Ancient History

Discover the fascinating world of ancient civilizations with the Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History at the University of Birmingham. This comprehensive programme offers students an immersive experience into the history, culture, and societies of the ancient world, ranging from the earliest civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt to the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome, and beyond. Designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of historical contexts, the course combines lectures, seminars, and practical workshops, enabling students to explore a diverse range of topics including archaeology, literature, philosophy, politics, and religion of the ancient period.

Throughout the programme, students will engage with primary sources and archaeological artefacts, providing a tangible connection to the past. The curriculum is structured to encourage critical analysis of historical arguments and the evaluation of different perspectives, fostering independent research skills. Students will have the opportunity to specialise in particular regions or themes, such as Greek politics, Roman society, or ancient Egyptian religion, tailoring their academic experience to their interests.

The university's vibrant academic community and state-of-the-art resources create an ideal environment for studying ancient history. Students benefit from access to specialized libraries, museums, and digital archives, as well as the expertise of renowned scholars in the field. Additionally, the programme offers opportunities for study abroad, internships, and collaborative projects, enhancing employability and practical experience.

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for careers in education, research, heritage management, museum curation, archaeology, publishing, and cultural sectors. The skills gained—critical analysis, research proficiency, written and oral communication—are highly valued in many professional fields. Whether you aim to continue your studies at postgraduate level or enter the workforce, the BA in Ancient History at Birmingham provides a rigorous educational foundation to explore the complexities of the ancient world and its enduring influence on modern society.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

First year

This year gives you a grounding in Egyptian, Near Eastern and Greco-Roman culture and societies, as well as opening up some wider interdisciplinary perspectives.

Second year

Our Greek and Roman core modules develop your analytical skills and introduce you to advanced historical theory and methodology. We will engage in depth with key periods and key problems in ancient history, and examine the process of writing history itself. For instance, we will investigate the consequences of empire at political, social, economic and cultural levels for conquerors and conquered alike. Reading texts in the original is a great advantage, and you have the opportunity to learn one of the ancient languages Sumerian, Egyptian, Greek or Latin. You also make your choice from our unique range of options. A special feature of the second year is the study tour to Turkey, Greece or Italy in the Easter vacation.

Third year

The core modules focus on Ancient Egypt and Western Asia. Beginning with the origins of agriculture, you follow the development of these great civilisations down to the Middle Bronze Age, investigating their history, archaeology, art and literature. Once again, you make your choice from our list of options, which changes from year to year. The highlight of the final year is your dissertation: a substantial research project on a subject of special interest to you.

Teaching and Assessment

Alongside lectures, you have tutorials, one-to-one meetings with supervisors, group meetings with other students and staff, and self-directed project work.

English Language Requirements

CAE score : 80(Grade A)

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: ABB

International Baccalaureate Diploma: 34 points

International students:

Standard English language requirements apply: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band; TOEFL IBT 93

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

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

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Birmingham.

The University of Birmingham offers a comprehensive degree program in Ancient History designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the history, culture, and societies of the ancient world. This program explores a wide range of civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Persians, and others, allowing students to develop a nuanced perspective on the development of human societies and their enduring influences. The curriculum covers various aspects such as political history, social structures, religious beliefs, art, and literature of ancient civilizations. Students engage with primary sources, archaeological findings, and scholarly interpretations to critically analyze historical events and cultural phenomena. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and research capabilities through coursework, seminars, and independent projects. Students also have opportunities to study ancient languages, such as Latin and Greek, enhancing their ability to access original texts and understand the linguistic aspects of ancient cultures. The university’s resources, including extensive library collections and access to archaeological sites, support an immersive learning experience. Graduates of this program often pursue careers in academia, archaeology, museum work, heritage management, or related fields. The program is suitable for students passionate about history, classical studies, and cultural heritage, providing a solid foundation for further academic or professional pursuits in the study of ancient civilizations. With a flexible structure, students can tailor their learning pathways according to their interests, combining core modules with electives. The teaching staff comprises experienced scholars and specialists dedicated to providing high-quality education and research supervision. Overall, the Ancient History program at the University of Birmingham equips students with a broad and critical understanding of the ancient world, fostering skills that are valuable in numerous careers related to history, culture, and beyond.