BA
Ancient History BA (Hons)
Unearth ancient history by immersing yourself in the political, social and cultural worlds of ancient Greece and Rome.
How to apply Apply via UCAS
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BA
UCAS Code
V110
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
AAA
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £ per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £ per year
Overview
If you are fascinated by the history of the Greeks and Romans, this is the course for you. We will introduce you to the world of ancient Greece and Rome, and their interactions with each other and other Mediterranean societies. The course includes the option to start learning Greek or Latin, and if you have prior knowledge of these languages you can choose to study higher level modules. If you wish, you can also broaden your degree by selecting modules about ancient art, literature, science or philosophy, or by choosing other topics that interest you from other departments. You will be welcome to attend an extensive programme of research-related activities in the department, including research seminars, public lectures from high-profile guest speakers, and events organised by the student-run Classics Society.
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BA
UCAS Code
V110
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
AAA
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £ per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £ per year
What you'll study
In your first year you will focus on core topics in Greek and Roman history. This will prepare you for a wide range of more specific historical modules about politics, culture and society in the ancient world in your second and third years. At least half of your course in your second and third years will concentrate on historical topics.
Core modules
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Empire and Religion in the Age of Constantine
gives you an introduction to the world of late antiquity. This will help you understand how institutions, society and culture changed in the third and fourth centuries CE.
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Introduction to the Greek World
examines ancient Greek history, society and thought. It will introduce you to the central themes, topics and terminology in the study of Archaic and Classical Greece, and equip you to use the basic intellectual resources available to assist that study.
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Monuments and Memory in the Age of Augustus
gives you an introduction to Roman history and culture and Latin literature. You will investigate a central, transitional epoch in the history of ancient Rome, from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Optional modules
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In recent years optional modules have included: Beginners Latin or GreekIntermediate Latin or GreekEarly Greek PhilosophyLanguage, Translation, InterpretationLives of Objects – Greek and Roman Antiquity.
Core modules
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Living in the Classical World
explores everyday life in ancient Greece and Rome, through case studies and documentary evidence. You will examine the relationship between different social structures within a society, and the ways in which individuals encounter and experience them.
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Two of: Greek Art and ArchitectureEmperors and DynastiesThe City of AthensRoman Buildings and their Decoration.
Optional modules
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In recent years optional modules have included: Traditions of EpicAlexandriaTheatre and Spectacle in Ancient RomeMyths of Transformation in Ovid's MetamorphosesComedy and Tragedy, Laughter and SorrowBeauty and GoodnessDialogues with AntiquityFurther Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced Greek and/or Latin.
Core modules
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Dissertation
The dissertation is a significant piece of work in which you research and analyse a topic in depth.
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Two of: Greeks and Persians (c. 560-336 BC)The Late Roman WorldThe Hellenistic WorldRoman Syria
Optional modules
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In recent years optional modules have included: Writing AlexanderPompeii and Herculaneum: Rediscovery and ReconstructionRoman Law and Latin LiteratureThe History of Writing in the Ancient MediterraneanThe Origins of CivilisationComedy and Tragedy, Laughter and SorrowSing Me, O MuseHappiness in Ancient PhilosophyAncient SlaveryBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced or Higher Greek and/or Latin language.
Learning
A combination of lectures and seminars will help you become an independent learner and researcher. Lectures introduce broad historical questions and offer context and critical commentary; seminars provide an opportunity for you to develop your critical skills through discussion. You will receive research skills training and access to an academic mentor for consultation about module choices in line with your interests and aims, and to support you with any other issues. Your dissertation gives the richest opportunity to use your critical and analytical research skills. You will be supported in choosing a topic at the end of Year 2 and get one-to-one supervisory support from an expert in the field throughout the writing process in Year 3.Assessment
We use various types of assessment, designed to test the different skills you have gained through your studies: essays, exams, commentaries, translations, presentations, and projects. In your final year, you will write a dissertation of up to 12,000 words on a subject of your choice, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in independent learning and research and to bring together areas of learning from across the entire course.Entry requirements
Fees & Funding
Choose which fees you want to see:
Home / Island students
£ per year
International / EU Students
£ per year
Home / Island students
Part Time - £ per year
International / EU Students
Part Time - £ per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Find out moreDepartment Information
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When you study at the Department of Classics and Ancient History you will join a large, forward-looking department. We offer an intellectually stimulating learning environment in a welcoming community, and consistently rank highly for teaching, graduate employability and research. We offer a range of flexible and challenging degree courses designed with the twenty-first-century student in mind. Each with a different emphasis, depending on which area you prefer to put at the centre of your studies: ancient languages, ancient history or ancient culture. We also offer joint honours courses with the departments of Archaeology and History. Our degrees offer both academic rigour and an outstanding student experience, taught by a team of academic staff who between them specialise in the languages, literature, history, and culture of the Greco-Roman world, as well as its impact on later centuries up to the present day. The breadth of knowledge in the Department allows us to offer a wide range of study areas including ancient Greek and Latin languages from beginner to advanced level, literature in translation, history of various areas of the ancient Mediterranean, and many more aspects of classical culture, including philosophy, art and science. For more information see our department pages.
Read moreFacilities
We are situated in the beautiful and historic centre of Durham next to the Cathedral and Castle and just two minutes’ walk from the city centre, at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Extensive collection of ancient texts and reference works
The friendly and welcoming Department is housed in eighteenth-century buildings which include dedicated study space and a library with an extensive collection of ancient texts and reference works.
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Events
The student body is a large, close-knit and highly engaged community. Our student-led Classics Society organises regular social and academic events, often in conjunction with staff from the Department.
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REF 2021
In the latest UK-wide research assessment (REF 2021) we were ranked 4th for overall research quality. Our research informs our undergraduate degrees, so as to keep courses highly relevant and up to date.
Find out more -
Career Opportunities
Of those UK/EU students who graduated in 2022/23:
82%
81%
£33,183
HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. More at www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk
Employability
More Information
We offer a range of flexible and challenging courses, which offer students the opportunity to explore the breadth of our discipline as well as to develop expertise in specific areas.
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