Ancient History BA (Hons)
Course Overview - Ancient History BA (Hons)
About this course
Study Ancient History to explore the civilisations that shaped the modern world and understand how the past continues to influence the present. From ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome to Imperial China, late antiquity and the rise of Islam, you’ll gain a broad and global perspective on the ancient world.
You’ll learn from leading experts across history, archaeology, languages, and related disciplines, exploring the ancient world through multiple perspectives. Alongside developing subject knowledge, you can tailor your studies with options in ancient langua...
About this course<br/>Study Ancient History to explore the civilisations that shaped the modern world and understand how the past continues to influence the present. From ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome to Imperial China, late antiquity and the rise of Islam, you’ll gain a broad and global perspective on the ancient world.<br/><br/>You’ll learn from leading experts across history, archaeology, languages, and related disciplines, exploring the ancient world through multiple perspectives. Alongside developing subject knowledge, you can tailor your studies with options in ancient languages (Latin or Greek), philosophy, archaeology, and digital humanities.<br/><br/>The course also examines how the ancient world is received and reinterpreted today, from popular culture to global politics, helping you connect past societies with contemporary issues.<br/><br/>You’ll benefit from access to cutting-edge digital humanities facilities, enabling you to explore the past using innovative technologies such as virtual reality, 3D scanning and printing, and immersive audio-visual environments.<br/><br/>Beyond subject knowledge, this degree develops a wide range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, research, and communication. These skills prepare you for a variety of careers and further study. Graduates have gone on to work in sectors such as finance, consultancy, education, journalism, heritage and museums, publishing, media, government, law, and tourism.<br/><br/>Key features of the course<br/>• Explore the ancient world from Egypt, Greece and Rome to Imperial China, late antiquity and the rise of Islam.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Understand how the ancient world shapes the modern day, from popular culture to global politics.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Tailor your studies with options in ancient languages (Latin or Greek), philosophy, archaeology, and digital humanities.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Learn from leading experts across history, archaeology, languages, and related disciplines.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Use advanced digital humanities facilities, including virtual reality, 3D scanning and immersive technologies.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Gain international experience through an optional year abroad or placement year.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Join a department ranked 10th in the UK for History research quality (Complete University Guide 2026).<br/><br/><br/><br/>Student support<br/>You’ll be taught by supportive experts who know you as an individual. Small-group seminars and a dedicated personal tutor will help you build confidence and develop your academic skills.<br/><br/>You’ll also have access to a range of support services, including wellbeing resources, peer mentoring, and tailored careers guidance, all within a friendly and welcoming community.<br/><br/>Further information<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.
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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