Ancient History

Ancient History at Newcastle University offers students a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the civilizations of the ancient world, including Greece, Rome, Egypt, the Near East, and Asia. This programme integrates the study of historical texts, archaeological findings, and cultural developments to provide a holistic understanding of ancient societies and their lasting influence on modern culture. Students will examine a wide range of topics such as political systems, social structures, religious practices, art, literature, and daily life, allowing for an in-depth analysis of how ancient civilizations shaped the course of human history.

Throughout the course, students will develop critical skills in research, analysis, and interpretation of primary and secondary sources. The programme combines lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical sessions, giving students the opportunity to engage actively with historical material and participate in discussions. The programme content encourages the acquisition of languages relevant to ancient texts, including Latin and Greek, supporting a direct engagement with original sources.

Research-led teaching means that students benefit from the expertise of faculty members who are actively involved in current archaeological excavations and historical research. This ensures that the programme remains at the forefront of scholarly developments in the field of Ancient History. Students also have access to excellent facilities, including specialized libraries, archaeological collections, and digital resources.

The programme is designed to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of the complexities of ancient societies. It prepares graduates for diverse careers in areas such as education, museums, archaeology, heritage management, publishing, and further academic research. With a flexible structure, students can tailor their studies according to their interests—from focusing more on archaeology and material culture to concentrating on political and social histories. Graduates will leave with a deep appreciation of the origins of Western civilization and an understanding of how ancient history continues to influence contemporary society.

Stage 1

Compulsory modules

• CAH1012  West Meets East: Greek History and Society 776-404 BC
• CAH1013  The Road to Empire: Roman History 510-31 BC
• CAC1013  Love and Life in Rome and Verona
• CAC1014  Tragedy, Comedy and History: The World of Greek Literature

Optional modules

You take two optional modules from the following list:

• CAC1012  Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology
• CAC1015  How Should I Live?: Introduction to Ancient Moral Philosophy
• CAG1001  Beginners’ Greek in Action 1
  Or CAG1011  Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 1
• CAG1002  Beginners’ Greek in Action 2
  Or CAG1012  Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 2
• CLA1001  Beginners’ Latin in Action 1
  Or CLA1011  Intermediate Latin Language and Literature 1
• CLA1002  Beginners’ Latin in Action 2
  Or CLA1012  Intermediate Latin Language and Literature 2

Other optional modules may also be available, including the following:

• ARA1027  Introduction to Archaeology
• ARA1030  The Archaeology of Britain from the Romans to the 20th Century

Stage 2

Compulsory modules

• CAH2006  In Alexander’s Footsteps: Classical and Hellenistic Empires
• CAH2007  Caesar’s Gift: Rome under the Emperors
• CAH2009  Portfolio in Ancient History 1: Commentaries

Optional modules

You choose three optional modules, usually selected from the following list.

• CAH2013  Sex, Bodies and Identities in Antiquity
• CAC2020  Greek and Roman Religions
• CAC2037  The Classical Inheritance in Western Culture
• CAC2046  Poet and King: Virgil’s Aeneid and the Age of Augustus, Stage 2
• CAC2050  History, Literature and Truth: The Case of the Ancient Historians
• CAC2056  The long shadow of melancholy
• CAC2058  Approaches To Near Eastern and Greek Myth

Other optional modules may also be available.

It may also be possible to continue studying the ancient language(s) from Stage 1 by taking a language module, appropriate to your previous experience, from the following list:

• CAG1011  Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 1
• CAG1012  Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 2
• CAG2001  Level 2 Greek: Interpretation of Texts
• CAG2002  Special Study in Greek Stage 2
• CLA1011  Intermediate Latin Language and Literature 1
• CLA1012  Intermediate Latin Language and Literature 2
• CLA2001  Level 2 Latin: Interpretation of Texts
• CLA2002  Level 2 Latin: Special Study Stage 2

UK and EU students also have the opportunity to broaden their academic experience by spending Stage 2 studying Ancient History at one of our partner institutions in Europe through the Erasmus exchange programme. This will be a fully recognised period of study which counts directly towards your final degree mark.

