BA Ancient History (V110)
2025 entry | view 2026 entry
Course summary
Ancient History at Bristol allows you to explore real-world issues like politics, the creation and spread of myths, and our relationship with the environment, by studying the dynamic cultures of the Ancient Mediterranean.
As Bristol is close to ancient sites like Bath and Caerleon, you will enhance your studies with field trips, and we also run regular trips to cities rich in ancient heritage, like Rome or Pompeii.
Being an ancient historian is about developing knowledge, learning to analyse historical evidence, and making effective arguments. These are skills highly prized by employers, so our students go on to succeed in a variety of fields, from teaching to technology, banking to broadcasting.
With our broad range of subjects and types of assessment, you will have the opportunity to use your creativity, follow your ideas and research independently, and build innovative team projects.
Whether you are completely new to the subject or you have been inspired by previous study, you will discover new ways of exploring the ancient Mediterranean. Studying Ancient History at Bristol will expand your knowledge of Greco-Roman societies while enriching your understanding of the challenges facing us today.
Course structure
You will develop the core knowledge and critical thinking skills of an ancient historian by combining mandatory units with optional ones. Our first-year units are specifically designed to introduce you to studying Ancient History at university level, no matter your previous experience of the subject. You will explore a huge range of source materials throughout your degree, including art, literature and archaeology. There is no requirement to read Latin or Greek, however, you will have the chance to study these languages, too. You will also have the option to take other units from elsewhere in the Arts faculty or beyond.
In your second year, you will take units which help you to think more deeply about the malleability of history - where are the borders of the ancient Mediterranean? How has classical history been represented in the past? In your third year, you can choose from an exciting range of specialist subjects based on our Department's world-class research. You will refine your skills in independent research by writing a dissertation exploring a topic of your choosing. You will also take the Applied Classics unit, which involves planning, marketing and executing a project inspired by what you love about the ancient world.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
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Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Ancient History can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement