Ancient History BA (Hons)
Course Overview - Ancient History BA (Hons)
Summary
Ancient history allows you to explore the diverse stories of the ancient world and understand how this past continues to influence the modern day, from popular media to world politics.
On this course, you will explore civilisations from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome to Imperial China, late antiquity and the rise of Islam. You will gain a global perspective on the ancient world and examine how these societies influenced later history and modern life.
You will learn from a team of world-class experts including historians, archaeolog...
<strong>Summary</strong><br/><br/>Ancient history allows you to explore the diverse stories of the ancient world and understand how this past continues to influence the modern day, from popular media to world politics.<br/><br/>On this course, you will explore civilisations from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome to Imperial China, late antiquity and the rise of Islam. You will gain a global perspective on the ancient world and examine how these societies influenced later history and modern life.<br/><br/>You will learn from a team of world-class experts including historians, archaeologists, and language specialists, exploring the past through different approaches. You can tailor your studies by choosing to study ancient languages (Latin or Greek), philosophy, art, archaeology, and digital humanities. You will study in a supportive environment where new discoveries and ideas shape your learning. Along the way, you will develop the skills to analyse evidence, question assumptions, and construct your own understanding of the ancient world.<br/><br/>As you progress, this degree will equip you with a range of employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business. Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including: banking, management consultancy, charities and non-governmental organisations, journalism, education, museums and heritage, galleries, publishing, media groups, local government, national government, the police, law firms, hospitality, and tourism.<br/><br/><strong>Key features of the course</strong><br/><br/><br/>• Join a department ranked 10th for History research quality in the Complete University Guide, 2026.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Choose from a wide range of topics, covering Greece and Rome as well as other cultures and societies, from ancient Egypt and Persia to Imperial China and late antiquity. You will also study the afterlife and reception of the ancient world in the modern day.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Gain international experience at summer schools in Greece or Italy, or through a year or semester abroad in Europe, North America, Asia, or Australia.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Access to digital humanities facilities will allow you to study and research through cutting-edge technologies including virtual reality, 3D scanners and printers.<br/><br/><br/><br/><strong>Student support</strong><br/><br/>You will be taught by experts who take the time to know you as an individual. Through small group seminars and support from your personal tutor, you will build confidence in your ideas and your academic skills.<br/><br/>You will also have access to wellbeing services, peer mentoring and dedicated careers support, all within a friendly and supportive community.<br/><br/><strong>Further information</strong><br/><br/>BA Ancient History is a three-year full-time course based at Avenue Campus. You can choose to extend your degree with a placement year or a year abroad, graduating after four years. Find out more on our course page.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
14/09/2026
Campus
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
V102
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4 We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit,
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP): Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus B in an A level subject. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level subject We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact Admissions for more information.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3,M2,M2
D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB from 2 A levels. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
A level
A,B,B
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB and grade A in the EPQ We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B
ABB from 3 A levels or AB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| EU, International | £25,500 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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