BA History and Ancient History

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA History and Ancient History at the University of Exeter gives students the chance to explore the past through a combination of historical study and the fascinating worlds of ancient civilisations. This course is perfect for students who enjoy understanding how societies, cultures, and ideas have evolved over time while developing strong research, analytical, and communication skills that are valuable across many career paths.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both History and Ancient History while learning how historians investigate and interpret the past. Through introductory modules covering historical approaches, key events, and ancient societies, students develop essential skills in analysing evidence, understanding different perspectives, and creating well-structured historical arguments.

Year 2:
In the second year, students begin to specialise by exploring a wider selection of historical topics and ancient civilisations. Modules such as Greek History: Problems and Sources and Roman History: Problems and Sources allow students to examine political, social, and cultural developments while learning how historians use written and archaeological evidence to understand the ancient world.

Year 3:
In the final year, students deepen their expertise through advanced specialist modules and independent research. Students complete a dissertation project where they investigate a historical topic of their choice, applying research skills and critical analysis to develop their own original arguments and interpretations.

Optional Study Abroad / Employment Experience:
Students can choose to add a Study Abroad year or an Employment Experience year, extending the degree to four years. These opportunities allow students to gain international exposure or practical workplace experience, helping them build confidence, professional skills, and a stronger career profile.

Focus Areas

Ancient civilisations, Greek and Roman history, historical research methods, interpretation of sources, cultural and social change, historical debates, independent research, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to evaluate different types of historical evidence, conduct independent research, analyse complex information, build persuasive arguments, and communicate ideas clearly. The course also strengthens transferable skills such as problem-solving, organisation, teamwork, and attention to detail, which are valued by employers across many industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme focuses on developing skills that support a wide range of professional careers, including research, communication, analysis, and project management. Students also benefit from the University of Exeter’s careers support, including opportunities to enhance employability through career guidance, skills development programmes, and practical experience opportunities.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter is a highly respected UK university with a strong reputation among employers. Graduates from History and Ancient History programmes use their skills in areas such as heritage, museums, education, publishing, journalism, public services, business, charities, and further academic research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students studying BA History and Ancient History at the University of Exeter gain practical experience by engaging directly with historical evidence, developing research techniques, and learning how historians investigate the past. The course combines lectures, seminars, independent research, and access to specialist resources, helping students build strong analytical skills while exploring ancient and modern historical themes. Through Exeter’s research environment, students benefit from access to valuable collections, archives, and digital resources that support their academic development and allow them to explore history in innovative ways.

Students are encouraged to take part in research-led learning, collaborative discussions, and independent projects that strengthen their ability to analyse sources, interpret evidence, and communicate historical arguments effectively. The university’s libraries, archives, research centres, and digital facilities provide the tools and environment needed to develop practical skills for careers in heritage, education, research, publishing, and many other fields.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

University of Exeter Library and Special Collections: Students have access to extensive historical collections, archives, manuscripts, and specialist resources that support research across different periods and civilisations.
Digital Humanities Lab: Students can explore the use of digital technologies in historical research, including tools for digitisation, digital preservation, multimedia projects, and the creation of digital exhibitions.
Research Centres and Institutes: Students benefit from Exeter’s research expertise through specialist centres focusing on areas such as Medieval Studies, Medical History, and wider humanities research, allowing them to connect their studies with current academic work.
Independent Research Projects and Dissertation: In the final year, students complete a research project on a topic of their choice, applying skills in source analysis, academic research, and critical thinking to produce an original piece of historical work.
Seminars and Group Discussions: Interactive seminar sessions encourage students to debate historical ideas, collaborate with peers, develop communication skills, and gain confidence in presenting their viewpoints.
Digital Research Tools: Students use online academic resources and digital research methods to analyse information, manage sources, and present historical findings in different formats.
Heritage and Cultural Resources: Studying in Exeter gives students opportunities to engage with the city’s rich heritage, museums, historic sites, and cultural resources that complement classroom learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA History and Ancient History at the University of Exeter prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities by developing strong research, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Graduates gain the ability to evaluate information, understand different perspectives, and present well-supported arguments, making them suitable for careers such as Archivist, Historian, Researcher, Civil Servant, Parliamentary Researcher, Publishing Assistant, and Heritage Officer.

The skills gained from this degree are highly transferable and valued across many industries, allowing graduates to move into areas such as heritage, education, media, business, government, charities, and research. Students also benefit from Exeter’s career support, professional development opportunities, and connections with employers to help them confidently transition into the workplace.

Key progression and career opportunities include:

Career support through Career Zone: Students have access to the University of Exeter’s Career Zone, which provides personalised career guidance, employer events, skills workshops, mentoring opportunities, job resources, and support with applications and interviews. Students can also complete programmes such as the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award to develop and demonstrate their employability skills.
Employment Experience opportunities: Students can choose an Employment Experience year as part of their degree, allowing them to gain practical workplace experience through a graduate-level placement in the UK or overseas. This helps students apply their academic knowledge in professional settings and build valuable industry connections.
Graduate career destinations: Exeter History graduates progress into roles across sectors including heritage and museums, education, publishing, journalism, marketing, government, research, finance, recruitment, and the charity sector. Employers value the strong research, communication, and analytical abilities developed through the programme.
Support from a strong employer network: The University of Exeter works with a wide range of organisations and employers, giving students opportunities to attend career events, develop professional networks, and explore graduate opportunities with leading companies and institutions.
Long-term value of the degree: The ability to analyse evidence, conduct research, solve problems, and communicate complex ideas provides graduates with skills that remain valuable throughout their careers and support progression into leadership and specialist roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA History and Ancient History, students can continue their academic journey through postgraduate study to specialise in areas of interest or develop expertise for specific careers. Graduates may progress to master’s programmes such as MA History, MA Conflict, Security and Development, MA English Literary Studies, MSc International Management, law conversion courses, or teacher training programmes such as PGCE. These pathways allow students to deepen their knowledge and open opportunities in research, education, heritage, public service, and professional careers.