Ancient History

The Bachelor in Ancient History at the University of Geneva offers students an in-depth exploration of the ancient civilizations that have shaped our modern world. This comprehensive program provides a rigorous curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, including the history, culture, politics, and societies of ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and other significant ancient cultures. Students will develop critical skills in analyzing historical sources, interpreting archaeological findings, and understanding the cultural contexts of ancient societies. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from history, archaeology, philology, and anthropology to foster a well-rounded understanding of antiquity. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical fieldwork, students will engage with primary sources, learn ancient languages, and gain hands-on experience in interpreting artifacts and texts. Additionally, the program encourages students to analyze the influence of ancient civilizations on contemporary society, politics, and culture. With a focus on active research and analytical skills, graduates will be well-equipped for careers in academia, museums, cultural heritage management, education, and other fields related to history and archaeology. The program also promotes intercultural understanding and critical thinking, preparing students to analyze complex historical issues with a global perspective. Throughout their studies, students benefit from the university's strong academic community, access to extensive archives, libraries, and archaeological resources. The curriculum is designed to provide both a solid foundation in ancient history and the flexibility to pursue specialized interests through elective courses. Graduates of this program will possess a comprehensive knowledge of antiquity and the ability to communicate their findings effectively, making them valuable contributors to the preservation and interpretation of human history.

The Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History at the University of Geneva offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the ancient civilizations that shaped the foundations of Western culture. This program is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the history, culture, society, and politics of ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and other significant civilizations of antiquity. Throughout the course of study, students will engage with primary sources, archaeological findings, and modern historiographical methods to develop critical analysis and interpretative skills essential for understanding the complexities of ancient societies.

The program begins with foundational courses that cover the basics of ancient history, including introductory classes on Greek and Roman history, language courses in Latin and Greek, and modules on ancient literature and philosophy. As students progress, they undertake more specialized subjects such as ancient politics, religion, art, and daily life, delving into the cultural heterogeneity and interaction among different civilizations. Students will also study the methodological approaches used in archaeological and textual analysis, enabling them to interpret artifacts and ancient texts effectively.

A key feature of the program is an emphasis on active learning and research skills. Students will participate in seminars, workshops, and field visits to archaeological sites and museums, fostering a practical understanding of ancient history’s tangible aspects. The curriculum also encourages the development of critical thinking and academic writing skills, preparing graduates for careers in research, education, museum work, or further postgraduate studies.

The program is designed to be flexible to accommodate students’ diverse interests within the field of ancient history. In the later stages, students can choose electives that focus on specific regions, themes, or methodological approaches, allowing for a personalized academic experience. Additionally, opportunities for internships and collaborative projects with other departments or external partners enrich the learning environment.

Graduates of the Bachelor in Ancient History will have gained a robust knowledge of the ancient world, along with the analytical tools necessary to pursue advanced studies or professional careers in history, archaeology, cultural heritage, journalism, or education. The program aims to cultivate critical, culturally aware individuals equipped to contribute to the understanding and preservation of humanity’s shared past.

The Bachelor's degree in Ancient History at the University of Geneva requires students to complete a total of 180 ECTS credits over three years of study. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the history, culture, and civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean world, including Greece, Rome, Egypt, and the Near East. Students start with foundational courses that cover the basics of historical methods, ancient languages, and introductory surveys of ancient history. As they progress, they choose from specialized courses in areas such as archaeological methods, ancient philosophy, art history, and specific historical periods. The program emphasizes acquiring critical reading and analytical skills, with a focus on primary sources and archaeological findings.

Students are required to undertake a certain number of courses in ancient languages, such as Latin and Greek, to enable original reading of ancient texts. The program includes practical components, such as internships or fieldwork, where students can gain practical experience in archaeological excavations or museums. A key element of the program is the completion of a minor or elective courses related to classical studies or other relevant fields, allowing for interdisciplinary learning.

Assessment methods include written exams, essays, oral presentations, and project reports, which are designed to develop students’ ability to communicate their knowledge effectively. Each semester, students enroll in core courses, with prerequisites established to ensure appropriate knowledge progression. The program culminates in a final year project or thesis, which demonstrates the student’s capacity for independent research and critical analysis on a specific topic related to ancient history. The program aims to prepare students for further academic research, doctoral studies, or careers in museums, cultural heritage management, and related fields.

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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.

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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."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

The Bachelor in Ancient History at the University of Geneva offers students a comprehensive introduction to the history and civilizations of the ancient world. This program aims to develop a solid understanding of the cultural, political, social, and economic aspects of ancient societies, including those of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Near East. Students will engage with primary sources, archaeological findings, and modern historiographical methods to interpret and analyze the artifacts and texts that have shaped our understanding of ancient history. The curriculum includes courses in ancient languages, such as Latin and Greek, to facilitate direct engagement with original historical documents. Throughout the programme, students will explore various themes such as religion, philosophy, law, warfare, and daily life across different civilizations.

The program is designed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and a deep appreciation of the historical processes that have influenced contemporary societies. In addition to theoretical courses, students may have opportunities for practical engagement through archaeological fieldwork, museum internships, and collaborative projects with research institutions. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to draw on insights from anthropology, philology, and art history to enrich their understanding of ancient contexts. Graduates of the Bachelor in Ancient History will be well-prepared for further academic studies or careers in cultural heritage, education, museums, publishing, or research. The program typically spans three years, comprising coursework, seminars, and a final thesis, all aimed at nurturing rigorous academic inquiry and a lifelong interest in the ancient past.