Ancient History
Ancient History
BA
3 years full-time
Durham City
BA
3 years full-time
Durham City
V110
V110
Typical offers
| A Level | AAA |
|---|---|
| BTEC | DDD |
| International Baccalaureate | 37 |
Course details
This course focuses on the political, social and cultural history of the Greek and Roman world, and their interactions with neighbouring societies. In your first year, you study core topics in Greek and Roman history, as well as a module focusing on ancient historical writing.
These courses prepare you for a wide range of more focused modules about politics, culture and society in the ancient world available in your second and third years. The course includes the option of beginning to learn Greek or Latin language (or continuing, if you have studied the languages already).
Year 1
In the first year, you take an introductory module on ancient historiography:
- The Craft of the Ancient Historian.
You will also take two interdisciplinary modules that serve to give you grounding in the central periods of Greek and Roman culture:
- Introduction to the Greek World
- Monuments and Memory in the Age of Augustus.
Examples of optional modules:
- Beginners’ Latin or Greek
- Intermediate Latin or Greek (if you have an A level or equivalent)
- The Lives of Objects
- Early Greek Philosophy
- Language, Translation, Interpretation.
Year 2
Historical modules in the second year offer deeper and broader surveys of political and social history from the Greek and Roman worlds. You will take at least three ancient history modules in your second year.
In addition, you can choose from a range of modules exploring literary, philosophical and cultural topics. If you choose to study Latin or Greek you may continue these courses in your second year. It is also possible to begin the study of Latin or Greek in the second year.
Historical offerings have previously included:
- The Hellenistic World
- Crisis of The Roman Republic
- Emperors and Dynasties
- Death in the Classical World
- Ancient Political Thought and Action.
Literary, cultural and philosophical topics have previously included:
- Traditions of Epic
- Interpreting Greek Tragedy Today
- Creation and Cosmology
- Stoicism
- Dialogues with Antiquity
- Classical Receptions and Contemporary Cultures
- Theatre and Spectacle in Ancient Rome.
Year 3 (Year 4 if taking a Year Abroad)
You will write a Dissertation in your third year. You will choose a topic at the end of your second year in consultation with an adviser, with who you will meet regularly for guidance throughout Year 3.
Third-year modules typically cover specific topics that arise out of the research interests of our members of staff. At least two of your third-year modules must focus on ancient historical subjects; you can also choose from modules which explore cultural, literary and philosophical themes. If you study Latin and Greek you can proceed to the next level, with the texts becoming more difficult or fragmentary.
Historical modules have previously included:
- Greeks and Persians
- Roman Syria
- Writing Alexander
- The Life and Times of Cicero
- Urbs Roma
- The Later Roman Empire.
Literary, philosophical and cultural topics have previously included:
- The Literature and Language of Ancient Babylon
- Comedy and Tragedy, Laughter and Sorrow
- Hellenistic Poetry: Theory and Practice
- Roman Law and Latin Literature
- Love and Sex in Ancient Poetry
- Technologies of Knowledge in Antiquity
- Knowledge and Doubt in Hellenistic Philosophy.
For this course the study of ancient languages is not required, though it is permitted as an option; and each year at least half of your modules must be on historical topics.
Placement
You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.Study abroad
Classics and Ancient History
This course includes an optional European Studies element, where students may spend the third year of a four-year course studying at a European university. We currently have exchange links with universities in Belgium (Liege), France (Bordeaux), Germany (Tubingen, Munich), Greece (Athens), Italy (Bologna, Rome, Milan, Vercelli), the Netherlands (Free University, Amsterdam), Spain (Seville) and Switzerland (Fribourg). If you are interested in studying abroad you should apply to transfer to the European Studies course after your first year of study.
The Department also participates in the University-wide overseas exchange programme, which offers the opportunity to spend your second year studying at one of our partner universities in North America or Australasia. Find out more here
Typical offers
| A Level | AAA |
|---|---|
| BTEC | DDD |
| International Baccalaureate | 37 |
Course details
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 the ancient Greeks and early imperial Rome, and their interactions with neighbouring societies.
In your first year you will focus on core topics in Greek and Roman history, as well as studying a module focusing on ancient historical writing. 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.
