Ancient History with Year Abroad

About this course
Study Ancient History to learn about the ancient world and understand the foundations of how we live today. The ancient world profoundly influenced subsequent generations of history, and studying antiquity offers you a way of understanding today’s world. Learn from experts on the ancient world (including history, archaeology, ancient and modern languages and literatures, philosophy and film). Explore chosen areas of ancient history ranging from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome to Imperial China, late antiquity, and the rise of Islam. You will not only learn about the ancient world, but develop the skills to explore its past yourself, including the option to learn ancient languages.

This degree will equip you with a range of employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business. Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including: local council libraries, universities, schools, colleges, museums, galleries, publishing, media groups, local government, heritage service providers, 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.

• Choose from a wide range of topics covering Greece and Rome, as well as a range of other areas, from ancient Egypt and Persia to Imperial China and late antiquity. You will also study the afterlife and reception of the ancient world in the modern day.

• Access to digital humanities facilities will allow you to study and research through cutting-edge technology, such as virtual reality, 3D scanners and printers, and a 360 degree fully immersive audio-visual centre.

• Spend a year abroad at a university in Europe, the United States, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea or Australia in your third year.

Student Support
You’ll be taught by supportive experts who know you as an individual. Small-group seminars and personal tutors will help you build confidence. Beyond academics, you’ll have access to wellbeing resources, peer mentoring, and careers advice, all in a friendly, welcoming community.

Further information
The BA Ancient History with Year Abroad is a four-year, full-time course at our Avenue Campus. For details, visit our course page.