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Ancient History BA Honours

  • UCAS code: V110
  • Full time
  • 3 years

Immerse yourself in studying the history, culture and politics of the ancient world in all its richness and diversity.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2024-25


Next start date:

  • September 2024

Fees (per year)

  • Home: £9250
  • International: £21000

Entry requirements and offers

  • A-Level: ABB
  • IB: 32 points

UCAS Institution name and code:

  • NEWC / N21

Course overview

Our wide-ranging and inclusive Ancient History degree focuses upon a period extending from the eighth-century BCE ‘beginnings’ of Greek history to the fall of Alexandria in 641 CE.

During your degree, you'll explore:

  • a broad range of historical questions relating to Greek and Roman history
  • the interactions of Greeks and Romans with neighbouring or conquered peoples
  • a time of widespread mobility, intercultural contact, and exchange

The areas covered will include:

  • the Mediterranean world
  • Central and Northern Europe, including Britain
  • beyond (e.g., Graeco-Roman Egypt, Babylon, or the steppe regions north of the Euxine/Black Sea)

You'll focus on ideas of power, identity, religion, and culture along with the histories and experiences of historically marginalized groups.

You'll learn how to work with a wide range of evidence, including:

  • historical texts
  • inscriptions
  • papyri
  • coins
  • art
  • architecture

You can also choose to study ancient Greek and Latin, from Beginners to Advanced level. You'll be learning and working alongside internationally recognised experts. That will provide you with the opportunity to specialise in the topics relating to our various areas of expertise.

Our areas of expertise include:

  • the history of Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age Greece
  • interactions between Greeks and non-Greek ‘barbarians’
  • Alexander the Great
  • Hellenistic kingship
  • the Roman Republic and the High Empire
  • Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt
  • Late Antiquity
  • relations between pagans and Christians
  • ancient literacy
  • the experiences of immigrants, women, children, and slaves
  • Greek and Roman religion
  • Roman Law

Our dedicated research modules will enable you to develop and further hone a broad set of aptitudes and abilities including:

  • a sense of empathy
  • curiosity
  • the ability to think creatively and reflexively
  • working independently
A student takes notes in the Great North Museum: Hancock

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Your compulsory modules will provide you with a wide-ranging and inclusive introduction to antiquity in a broad global context. You'll gain:

  • broad overviews of Greek and Roman history, which will serve as a foundation for the rest of your degree
  • knowledge and understanding of significant historical issues from a more global perspective. This focuses on recurrent themes or topics across a diversity of regions and cultures

You'll then choose three optional modules. These may include ancient language (Greek or Latin), literature (in translation), philosophy, art or archaeology modules.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
West meets East: Greek History and Society 20
The Roman World from Romulus to Trajan 20
Global Ancient Histories 20
Optional Modules Credits
The Archaeology of Britain from the Romans to the 20th Century 20
Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology 20
The World of Latin Literature 20
Tragedy, Comedy, History: The World of Greek Literature 20
How Should I Live? An Introduction to Ancient Philosophy 20
Beginners' Greek in Action 1 20
Beginners' Greek in Action 2 20
Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 1 20
Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 2 20
Beginners' Latin in Action 1 20
Beginners' Latin in Action 2 20
Intermediate Latin Language and Literature 1 20
Intermediate Latin Language and Literature 2 20
Slavery 20
Global Middle Ages 20
Stuff: living in a material world 20

Compulsory modules will expand your knowledge of historical developments across the Greek and Roman worlds.

They will introduce you to the Hellenistic period in Greek history, after the conquests of Alexander the Great, when great kingdoms, many headed by Greek rulers, competed for power in the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia.

You will also learn about the mature Roman Empire: the many ways in which it changed over the centuries until its ultimate demise or transformation.

Optional modules will provide you with the opportunity to further your study of aspects of Greek and Roman culture and language, learn about ancient institutions like religion and slavery, or explore neighbouring periods like the Bronze Age and the Middle Ages.

A focus of this year will be developing your research and problem-solving skills through:

  • critical study
  • guided research
  • writing of commentaries on historical texts and artefacts

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Hellenistic Empires from Alexander to Cleopatra 20
Portfolio in Ancient History I: Commentaries 20
The Roman World from Hadrian to Heraclius 20
Issues in Ancient History 20
Optional Modules Credits
Aegean Prehistory 20
Archaeologies of the Roman Empire: The Roman World from Augustus to Justinian 20
The Medieval World: AD 400-1500 20
History, Literature and Truth: the case of the ancient historians 20
Epic Journeys: The Odyssey and Homeric Epic (stage 2) 20
Approaches to Greek Mythology 20
Dreams and Dreaming in the Ancient World 20
Body and Medicine in the Graeco-Roman World 20
Level 2 Greek: Interpretation of Texts 20
Level 2 Greek: Special Study 20
Greek and Roman Religions 20
Slavery in Greco-Roman antiquity 20
Level 2 Latin: Interpretation of Texts 20
Level 2 Latin: Special Study 20
Africa: History of a Continent 20
Greece from ancient times to the 21st century: Interdisciplinary approaches to the study of the past 20
Communication in the Medieval World, from Europe to Asia: Prayer, Poetry, Pictures, and Travel 20
Diversities of Sexuality and Gender in History 20
The Mediterranean: a connected past 20
HaSS Study Abroad Semester 1 60 Credits 60
HaSS Study Abroad Semester 2 60 credits 60
Career Development for second year students 20

You'll also have access to a wide range of modules relating to Greek and Roman history, culture, and society. This is in addition to options in History or Archaeology.

