Ancient History and History with a Year Abroad

If you would like to study History across thousands of years, or choose modules covering the widest possible range of periods, Ancient History and History at Swansea is for you.

Because of the long time span this degree scheme covers, you can also investigate how later periods have understood and built on what had come before them. Put the cultures you explore in deep context and think critically about identity and socio-cultural developments, as well as the actions of history-makers in many different contexts.

You’ll get the chance to consider connections and developments across centuries and millennia, and to analyse a great variety of historical material, from ancient objects in the Egypt Centre, our in-house museum, and historical sites to recent archive material. This course will empower you to grow in yourself and to develop important analytical and interpersonal skills.

We are based in our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula.

In Ancient History we have expertise in, and regularly publish on, areas from the Greek city states and their geographers, Cyprus through the ages, and Alexander the Great, to Roman Syria, Pompeii, and the bishops and emperors of the later Roman empire.

Our History staff boast expertise in British, European, and American history, from the middle ages to the modern day, on topics including gender, sexuality, and inequalities; heritage and history in the workplace; medicine, health, and disability; and war, violence, and peace.

You can study the past outside of the lecture hall and the library, through field trips and study trip modules, and apply your knowledge in a work placement. If you have teaching in mind as a career, you can gain valuable experience with our Schools Placement module, in which you can, as part of your degree, instruct pupils in local schools in the culture of the classical world. We also offer opportunities in the heritage sector, working with local institutions, which are in accord with our civic mission and concern for our environment.

As part of this programme, you will have the opportunity to spend a full year abroad after your second year, with one of our partner institutions, allowing you to build valuable international skills and experience.

Year 1 of your degree will include three compulsory and three optional modules, with a choice of optional topics that include The Early Modern World, Medieval Europe, Gods and Heroes, and Ancient Egyptian Society and Culture.

Year 2 has one compulsory module and five optionals, with topics including Archaic Greece, Gender in the Roman World, a Schools Placement teaching ancient history and languages, and Plato’s Republic.

Your third year will be spent on your Year Abroad, studying at one of our international partner institutions, where you can gain valuable skills and experience.

Year 4 largely consists of optional modules, with choices including advanced levels of Greek or Latin, Pompeii and the Cities of Vesuvius, Plato’s Republic, The Great Depression, Ancient and Medieval Monarchy, and a compulsory Dissertation.

We offer a variety of assessment methods within our programmes. In addition to traditional examinations and essays, examples of alternative assessment include:
• Presentations
• Group Work
• Personal Reflection
Throughout your undergraduate Ancient History and History degree, you will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to present your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing. For full breakdown of course structure and assessment please visit our course page: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/culture-communication/classics-ancient-history-egyptology/ba-ancient-history-history or get in touch with us at study@swansea.ac.uk