Course summary

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. 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) 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.