Stage 3

Compulsory module

• CAH3000  Portfolio in Ancient History 2: Research Essay and Dissertation

Optional modules

You choose three modules from the following list, and may select four:

• CAH3005  City of Athens: Power, Society and Culture
• CAH3010  The Life and Afterlife of Alexander the Great
• CAH3025  Celluloid History II
• CAH3033  The Fall of the Roman Empire
• CAH3034  'Like ants or frogs around the pond': Mobility and Identity in the Greek Mediterranean
• CAH3036  Roman Egypt
• CAC3037  The Classical Inheritance in Western Culture
• CAC3046  Poet and King: Virgil's Aeneid and the Age of Augustus: Stage 3
• CAC3056  The long shadow of melancholy*
• CAC3061  Kings and Commonwealths: Roman Republicanism from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment*

* You can take this module if you have not already studied it at Stage 2.

Other optional modules may also be available, including the following Archaeology modules:

• ARA3013  Early Medieval Northern Europe
• ARA3016  The Archaeology of Byzantium and its Neighbours
• ARA3021  Frontier Communities of Roman Britain
• ARA3114  Regionality and the Fall of Rome

It may also be possible to continue studying the ancient language(s) taken at Stage 1 or Stage 2 by taking a language module appropriate to your previous experience from the following list:

• CAG1001  Beginners’ Greek in Action 1
• CAG1002  Beginners’ Greek in Action 2
• CLA1001  Beginners’ Latin in Action 1
• CLA1002  Beginners’ Latin in Action 2
• CAG1011  Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 1
• CAG1012  Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 2
• CAG2001  Level 2 Greek: Interpretation of Texts
• CAG3002  Level 2/3 Greek: Special Study Stage 3
• CAG3001  Level 3 Greek: Interpretation of Texts
• CAG3002  Level 2/3 Greek: Special Study Stage 3
• CLA1011  Intermediate Latin Language and Literature 1
• CLA1012  Intermediate Latin Language and Literature 2
• CLA2001  Level 2 Latin: Interpretation of Texts
• CLA3002  Level 2/3 Latin: Special Study Stage 3
• CLA3001  Level 3 Latin: Interpretation of Texts
• CLA3002  Level 2/3 Latin: Special Study Stage 3

Requirements

• Applicants whose first language is not English require a minimum score of IELTS 6.5
• GPA 4.0 or 80% average with specific grades or percentage in relevant subjects in at least one year of a Bakalavr at arecognised Russian University as comparable to ABB at A level
• GPA 4.0/5.0 or 80% average in at least one year of a Specialist Diploma in a recognised Russian university as comparable to ABB at A level
• A reference from a teacher, adviser or professional who knows you academically.
• A personal statement – this is where you can stand out from other applicants, so you should start thinking about this early.

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 Family Discount (IFD)
• International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship (IUMS)

The BA (Hons) in Ancient History at Newcastle University offers students an in-depth exploration of the history, culture, and societies of the ancient Mediterranean and surrounding regions, including Greece, Rome, Egypt, and the Near East. The program is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the ancient world through a combination of historical analysis, archaeological study, and critical thinking. Students will engage with a wide range of sources, including inscriptions, texts, artifacts, and artworks, to reconstruct and interpret the complex social, political, and cultural landscapes of antiquity. The curriculum typically encompasses modules on ancient civilizations, language (such as Latin and Greek), historiography, archaeology, and specific topics like early societies, classical mythology, and the decline of ancient empires. The program emphasizes both breadth and depth, encouraging students to compare different cultures and periods while developing specialized expertise in chosen areas. Opportunities for practical experience may include archaeological fieldwork, visitations to museums, and participation in research projects. The program aims to prepare students for a variety of careers, including academia, education, museums, cultural heritage management, and research. With a dedicated faculty of scholars in ancient history, archaeology, and classical studies, students benefit from expert teaching and access to extensive resources. Newcastle University also offers support for study abroad programs, enabling students to gain international perspectives. Overall, the programme nurtures analytical skills, cultural awareness, and research capabilities, empowering graduates to contribute to our understanding of the ancient past.