Ancient History and History

Summary

History stretches across time, connecting ancient worlds to the present day.

On this course, you will discover global views on ancient, medieval and modern history. Examine historical empires and cultures and understand their ongoing legacies in the contemporary world. You'll look at the different ways historians have approached the past, covering the development of historical debates, ways of imagining the past, and explore topics ranging from ancient history to the war on terror.

You will also look at how history is written and debated. Challenge different interpretations, explore how the past is imagined, and develop your own perspective as a historian.

Along the way, you will build skills in research, analysis and communication that prepare you for a wide range of future careers, further study or starting your own business. Our graduates go on to roles in sectors including finance, journalism, management consultancy, charities and non-governmental organisations, education, museums and the heritage sector, publishing, media groups, local government, national government, the police, law firms, hospitality and tourism.

Key features of the course

-Join a department ranked 10th for History research quality in the Complete University Guide 2026.

-Build a strong foundation across Ancient History and History, choosing from topics that span ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome through to the medieval and early modern periods, all the way up to the modern day.

-Use digital humanities facilities to explore the past in new ways, including virtual reality, 3D scanning and printing.

-Explore the rich document collections housed in the University Special Collections, including the Wellington, Palmerston and Mountbatten papers, and the Parkes archive, one of the largest Jewish documentation centres in Europe.

-Gain international experience at summer schools in Greece or Italy, or through a year or semester abroad in Europe, North America, Asia, or Australia.

Student support

You will be taught by experts who take the time to know you as an individual. Small group seminars and support from your personal tutor will help you grow in confidence and develop your ideas.

You will also have access to wellbeing services, peer mentoring and dedicated careers support, all within a welcoming and supportive community.

Further information

BA Ancient History and History is a three-year full-time course based at Avenue Campus. You can choose to extend your degree with a year abroad or a placement year.

Find out more on our course page.

Course Modules

Over the three years of this Ancient History and History course, you'll look at the different ways historians have approached the past, and study different periods in ancient, medieval, early modern, and modern history.

Year 1: An introduction to the ancient world and to world histories, across different periods, and to the skills needed for studying sources, both written and material. This includes archaeological fieldwork for some modules.
Year 2: Learn about public history and broaden your studies by choosing options that look at patterns of continuity and change.
Year 3: Specialise and develop your expert knowledge. You can also broaden your studies beyond history by choosing interdisciplinary modules or language modules.

You will also have opportunities to tailor your learning through student-selected units and an elective placement.

For a full list of modules available please visit the course page - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/ancient-history-history-degree-ba#modules.

On this course you will learn through a range of activities that may include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning (studying on your own).

You will be able to demonstrate what you have learnt through a variety of assessment methods, such as dissertations, essays, individual and group projects, composition portfolios, oral presentations, teamwork and written exams.

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor who will offer support and advice throughout your studies. You will also receive feedback throughout your course, enabling you to identify areas for improvement before your work is formally assessed.