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The BA in Ancient History at the University of Kent offers students an in-depth exploration of the civilizations that shaped the ancient world, from Mesopotamia and Egypt to Greece and Rome. This programme is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural, political, and social aspects of ancient societies, fostering critical analysis and research skills that are highly valued across many careers. Students will engage with a diverse range of topics, including the origins of Western civilization, classical art and literature, ancient philosophy, and the major political developments that influenced subsequent history. The curriculum combines thematic modules with regional specializations, allowing students to tailor their learning according to their interests and academic ambitions. Core modules provide a solid foundation in the methods of ancient history, archaeological practices, and ancient source analysis, while optional modules enable further exploration of topics such as Greek and Roman history, ancient religion, and ancient everyday life. The programme emphasizes active research, encouraging students to develop their own projects, participate in excursions, and engage with archaeological material. The university's excellent resources, including the Templeman Library's extensive collections and partnerships with local museums, support students' learning outside the classroom. With the opportunity to undertake a dissertation in the final year, students can demonstrate their mastery of research techniques and deepen their knowledge in specific areas of interest. The programme prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, including academia, archaeology, heritage management, education, publishing, and cultural tourism, as well as providing a solid foundation for postgraduate study. The university's vibrant academic community and supportive learning environment ensure students receive personalized guidance and mentorship throughout their studies. Whether you are fascinated by the origins of Western civilization or interested in understanding the cultural and societal developments of the ancient world, the Ancient History BA at Kent offers an intellectually stimulating and rewarding academic experience.
Detailed Course Facts
Application deadline You are advised to apply as early as possible Tuition fee- GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
- GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)
Credits Total Kent credits: 360
Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test
- English
Course Content
Teaching & Assessment
All modules have a weekly small-group seminar, and most also have weekly lectures. We encourage you to take part in excavations and field surveys with staff and associated institutions, and student bursaries are available to support this.
Assessment at all stages varies from 100% coursework to a combination of examination and coursework.
Programme aims
The programme aims to:
- teach a congruent discipline within the framework of the European intellectual, cultural and historical traditions, interacting with other component disciplines
- treat the diverse societies and cultures of the Ancient World and their interaction, with a focus on history, but with the possibility of the inclusion of literature and archaeology
- study the history of ancient Greece and Rome, and the contemporary civilizations of ancient Asia Minor, Persia and Egypt, from ca.600BC to ca.AD600
- survey the main areas and genres of Classical Literature, both Greek and Latin
- make a study in depth of selected themes, regions and periods in history
- introduce key elements by which early Europe acquired its social, political, cultural and intellectual foundations
- explore different types of evidence: literary, historical, art-historical and archaeological, using primary source material wherever possible and focusing of different approaches and techniques
- examine the problems of interpretation in each type of source material through critical analysis of current studies
- equip students with a range of subject-based critical thinking and communication skills
- provide learning opportunities that are enjoyable, involve realistic workloads and offer appropriate support for students from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
- another culture, whether focused on literature, thought, art and religion, or on history and political and social organisation, or on material culture, with an informed sense of the similarities and differences between it and our own culture
- complementary subjects (literary, philosophical, historical, art historical and archaeological)
- selected themes, periods and regions within ancient history in the context of current debate
- an appropriate and diverse range of primary materials and of the appropriate methods of interpretation.
Intellectual skills
You gain the following intellectual abilities:
- apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry
- analyse, evaluate and interpret a variety of types of evidence in an independent and critical manner
- select, gather and synthesise relevant information from a wide variety of sources to gain a coherent understanding
- deploy a range of techniques and methodologies of study
- utilise problem solving skills
- evaluate research in a critical manner
- study and reach conclusions independently.
Subject-specific skills
You gain subject-specific skills in the following:
- the ability to make a critical evaluation of a variety of sources for literary and historical and as appropriate archaeological study
- the ability to extract key elements from complex data and identify and solve associated problems
- select and apply appropriate methodologies in assessing data, such as bibliographical research, textual analysis, historical analysis, visual skills, collection and analysis of archaeological data, use of statistics, philosophical argument and analysis
- gather, memorise and deploy evidence and information, and show awareness of the consequences of the unavailability of evidence
- show familiarity with the basic concepts which underpin the different branches of the programme pathways
- marshal argument lucidly and communicate interpretations using the appropriate academic conventions.
Transferable skills
You gain transferable skills in the following:
- the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals using a variety of means
- take responsibility for your personal and professional learning and development
- evaluate and learn from your own academic performance
- manage time and prioritise workloads and assessments, and write and think under pressure
- utilise problem-solving skills in a variety of theoretical and practical situations
- work creatively, flexibly and adaptably with others, and understand how groups function
- deploy a range of IT skills effectively, such as producing word-processed text with footnotes, basic formatting, using e mail, research using databases and text files, locating and exploiting web-sites.
English Language Requirements
IELTS band : 6.5
To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to
take an IELTS test.Requirements
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
- A level AAB
- Access to HE Diploma
The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)
The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.
- International Baccalaureate
34 points overall or 17 at HL
International students
The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.
Work Experience
No work experience is required.
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 Kent.
Funding
Funding
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to support eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2013 financial support package includes a fee waiver and cash bursary, as well as additional funds on your Kent account to help with accommodation, food, books and other living costs. Find out more on our fees and funding page.
General scholarships
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created a new scholarship, The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages.
Ancient History at the University of Kent offers students an opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of the ancient world through a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, including Greek and Roman history, archaeology, literature, and philosophy. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the political, social, cultural, and economic aspects of ancient civilizations, equipping them with critical analytical skills applicable to various careers. Students benefit from expert teaching staff who are active researchers in their fields, and from access to extensive resources, including university libraries, archaeological sites, and digital archives. The course typically combines lectures, seminars, and practical activities such as excavations and museum visits, fostering an engaging learning environment. Students are encouraged to develop their research skills through essays, presentations, and independent study projects. The program emphasizes both theoretical perspectives and hands-on experiences, enabling students to appreciate the complexity and diversity of ancient societies. Whether interested in classical languages, archaeology, or historical analysis, students can tailor their studies through optional modules. The program may also offer opportunities for overseas fieldwork and internships, enhancing practical skills and cultural understanding. Upon graduation, students are well-equipped for careers in education, archaeology, heritage management, and related fields. The University of Kent’s dedicated support services and vibrant academic community provide a supportive environment for students to succeed academically and personally.
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