Course summary

To understand the present, you need to discover the past. Our undergraduate Ancient History degree draws on our extensive expertise, allowing you to study not only Greece and Rome, but also Egypt with an option to learn ancient languages, such as Latin, Greek, Egyptian. Delve into the rise and development of ancient civilisations over several millennia from Ancient Egypt, to Classical Greece, Republican and Imperial Rome, and Late Antiquity. Our focus on understanding ancient civilisations will include studying primary sources, both the Classical and Egyptian texts that have survived to the modern day, and the monuments and objects of those civilisations. The Ancient History course offers you the opportunity to study a diverse range of periods, countries and cultures to suit your interests. You will explore ancient cultures in a supportive academic environment where you will have access to an exceptional range of expertise and resources. In your second year, with financial support from the University, you can undertake a unique two-week funded Study Tour where you will develop a research project and travel with fellow students to countries such as Italy and Greece. The tour is led by our department’s renowned academic staff who will guide you through and support you in the development of your own research project. Why study this course? Breadth of expertise – While many Ancient History courses focus exclusively on Greece and Rome, at the University of Birmingham we offer you Greece and Rome alongside Egypt. You will have the opportunity to study a diverse range of periods, countries and cultures, to suit your interests. Exceptional learning resources – You will have access to a range of learning resources including the Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum and the Eton Myers Collection. Study tour – Our unique Study Tour gives you the opportunity to undertake travel to countries such as Italy and Greece to visit sites, monuments and museums of interest. Employability – Gain work experience with one of our bespoke internships offered exclusively to University of Birmingham's students. Access to primary sources - You'll have access to our on-campus Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum where teaching usually takes place. 16th for Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology in the Guardian University Guide 2024 Top 10 for Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology in the Complete University Guide 2025 Top 15 for Classics and Ancient History in the The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023