Ancient History

The BA in Ancient History at University College London offers a comprehensive exploration of the civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean world, covering a broad range of historical periods from the Bronze Age to Late Antiquity. This programme provides students with a deep understanding of the social, political, cultural, and economic aspects of ancient societies such as Greece, Rome, Egypt, Persia, and Mesopotamia. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent research, students develop critical analytical skills and a nuanced understanding of primary and secondary sources. The curriculum includes modules on the history of classical Greece and Rome, ancient religions, daily life in antiquity, art and archaeology, and the impact of ancient civilizations on the modern world. Students also have opportunities to engage with material culture through museum visits, archaeological site analysis, and internships. The programme encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from history, archaeology, literature, and philosophy to provide a well-rounded perspective on the ancient world. Students are supported by expert faculty renowned for their research and teaching excellence, many of whom are leading figures in the field of Ancient History. The course aims to equip graduates with versatile skills including critical thinking, oral and written communication, and historical analysis, preparing them for careers in academia, museums, heritage management, journalism, or further postgraduate research. The degree is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests, and to develop a thorough understanding of how the ancient past influences contemporary society. With access to extensive library resources, digital archives, and collaborative projects, students of Ancient History at UCL are immersed in a vibrant academic environment dedicated to exploring the complexities and legacies of ancient civilizations.

Core modules

• Sources and Methods in Ancient History

Optional modules

Options include the following (for a list of what is available in any given year please see our departmental website page):

• Ancient Rome on Film
• Change and Continuity in the Ancient Near East
• The City of Rome (BA/MA), (Royal Holloway)
• Economic and Social History of Archaic and Classical Greece
• Economic and Social History of Rome (Royal Holloway)
• Greek and Latin language at various levels
• Greek Epigraphy
• Greek Historiography
• Greek Law and Lawcourts (Royal Holloway)
• Greek Papyrology
• Latin Epigraphy
• Lived Religion in Ancient Greece
• The Making of the Christian Empire AD 284-425
• Persepolis (King's College London)
• Propaganda and Ideology in Rome
• Roman Britain (King's College London)
• Roman Egypt

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project in the field of Ancient History, which culminates in a dissertation of up to 12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures and museum visits. Most teaching is available inside UCL, but some is held in other London colleges. Assessment is through unseen examinations, coursework essays, and the dissertation.

• A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Knowledge of a relevant ancient language (e.g. Latin, Hebrew, Akkadian) is a prerequisite (minimum GCSE or one year's study as part of a BA degree).
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Advanced level: Score of 109 overall 24/30 in reading and writing and 20/30 in speaking and listening
• British Council International Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Version). Advanced level: Overall grade of 7.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the subtests.

Scholarships 

• Jean Orr Scholarship
• Wellcome Trust Scholarship

The Ancient History program at University College London offers students an in-depth exploration of the history, culture, and civilizations of the ancient world. This interdisciplinary course combines the study of archaeological evidence, historical texts, and material culture to provide a comprehensive understanding of ancient societies from the earliest civilizations to the late antiquity period. Students will examine key themes such as politics, religion, art, philosophy, and social structures across various regions including Greece, Rome, Egypt, Persia, and the Near East. The program emphasizes critical analysis of primary sources and encourages students to develop their own interpretations through research and essays. It aims to foster a nuanced understanding of how ancient history shaped the modern world, including influences on language, law, democracy, and cultural identity.

The curriculum is designed to include a diverse range of modules, such as Classical Greek society, Roman civilization, Egypt in the ancient world, and the history of the ancient Near East. Students may also have the opportunity to engage in archaeological fieldwork and participate in study visits to relevant sites and museums. Core skills developed during the program include historical research methods, critical reading, and academic writing, preparing graduates for careers in academia, museums, cultural heritage management, and related fields.

The program is supported by the university’s extensive resources, including access to specialized libraries, digital archives, and academic staff who are experts in their fields. Supervision and mentorship are integral components, with staff actively involved in cutting-edge research. The duration of the program is typically three years for an undergraduate Bachelor's degree or one year for a Master’s degree, with delivery via lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study.

Students enrolled in the program are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as archaeological excavations, conferences, and study abroad opportunities, which further enhance their academic experience and employability. Graduates of the Ancient History program at UCL have gone on to careers in academia, education, publishing, cultural heritage organizations, and beyond. The program’s comprehensive approach ensures students not only gain factual knowledge but also develop analytical skills applicable across numerous disciplines, making it a compelling choice for those passionate about the ancient world.