Course Overview

To understand fully the modern world - its culture, language, political systems and people – you need to take a long perspective. Studying undergraduate Ancient and Medieval History goes back to the roots of modern civilisation in Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and the Middle Ages. 

Our degree course has a distinctive emphasis on using literature, history and archaeology in the study of the ancient world, and we offer a range of expertise.  The chronological sweep is wide, from around 3000BC to 1500AD and you can study Europe, the Mediterranean and Asian civilisations.  One aspect of study is social history: how people in the past lived, worked, traded and enjoyed their leisure.  Studying such a diverse range of societies and cultures enables you to analyse and reflect on the complex relationship between the Ancient and Medieval worlds.

The first year of your degree course represents a foundation year in which we instil core skills and knowledge for historical enquiry.  In the second year, the emphasis on small group teaching and independent learning increases and you develop as an historian of the ancient and medieval worlds.  In the final year you study medieval and ancient modules, along with a Dissertation, using primary sources to answer a historical question which you have developed since your second year. 

General Eligibility

• Three GCE A levels (including International A Levels)

• The International Baccalaureate Diploma

• SQA Highers and Advanced Highers (many programmes will accept Highers without additional Advanced Highers)

• The Cambridge Pre-U (minimum three separate subjects)

• A mix of A levels and Cambridge Pre-U subjects (minimum three in total)

• The Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level

• The European Baccalaureate

• Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (the grade required will be the same as from an A level and must be combined with 2 A levels.)

Part Time Work Details

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a suitable level of English proficiency.

  You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications. The sections below will tell you what grades you need in these qualifications for the subject area you want to study.

  English tests/qualifications normally need to have been taken within two years of the start date of your programme.

  For those joining us for 2022, we will accept the following additional tests as evidence of English language proficiency:

  • TOEFL Home Edition

  • IELTs Online

  • PTE Academic Online