StudyQA — Bachelor: Ancient History — University of Reading (Page 441)

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Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of ancient Greece and Rome – their history, societies, achievements, beliefs and values – and discover how these ancient civilisations have influenced the modern world.

Ancient history is the study of the Greek and Roman worlds over a period spanning from 2000 BC to around 600 AD and covers parts of Africa, Asia and Europe. You will learn about these ancient cultures in their political literary, social, cultural and religious contexts.

This flexible course allows you to pursue your own interests and choose from a wide range of research-led subjects. The University of Reading has one of the widest ranging Classics Departments in the UK, with specialist subjects from the Bronze Age to late antiquity; We are also ranked third in the UK for the quality of our research.

You can enhance your knowledge of the ancient world by studying Latin or Greek, or gain an understanding of the ancient past through hands-on experience with artefacts from the Ure Museum – the University's internationally important collection of Greek and Egyptian antiquities. You can also explore ancient Rome through our unique digital model of the city.

Your first year will be one of discovery and experimentation. Core modules will provide you with a solid grounding, while optional modules let you explore the different approaches, periods, and cultures that interest you. In your second year you will be encouraged to become more independent, proposing your own areas of study and setting your own essay questions. You can refine your interests in your final year and focus on your dissertation.

You will be encouraged to gain direct experience of ancient sites through independent travel, for which scholarships are available. You can also apply to study at the British School at Athens and the British School at Rome, which both offer summer school opportunities to University of Reading students.

Year 1

Core modules include:

Greek History: War, Society and Change in the Archaic Age
Roman History: The Rise and Fall of the Republic

Optional modules include:

Ancient Song
Texts, Readers, and Writers
Latin at an appropriate level, from beginner to expert
Ancient Greek at an appropriate level, from beginner to expert
One or more modules from another department

Year 2

Core modules include:

Greek History: Archaic Age to Alexander
Roman History: From Republic to Empire
Prospects for Classicists and Ancient Historians

Optional modules include:

Ancient Epic
Ancient Drama
Latin at an appropriate level, from beginner to expert
Ancient Greek at an appropriate level, from beginner to expert
Work placement for Classicists and Ancient Historians
Egypt & Greece
Greek Comedy
Modern Greek literature
Ancient World on Film
Roman Satire
Voices from the Roman army
Ancient Sport
Classical Mythology in the Renaissance
Museum History, Policy and Ethics
Museum Communication and Interpretation
A modern foreign language
Practice of Entrepreneurship
One or more modules from another department

Year 3

Core modules include:

Dissertation

Optional modules include:

Latin at an appropriate level, from beginner to expert
Ancient Greek at an appropriate level, from beginner to expert
Anatolia & the Aegean
Alexander to Cleopatra: History & Culture of the Hellenistic World
Digital Silchester
Transformations of Helen
Ancient Biography
Greek Art & Drama
Xenophon’s Anabasis
Carthage – The Rise and Fall
Ancient Egyptian Language and Hieroglyphs
Athenian Political Thought
One or more modules from another department

The Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History at the University of Reading requires students to engage with a comprehensive range of modules focusing on the history, culture, and civilizations of the ancient world. Students are typically expected to complete core modules that cover foundational topics such as Greek and Roman history, ancient philosophy, and classical civilization studies. In addition to these core modules, students have the opportunity to choose from a variety of optional modules that may include topics such as archaeology, ancient art and architecture, inscriptions and papyri, myth and religion in antiquity, and the legacy of the ancient world in later periods. The programme emphasizes developing skills in critical analysis, research, and scholarly writing, fostering a deep understanding of the historical contexts and cultural developments of the ancient civilizations.

Throughout the degree, students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects and may have the chance to participate in field trips or archaeological excavations as part of their practical learning experience. Assessment methods typically include essays, presentations, examinations, and a dissertation project focusing on a specific research question related to ancient history. The programme is designed to prepare students for careers in education, research, heritage management, and other fields requiring analytical and research skills. The duration of the full-time programme is usually three years, with options for part-time study. Entry requirements generally include a strong academic background in history, classics, or related disciplines, with specific grades specified upon application. Overall, this program aims to provide a thorough understanding of the ancient world, supported by expert instruction and access to a wealth of academic resources at the University of Reading.