle Ages (1): Politics, Pestilence and War, c.1300-c.1500
• HS2111 Advanced Latin in the second term (0.5 unit)
• HS2151: The Silk Road (1): Genghis Khan and the Mongol Legacy (1200-1500)
• HS2149: Daily Life in Renaissance and Baroque Italian Cities 1: Social and Domestic Life
• HS2005: Rome and its Empire from Augustus to Commodus
• HS2010: Europe 1000-1300 (2): Culture, Society and Religion
• HS2012: The Flowering of the Middle Ages (2)
• HS2152: The Silk Road (2): The Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires (1500-1700)

THIRD YEAR

Pathway A

History

One Group 3 course with dissertation (2.0 units) from the following

• HS3296/7: Christians and Pagans from Constantine to Augustine (AD 306-430)
• HS3150/1: Heresy, Crusade and Inquisition in Southern France, c.1140-c.1300
• HS3131/2: England in the Reign of Richard II
• HS3139/40: Religious Culture in England c. 1375-1525
• HS3145/6: The Causes and Consequences of the Fall of Constantinople, 1453
• HS3361/2: Genghis Khan and His Empire, 1150-1300

Classics

• EITHER Two Year 3 courses (taught courses only, 2 units) OR One Year 3 course (taught course only, 1 unit) and one Classics language course (1 unit)

Pathway B

History One Group 3 course (taught course only, 1 unit) from the following

• HS3296: Christians and Pagans from Constantine to Augustine (AD 306-430)
• HS3150: Heresy, Crusade and Inquisition in Southern France, c.1140-c.1300
• HS3131: England in the Reign of Richard II
• HS3139: Religious Culture in England c. 1375-1525
• HS3145: The Causes and Consequences of the Fall of Constantinople, 1453
• HS3361: Genghis Khan and His Empire, 1150-1300 Plus EITHER One Group 2 course (1 unit) from the list above Classics One Year 3 course with dissertation (two units)

Requirements

• Requires first year of University completed or A-Levels, IB, or Foundation course for university entry.
• IELTS 6.5 overall

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• International Excellence Scholarships
• Royal Holloway Bursaries
• Global Education

The BA in Ancient and Medieval History at Royal Holloway, University of London, offers students a comprehensive exploration of historical periods spanning from the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome to the medieval world. This programme is designed to develop a deep understanding of the political, social, cultural, and economic transformations that have shaped Western history. Students will have the opportunity to study a variety of topics including ancient warfare, philosophy, religion, art, and literature, as well as medieval society, governance, and intellectual developments. The curriculum typically combines core modules with optional subjects, enabling students to tailor their degree to specific interests such as classical antiquity, medieval Europe, Byzantine studies, or cultural history. The programme emphasizes critical analysis, historical research methods, and the effective interpretation of primary sources. Through lectures, seminars, and research projects, students will cultivate skills in historical writing, argumentation, and the use of digital resources. The university provides access to extensive archives and libraries, fostering an engaging learning environment. Graduates of this programme can pursue careers in academia, museum work, cultural heritage management, education, journalism, or related fields. The degree also offers pathways for postgraduate study, allowing students to continue their research in ancient or medieval history or related disciplines. Royal Holloway's Department of History boasts a distinguished faculty, many of whom are internationally recognized experts in their fields. Overall, the BA in Ancient and Medieval History prepares students with a solid foundation in historical knowledge and critical skills, encouraging a nuanced understanding of the past’s relevance to contemporary issues.