Course Overview
The major in Ancient History offers students the opportunity to study the history of Ancient Greek and Roman societies. The Ancient History part of the degree allows you to study a wide range of modules covering not only fascinating figures like Alexander the Great, but also basic aspects of everyday life, such as ancient religions, politics, warfare (both on land and at sea) and the economic and trading networks of Ancient Greece. In the first year, modules can be taken on a wide range of periods and themes; in the second and third years, the School offers specialised modules on all aspects of Greco-Roman history so that you can gain in-depth knowledge in areas of particular interest to you. Options are also available to study select modules in ancient Chinese History, Classical Archaeology or Theology. The culmination of the degree is the dissertation, where you are free to pursue a topic of your choice in line with the research interests of your tutor.
For the minor part of their study students will immerse themselves in a range of topics covering different aspects of ancient Egyptian culture. This part of the programme brings together existing staff expertise and research strengths from the School of Archaeology, History and Anthropology and from the School of Classics to offer students a very broad sweep of study specialisation, notably research on ancient Egyptian Funerary rituals and management of the dead, ancient Roman trade through Thrace, ancient Egyptian medicine and medical practice, forensic archaeological techniques as applied to ancient Egypt and the Mediterranean world in its broadest sense.
Key Features
Reasons to choose this course include:
- Small classes with interactive learning
- Opportunity to construct your own degree scheme
- Training in research methods
- Use of local record office and museum resources
- Study visits to national parks, local heritage centres, museums, the National Library of Wales, galleries
- Local and international field trips, as well as study abroad opportunities with our partners at Bologna (Italy), Tarragona (Spain) and Hobart and William Smith (USA)
- Innovative teaching methods
Modules
Typical modules include:
- Pharaohs, Phoenicians and Peoples of the Sea
- What Makes ancient civilisations?
- Exhibiting Egypt: digitising material culture
- Data, Methods and Practice
- Hieroglyphs, Text and Society
- Funerary Belief in Ancient Egypt
- Towns, Tombs, and Temple
- Forensics of a Classical Age
- Museums, Representation and Identity
- Defenders, Conquerors, Vanquished; Greek and Hellenistic History
- Sparta: an Extraordinary City
- Armies and Navies: Studies in Ancient Warfare
- From Village to Empire: an Introduction to the History of Rome
- The Rise of Rome: Studies in Roman Imperialism
- Religions in Antiquity
Course Tutor(s)
- Dr Katherina Zinn
- Dr Louise Steel
- Dr Kyle Erickson
Assessment
Assessment methods
Assessment methods for the course draw upon a range of different forms and approaches that include a variety of written formats from essays (ranging from 1,500 words up to 3,500 words in length), book reviews, literature surveys, short 1,000-word analyses, reflective journals, document analysis, exhibitions and displays, article reviews, oral presentations delivered both in a group and individually, and both seen and unseen examinations. In addition to summative assessments the programme also undertakes a range of formative assessments that may include one or more of the following: peer assessed work, group presentations, journals, internet searches, document analysis, and bibliographic exercises.
Learning and Teaching methods
Teaching methods are designed to provide interest, variety and academic curiosity. Seminars, workshops and small group work are our principal means of teaching, though supported by lectures, field trips, revision and study groups. We also offer one-to-one tutorials in which you can discuss aspects of your work, for example asking for advice on the structuring of essays or writing technique, or seek feedback on a specific assignment.
Career Opportunities
The Careers Service subscribes to a range of careers databases and networks to ensure that you benefit from having access to the latest information. The Careers team is able to assist you to identify and plan your career by matching your interests and course of study to relevant jobs. The service also includes assistance with writing applications and CVs, interview techniques, Professional Development Planning (PDP), as well as general careers counselling for individuals and groups.
Specifically the course offers employment opportunities in the following areas:
- Heritage sector and heritage management
- Teaching and education
- Tourism and tourism management
- Volunteer work
- Tour guides
- Online publishing
- Museum and archive
- Local government archaeology
- Administration
- Business and commerce
- Local government
- Media and Publishing
- Business and Commerce
- Teaching
- Library and Information Services
- Further Study
Further Information
Visiting the University
For any students considering studying BA Ancient History with Ancient Egyptian Culture at UWTSD it is worthwhile attending a Visit Day or Open Day. You can take a tour of the Lampeter campus, meet some students, and question the lecturers to get a comprehensive understanding of the university and its teaching. To find out more about forthcoming dates visit the Open Day and Visit Day pages.
Related Courses
- BA Ancient Civilisations
- BA Classical Civilisation
- BA Ancient History and Archaeology
- BA Ancient History
- BA Archaeology of Egypt and the Near East
Tuition Fees
Annual tuition fees for entry in the academic year 2017/18 are as follows:
UK/EU: £9,000
International: £14,900
Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3% for International students and at the capped fee rate as set by the UK Government for UK/EU students.
You can find further information on fees and how to pay on our Student Finance pages.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's Bursaries and Scholarships page
Additional Costs
There is an optional field trip connected to a module for second and third year students to the Mediterranean to allow students to visit ancient sites first hand. The Faculty subsidises this trip but the cost each year is dependent on airfare, location, and currency exchange rates. The Faculty aims to keep the cost in the range £400-£700.
For the Field trip modules, a deposit is usually required in September/October to ensure a place with the full cost due in December/January. Payment is made to the Finance Office on campus or through the online payment facility.