You only take one of the following modules if you undertake the Study Abroad exchange programme:

You’ll have access to an even wider range of optional modules to select from, covering topics such as:

  • mobility and identity in the Greek Mediterranean
  • religion in Greece, Egypt and Mesopotamia
  • Hellenistic kingship
  • the fall of the Roman Republic
  • the Late Roman Empire
  • Rome and her enemies
  • society, culture and economy of Roman Egypt
  • representations of the ancient world in cinema
  • human dissection in antiquity

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Portfolio in Ancient History II: Dissertation 40
Optional Modules Credits
Archaeologies of the Middle Sea: An Armchair Voyage Across the Prehistoric Mediterranean 20
Regionality and the Fall of Rome 20
Sex, bodies and identities in Classical Greece 20
History, Literature and Truth: the case of the ancient historians: Stage 3 20
Epic Journeys: The Odyssey and Homeric Epic (stage 3) 20
Approaches to Greek Mythology 20
Dreams and Dreaming in the Ancient World 20
Body and Medicine in the Graeco-Roman World 20
Level 2 Greek: Interpretation of Texts 20
Level 2 Greek: Special Study 20
Level 3 Greek: Interpretation of Texts 20
Level 3 Greek: Special Study 20
City of Athens: Power, Society and Culture 20
Celluloid History (Stage 3) 20
'Like ants or frogs around the pond': Mobility and Identity in the Greek Mediterranean 20
Roman Egypt 20
Rome: the Enemy 20
Gods in the Material World: Religion and Material Culture in Greece, Egypt and Mesopotamia 2000BC-338BC 20
Level 2 Latin: Interpretation of Texts 20
Level 2 Latin: Special Study 20
Level 3 Latin: Interpretation of Texts 20
Level 3 Latin: Special Study 20
Semester One Substitute for Stage 3 HIS Capped Special Subject 20
Semester Two Substitute for Stage 3 HIS Capped Special Subject 20
Living Together: Christians, Muslims and Jews in Medieval Iberia 20
Viking-Age Scandinavia 20
Buddhism and Society in Medieval Japan 20
Career Development for final year students 20

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

You'll be taught through a dynamic range of methods and activities, including:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • tutorials
  • workshops
  • practical activities
  • site visits
  • independent study

These activities take place in the classroom, library, field and the museum.

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

  • Assignments – written or fieldwork

  • Coursework

  • Essays

  • Examinations – practical or online

  • Portfolio submission

  • Presentations

Skills and experience

Practical skills

At our on-campus museum, the Great North Museum, you'll be able to:

  • access specialist collections
  • handle an array of exciting artefacts from ancient Greek, Roman and Etruscan civilisations

During your degree, you'll also have the chance to take part in extracurricular field trips that take advantage of the North East's rich history.

You'll visit sites of historic interest such as:

  • the nearby World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall
  • the classically-inspired Belsay Hall
  • Wallington Hall

Transferable skills

Our Ancient History degree is designed to equip you with a range of transferable skills highly valued by employers, including:

  • problem-solving
  • creative and empathic thinking
  • critical and analytical reasoning
  • project management
  • ability to work independently
  • spoken and written communication skills
  • ability to construct an argument
  • time management

Research skills

Throughout your degree you will be working on a range of research projects, and will have access to the expertise and advice of members of staff. At the end of your second year you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship. You'll spend the summer following your second year working alongside academic staff on your own research project.

In your final year, using the skills developed during your degree, you’ll write a dissertation on a topic of your own choosing. During this, you’ll hone your investigative skills as you undertake independent research with access to extensive print and electronic resources, as well as archives and special collections.

Chat with a Classical Studies and English student

Jemimah Allen

Opportunities

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.

If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year. 

Find out more about study abroad

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year, and your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. A work placement is not available if you're spending a year studying abroad. Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Facilities and environment

Facilities

You'll be based in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology, located at the heart of campus in the historic Armstrong Building. Here you'll have access to excellent study resources including:

  • the Philip Robinson University Library, which houses over 800,000 books and provides access to ca. 1.8m e-books
  • the Library of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle

You'll also have access to our on-campus Great North Museum. This houses an extensive collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artefacts, including:

  • the Shefton collection of Greek Art and Archaeology
  • an impressive coin collection
  • material from Late Period Egypt

Support

You'll be welcomed into a vibrant and supportive community. We will ensure you are well placed to achieve your highest potential and are equipped for career success.

You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.

Your future

Join a network of successful graduates

You'll acquire and further develop a dynamic mix of practical, intellectual and transferable skills. These will enable you to thrive in a professional setting. You'll be able to take advantage of a wide range of career opportunities on completion of your studies.

Our Ancient History graduates have gone on to work in a diverse range of careers, including:

  • law and legal services
  • marketing
  • financial services
  • journalism
  • teaching
  • armed forces
  • museum and heritage work
  • academic research

You'll develop a mix of practical, intellectual and transferable skills desirable to employers. This will give you an excellent choice of further study and career opportunities open to you on completion of your studies.

Classics graduates find themselves in a diverse range of careers, including:

  • research, information work and IT
  • law and legal services
  • journalism and marketing
  • retail
  • social work

Make a difference

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Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2024 entry.

A-Level
International Baccalaureate

Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications

Contextual Offers

Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.

What is a contextual offer? Find out more and if you’re eligible for this or our PARTNERS Programme supported entry route.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Entrance courses (INTO)

International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO. 

Find out more about International Pathway Courses

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

Qualification: BA Honours

Home students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

9250

International students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

21000

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

Scholarships

Find out more about:

Open days and events

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

  • the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
  • the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
  • the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages

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