Course summary

ncient and Medieval History explores and examines civilisations that may appear distant but remain influential even today, and studying this four-year BA degree with a Year Abroad opens up a range of exciting career opportunities by helping you develop skills, which are highly valued by employers. You’ll have the chance to explore the history of Europe and Mediterranean regions from the ancient Athenians and Persians to the Crusades, and from the Roman Empire to the medieval kingdoms of England and France as well as the Welsh ‘age of the princes’, taking a variety of historical and archaeological approaches. We are based in our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula. Ancient History at Swansea is ranked: • 2nd in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2025) • 2nd in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025) • 3rd in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide 2025) • Top 20 in the UK for Graduate Outcomes (Complete University Guide 2025) • Top 51-100 in the World (QS World Rankings by Subject 2024) History at Swansea is ranked: • Top 15 in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2025) • Top 25 for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025) This four year programme includes a year abroad spent studying at one of our international partner institutions. This will take place between after your second year and enables you to develop key international focused skills and experience. The first year of your degree includes two compulsory modules and four optional modules, with choices typically including Greek History and Society, Gods and Heroes, Greek, Latin, and a Field Trip. Year 2 is made up of one compulsory module and five optionals, with your choice of topics typically including Archaic Greece, The Heirs of Rome, a Schools Placement teaching ancient history and languages, and the Anglo-Norman World. Year three will be spent studying abroad at one of our partner institutions, building valuable international skills and experience. Your fourth year includes a wide variety of optional modules, which can include Pompeii and the Cities of Vesuvius, Culture and Control in Roman Britain, advanced levels of Greek or Latin, and a compulsory Dissertation.