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. And if you wish, you can broaden your degree by selecting modules about ancient art, literature or philosophy, or by choosing other topics that interest you from other departments.
Course structure
Year 1
Core modules:
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.
Introduction to the Greek World examines ancient Greek history, society and thought, by focusing on how the classical Athenians engaged with their past. 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 intellectual resources available to assist that study.
The Craft of the Ancient Historian gives you an introduction to ancient Greek and Roman historiography. This will help you develop critical skills in handling the information conveyed in ancient texts.
Examples of optional modules:
- Beginners Latin or Greek
- Intermediate Latin or Greek
- Early Greek Philosophy
- Language, Translation, Interpretation
- Lives of Objects – Greek and Roman Antiquity.
Year 2
Core modules:
Historical modules offer deeper and broader surveys of political and social history from the Greek and Roman worlds.
Living in the Classical World explores everyday life in ancient Greece and Rome, and especially the variety and development of the social structures of the two civilisations. You will examine the relationship between different social structures within a society, and the ways in which individuals encounter and experience them.
Examples of further ancient history modules:
- Ancient Political Thought and Action
- Emperors and Dynasties
- The City of Athens
- Crisis of The Roman Republic.
Examples of optional modules:
- Traditions of Epic
- Interpreting Greek Tragedy Today
- Alexandria
- Classical Receptions and Contemporary Cultures
- Dialogues with Antiquity
- Further Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced Greek and/or Latin language.
Year 3 (Year 4 if taking a placement or year abroad)
Dissertation. The dissertation is a significant piece of work in which you research and analyse a topic in depth.
Examples of further ancient history modules:
- Greeks and Persians (c. 560-336 BC)
- The Later Roman Empire
- The History of Writing in the Ancient Mediterranean.
Examples of optional modules:
-
Roman Law and Latin Literature
-
The Origins of Civilisation
- Comedy and Tragedy, Laughter and Sorrow
- Lives and Afterlives of The Greek and Roman Poets
- Sing Me, O Muse
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced or Higher Greek and/or Latin language.
Additional pathways
Students on the BA in Ancient History can apply to be transferred onto either the ‘with Year Abroad’ or ‘with Placement’ pathway during the second year. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four.
Placement
You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more./prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/study/individual-course-and-cta-images/500-x-300-px-(2).png)
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Learning
The Ancient History BA will give you an average of 8 hours of timetabled tuition every week.
The aim of the course is to help you become an independent learner and researcher in the field of Ancient History. In order to do this, it progresses from a greater number of contact hours, designed to promote and support your own study, to a greater intensity of contact in more specialised areas as you gain in independence and experience.
The contact time is made up of weekly lectures, delivered by experts who are active in research in the relevant fields, supported by smaller-group seminars or tutorials per module, designed to give you the opportunity to explore the material covered in lectures in more depth, and to receive detailed feedback on formative assignments.
First-year modules focus on ensuring that you have a bedrock of knowledge and skills across a number of sub-disciplines which you share with all other students in the Department. Two of the core modules, 'Introduction to the Greek World' and 'Monuments and Memory', include seminars with a special emphasis on research skills.
In the second and third years topics are increasingly offered from current research interests of lecturers; lecture and seminar/tutorial sizes become smaller with more scope for interaction with staff.
The final-year dissertation gives you your richest opportunity to exercise your skills in independent learning and research. You receive support in choosing a topic at the end of your second year; and one-to-one supervisory support with an expert in the field through the writing of your dissertation in your final year.
Every module coordinator is available for consultation about particular issues, and advertises office hours when their presence can be guaranteed. You will be allocated an academic mentor, with who you will discuss your module choices within the context of your interests and aims (academic and personal). Mentors are available for consultation throughout the year.
You are encouraged to attend the Department’s research seminar series, which are scheduled at times when you would be available to attend. In addition, the student-run Classics Society regularly organises guest speakers.
You will also have the opportunity to attend events and workshops focused on your future career, organised in collaboration with alumni of the Department and the Careers and Enterprise Centre.
Entry requirements
A level offer – AAA.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD.
IB Diploma score – 37 with 666 in higher level subjects.
In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
- We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. For more information or contact our Admissions Selectors.
