Ancient World with a Year Abroad

The BA Ancient World with Year Abroad at University College London offers students an enriching opportunity to explore the diverse and complex civilizations of the ancient past, from the earliest civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt to classical Greece and Rome. This interdisciplinary programme combines history, archaeology, literature, and language studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of ancient cultures and their enduring influence on the modern world. Students will engage with a wide range of historical sources, archaeological findings, and primary texts, developing critical analytical skills and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity across periods and regions. The programme’s unique feature is the Year Abroad, during which students have the opportunity to study at a partner university in a country relevant to ancient history or archaeology, such as Greece, Italy, or other Mediterranean countries. This immersive experience allows students to enhance their language skills, gain valuable international academic exposure, and deepen their understanding of the physical and cultural landscape of ancient societies. Throughout the course, students will benefit from UCL’s prestigious academic staff, access to world-class collections and archaeological sites, and opportunities for hands-on research and fieldwork. The curriculum is designed to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in archaeology, museum curation, heritage management, academia, or further postgraduate study. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, research proficiency, and effective communication, equipping students with the tools to analyse ancient phenomena and contribute meaningfully to ongoing scholarly debates. Graduates will leave the programme with a profound understanding of the ancient world’s historical narratives, cultural complexities, and archaeological methods, as well as international experience that will serve them well in diverse professional contexts.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

This flexible programme offers an almost entirely free choice of modules covering classical literature, history and archaeology, and does not require prior knowledge of Greek or Latin.

In the first year, all students must take at least 1.0 credit of either Latin or Greek – they continue with this same language in the next year to complete the 1.5 credit requirement. Students must also take one history module, one archaeology module, and one compulsory module on the ancient world in their first year.

You will also take 0.5 to 1.0 credit of a modern language (depending on prior proficiency) in years one and two.

The third year will be spent abroad, and in the fourth year, students take an Extended Essay module.

A levels

Grades

AAB

Subjects

No specific subjects.

GCSEs

English Language at grade B, Mathematics at grade C and an ancient or modern foreign language at grade C (to be attained prior to admission).

IB Diploma

Points

36

Subjects

A score of 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no score lower than 5.

Accepted equivalent qualification(s) for Russia

Successful completion of one year of a Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma at a Russian university recognised by UCL, with an average of 4.5/5.

Study must contain subjects relevant to the programme of study at UCL.

The financing options for the Ancient World with Year Abroad program at University College London are designed to support students through various sources of funding, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to this prestigious course. Prospective students are encouraged to explore a variety of funding opportunities, including government loans, scholarships, bursaries, and external grants. The UK government offers student loans for higher education, which can cover tuition fees and living costs for eligible students. These loans typically have favorable repayment terms and can be accessed through the Student Loans Company, with details available on the official UCL and UK government websites.

In addition to government loans, UCL provides a range of scholarships aimed at domestic and international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, or specific criteria related to the student’s background or country of origin. Examples include the UCL Global Scholarships, which are available to outstanding international students, and departmental scholarships that specifically support students enrolled in Classics, Ancient History, or related disciplines. Applicants are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application procedures for each scholarship, as these often require separate applications and supporting documentation.

Bursaries and fee waivers are also available for students demonstrating significant financial need. These are awarded directly by the university and can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with studying at UCL. Furthermore, students are encouraged to seek external funding from governmental agencies, charitable foundations, and international organizations dedicated to supporting students pursuing studies in the humanities. Many students also consider part-time work opportunities during their studies to supplement their income, with UCL's career services providing guidance on suitable roles and employment rights.

The university also offers guidance and advice to prospective and current students on managing finances, applying for funding, and planning their budgets over the course of their degree. This support aims to ensure all students can focus on their academic pursuits without undue financial stress. Overall, the financing framework for the Ancient World with Year Abroad program is comprehensive and aimed at fostering a diverse student body by reducing financial barriers. Students are strongly advised to consult the university’s official websites and contact financial aid offices early in their application process to understand all available funding options and application deadlines.

The BSc in Ancient World with Year Abroad at University College London offers students an in-depth exploration of ancient civilizations, cultures, languages, and historiography. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and other significant cultures from the prehistoric period through late antiquity. Students engage in the study of ancient history, archaeology, classical languages such as Latin and Greek, and literature, enabling them to develop critical analytical skills and a nuanced appreciation of ancient societies.

A notable feature of the program is the Year Abroad, which allows students to spend a full academic year studying at a partner institution abroad. This experience aims to enhance language skills, cultural understanding, and academic perspectives by immersing students in the study environment of their chosen country. The year abroad is carefully integrated into the curriculum, ensuring students can apply their language proficiency and cultural insights directly to their coursework, research projects, and fieldwork.

Throughout the program, students participate in a range of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, many of which include archaeological fieldwork, museum visits, and study trips. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, combining philology, archaeology, history, and art history to provide a well-rounded education. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and research skills, which are further honed through individual projects and assessments.

Admission requirements typically include a strong background in relevant subject areas such as Classics, History, or related disciplines, along with proficiency in languages relevant to ancient studies. The program's assessment methods include essays, presentations, exams, and a dissertation, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of the ancient world.

Graduates from this program are well-equipped for careers in archaeology, academia, museum and cultural heritage sectors, and archaeology-related industries, or they may pursue postgraduate studies in related fields. The University College London ensures that students receive academic support and guidance throughout their studies, fostering an environment of scholarly excellence and cultural discovery. The combination of rigorous academic training and international experience provided by the Year Abroad makes this program a compelling choice for students passionate about exploring the origins of Western civilization and beyond.