BA Ancient History

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA Ancient History at the University of Exeter allows students to explore the political, social, cultural and intellectual worlds of ancient Greece and Rome through the study of historical sources, literature and material evidence. The programme is ideal for students who are fascinated by the ancient world and want to develop strong research, analytical and communication skills, with opportunities to add a year of study abroad or professional experience.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
The first year introduces students to the foundations of ancient history and helps them understand the key events, societies and ideas that shaped the Greek and Roman worlds. Through modules such as Greek History: Problems and Sources, Roman History: Problems and Sources, Ancient World: Greek Philosophy, and Classical Language and Texts: Greek I or Latin I, students develop skills in analysing historical evidence, interpreting ancient texts and exploring classical languages.

Year 2:
In the second year, students build on their knowledge by studying more specialised topics related to ancient societies, politics, culture and identity. Modules such as Text and Context: Women in Homer, Roman Death and Commemoration, Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Tyranny, and Classical Language and Texts allow students to explore different perspectives on ancient literature, social structures and historical developments.

Year 3:
The final year focuses on advanced research and independent study, allowing students to specialise in areas that match their interests. Students can explore modules such as The Age of Cicero, Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds, Domination and Resistance in Roman Britain, The World of Late Antiquity, and Roman Political Thought, while completing a Dissertation that develops advanced research and critical thinking skills.

Year 4 (Optional Study Abroad or Employment Experience):
Students who choose the four-year pathway can spend an additional year gaining international or professional experience. The Study Abroad option allows students to study at a partner university overseas, while the Employment Experience route provides an opportunity to gain workplace skills and apply their academic knowledge in a professional environment before completing their degree.

Focus Areas: Ancient Greek History, Roman History, Classical Languages, Ancient Literature, Philosophy, Political Thought, Archaeology and Material Evidence, Ancient Societies and Cultures, Historical Research, Independent Study.

Learning Outcomes: Develop strong research and analytical abilities, evaluate historical sources, interpret ancient texts and evidence, understand the development of Greek and Roman societies, communicate complex ideas clearly and apply critical thinking skills in academic and professional environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The BA Ancient History is not linked to a professional accreditation body but provides students with highly transferable skills valued by employers, including research, communication, problem-solving, project management and critical analysis. These skills support careers in areas such as heritage, museums, education, publishing, media, cultural organisations and further academic study.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Exeter has an excellent reputation for humanities teaching and research, with students benefiting from research-led teaching, expert academic staff and access to specialist knowledge in Ancient History and Classics. The programme provides a strong academic foundation while developing skills that are valued across a wide range of graduate careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the BA Ancient History at the University of Exeter gain practical skills by working with historical sources, ancient texts, research methods and digital approaches to studying the past. The programme encourages students to actively engage with evidence, develop independent research abilities and communicate ideas through seminars, presentations and written projects. With access to specialist humanities resources, research-led teaching and facilities that support the study of ancient societies and cultural heritage, students develop skills that are valuable both academically and professionally.

The programme provides a rich learning experience through research, collaboration and access to specialist resources:

Develop research and analytical skills through small-group seminars, where students discuss ancient Greek and Roman history, examine primary sources and explore different historical interpretations.
Take part in mini conferences, where students present their research ideas and build confidence in academic communication and presentation skills.
Participate in the Classics Society, which organises lectures, debates, cultural activities, film nights, performances, trips and peer support opportunities for students interested in the ancient world.
Contribute to Pegasus, the department’s student journal, gaining experience in academic writing, editing and publishing.
Explore digital approaches to humanities research through the Digital Humanities Lab, where students can learn how technology is used to investigate history, culture and heritage.
Access specialist Archaeology and History facilities, including teaching spaces with audio-visual technology that support lectures, discussions and collaborative learning activities.
Work with research resources and collections connected to archaeology and ancient history, including materials that support the study of artefacts, landscapes and past societies.
Complete an independent final-year dissertation, allowing students to research a topic of personal interest while receiving guidance from academics specialising in areas such as ancient politics, religion, mythology and social history.
Gain international or professional experience through the four-year pathway options, including Study Abroad or Employment Experience, helping students develop global awareness or workplace skills.
Use extensive library collections and online academic resources to support independent research, source analysis and preparation for assessments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A BA Ancient History degree from the University of Exeter equips graduates with valuable research, analytical, communication and critical thinking skills that are highly transferable across different career sectors. Through the study of ancient societies, historical evidence and cultural developments, students learn how to evaluate information, build strong arguments and communicate complex ideas clearly. Graduates can explore careers such as Heritage Officer, Museum Assistant, Researcher, Teacher, Publishing Assistant, Policy Assistant and roles within the public sector.

The programme supports career development through transferable skills, employability support and opportunities to gain professional experience:

Benefit from the University of Exeter’s Careers Service, which provides career advice, one-to-one guidance, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and resources to help students plan their career journey.
Take part in development programmes such as the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award, which help students strengthen professional skills through workshops, volunteering, leadership activities and workplace experiences.
Develop highly valued skills in research, critical analysis, written and verbal communication, independent thinking, problem-solving and interpreting complex information.
Explore career opportunities across sectors including education, museums and heritage, publishing, journalism, marketing, finance, government, politics, technology and cultural organisations.
Gain professional experience through the optional four-year Employment Experience pathway, where students can spend an additional year developing workplace skills before completing their degree.
Build specialist knowledge that supports careers related to history and culture, including roles in museums, archives, heritage organisations, research institutions and cultural projects.
Benefit from Exeter’s strong employer reputation and career support network, which helps students connect their academic skills with graduate opportunities.
Apply the skills gained from the degree to a wide range of graduate roles where research ability, communication and problem-solving are essential.
Graduate outcomes for Classics and Ancient History students show progression into diverse sectors including education, finance, technology, publishing, public services and further study.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA Ancient History, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes such as an MA Ancient History, MA Classics and Ancient History or MA Classical Languages and Literature. Students may also choose related postgraduate pathways in areas such as Archaeology, Museum Studies, Heritage, History, Law, Management or other humanities and social science disciplines to further specialise and enhance their career opportunities.