- Classical subjects are not essential for any of our courses.
- We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.
Science A levels
Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Fees and funding
Full Time Fees
| Home students | £9,250 per year |
|---|---|
| EU students | £24,000 per year |
| Island students | £9,250 per year |
| International students | £24,000 per year |
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time 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).
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
Classics and Ancient History
Of those students who graduated in 2019:
- 87% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes
Of those in employment:
- 79% are in high skilled employment
- With an average salary of £23,000.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Classics and Ancient History
We are consistently ranked among the top Classics departments in the UK. Our academic staff have extensive, interdisciplinary expertise, and this is reflected in our teaching. We offer a wide variety of modules: ancient Greek and Latin for every level of ability, surveys of the main periods and themes of Greek and Roman history, and teaching in all aspects of classical culture, including philosophy, art and literature in translation.
For more information see our department pages.
Rankings
- 3rd in The Complete University Guide 2023
- 3rd in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022
- 13th in the QS World University Rankings 2022.
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the Classics and Ancient History Department pages.
Research Excellence Framework
- 4th in the UK for overall research quality (REF 2021).
Facilities
We have an extensive collection of ancient texts in the original and in translation, modern scholarship, and reference works. Our library is particularly strong in ancient philosophy, but also provides valuable resources for students in all our programmes and a useful reference library for researchers. The collections amount to approximately 8,000 volumes, across three rooms. Students may borrow the books, and many also use the library as a quiet study space to use between lectures, or for informal discussion sessions and reading groups.
More information about our facilities.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
V110
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
Learning
A combination of lectures and seminars will help you become an independent learner and researcher. You will get research skills training and access to an academic mentor for consultation about module choices, in line with your interests and aims, and any other issues.
Your dissertation gives you the richest opportunity to use your independent learning and research skills. You will be supported choosing a topic at the end of Year 2, with one-to-one supervisory support from an expert in the field through the writing process.
You will also be able to attend the Department’s research seminar series, guest speakers arranged by the student-run Classics Society, and events and workshops focused on your future career.
Assessment
We use various types of assessment, designed to test the different skills you have gained through your studies: essays, commentaries, translations and (in some modules) presentations or projects.
In your final year, you will write a dissertation on a subject of your choice, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in independent learning and research and your ability to tie together your learning from across the entire course.
Entry requirements
A level offer – AAA.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD.
IB Diploma score – 37 with 666 in higher level subjects.
In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
- We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. For more information or contact our Admissions Selectors.
- Classical subjects are not essential for any of our courses.
- We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.
Science A levels
Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Fees and funding
The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time 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).
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
Classics and Ancient History
Our students acquire many skills which are readily transferable to a whole range of professions. You will have learned to think logically, to compile and evaluate evidence and to express yourself clearly and succinctly, both verbally and in writing.
Classics graduates have progressed to careers as diverse as computing, the Civil Service, gold dealing, teaching, journalism, law, accountancy, public relations and the theatre. A significant number of our students progress onto higher level study following their degree. Some remain within their academic field of interest and pursue a Master’s degree, either at Durham elsewhere. Others choose professional postgraduate programmes in subjects such as law, finance and teaching.
Of those students who graduated in 2019:
- 87% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes
Of those in employment:
- 79% are in high skilled employment
- With an average salary of £23,000.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Classics and Ancient History
When you study at the Department of Classics and Ancient History you will join a large, forward-looking department that is genuinely diverse in both make up and outlook. 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, culture and philosophy 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, surveys of the main periods and themes of Greek and Roman history, and teaching in all aspects of classical culture, such as philosophy, art and literature in translation.
For more information see our department pages.
Rankings
- 2nd in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
- 3rd in The Complete University Guide 2023
- 4th in The Guardian University Gude 2023
- 13th in the QS World University Rankings 2022
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the Classics and Ancient History Department pages.
Research Excellence Framework
- 4th in the UK for overall research quality (REF 2021).
Facilities
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. The friendly and welcoming Department is housed in eighteenth-century buildings which includes dedicated study space and a library with an extensive collection of ancient texts and reference works. Our location, at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is highly conducive to study of the subject.
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.
More information about our facilities.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
V110
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
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