Ancient and Medieval History with a Year In Industry

Our BA in Ancient and Medieval History explores and examines civilisations that may appear distant but remain very influential even today. You will have the opportunity to explore the history of Europe and Mediterranean regions from the ancient Egyptians, Athenians and Persians to the Crusades, and from the Roman Empire to the medieval kingdoms of England and France as well as the Welsh ‘Age of the Princes’, taking a variety of historical and archaeological approaches.

This degree offers many ways to compare the Ancient and Medieval worlds and to understand the connections between them. It looks to understand how Ancient civilisations influenced Medieval societies, exploring themes such as power, identity, beliefs, and gender. It also explores the transition from the Ancient to the Medieval world, challenging the nature of periodisation, and highlighting the importance of similar themes that support our understanding of the distant past.

Swansea University lies in a region that is rich in monuments from the ancient and medieval past, including formidable castles, ruined abbeys and Roman remains, and this degree programme combines teaching with introducing students to this rich heritage.
Based at our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, Swansea University lies in a region rich in monuments from the ancient and medieval past. You will be introduced to this rich heritage through your studies.

Classics and Ancient History at Swansea is ranked:
• 2nd in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide 2026)
• 3rd in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)
• 5th in the UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025) - assessed under 'Classics'*
• 11th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026)
• Top 20 in the UK for Graduate Outcomes (Complete University Guide 2026)
• Top 51-150 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

*Based on the overall positivity score for questions 1 -26 in the NSS 2025, when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

History at Swansea is ranked:
• Top 25 in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)

You will be joining a vibrant, welcoming community where students and staff support one another both academically and socially. From day one, you’ll be paired with a personal tutor, an academic who will guide you throughout your degree, offering both academic advice and personal support.

This course offers you the opportunity to spend a Year In Industry, in the UK or overseas (locations are dependent on VISA restrictions per country), giving valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for only paid placements which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Your first year is made up of both compulsory and optional modules, with the optional choices typically including:
• Of Gods and Heroes – Greek Mythology
• Age of Empire: Ancient Egypt and her Neighbours
• Field Trip Module: The Past in its Place

Your second year mostly consists of optional modules. In recent years, module choices have included:
• Archaic Greece
• Gender in the Roman World
• History, Heritage and Classics Study Trip

Year three will be spent on your Year in Industry, on placement, where you will be able to learn valuable professional skills, and can gain practical experience ready for your career.

Your fourth and final year of this programme consists entirely of optional modules, allowing you to shape your own degree. This includes an optional independent dissertation project, and choices can include:
• Monarchy: Ancient and Medieval
• Pompeii and the Cities of Vesuvius
• Pagans, Christians and the ‘Falls’ of Rome

We offer a variety of assessment methods within our programmes. In addition to traditional examinations and essays, examples of alternative assessment include:
• Presentations
• Group Work
• Personal Reflection

Throughout your degree you will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to present your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing.

For full breakdown of course structure and assessment please visit our course page www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/culture-communication/classics-ancient-history-egyptology/ba-ancient-medieval-history or get in touch with us at study@swansea.ac.uk