伯明翰大學

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 and the Near East with an option to learn ancient languages, such as Latin, Greek, Egyptian and, when available, Sumerian and Akkadian.

Delve into the rise and development of ancient civilisations over several millennia from the Ancient Near East and 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, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian 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 will undertake a unique two-week Study Tour where you will develop a research project and travel with fellow students to countries such as Italy and Greece.

Developing your career

There is a range of opportunities through our Careers Network and beyond. For example, our innovative Cultural Internships offer graduates the opportunity for a six-month paid internship at a leading cultural institution in the West Midlands. These internships will give you professional experience to set you apart in a competitive graduate market.

Current partners include Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham REP, Birmingham Royal Ballet, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust, and the Library of Birmingham. There are also internships available at the University’s own cultural assets, such as Winterbourne House, the Lapworth Museum, and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.

There are regular events each year covering careers in teaching, events management, working with charities and more, to help you meet potential employers and learn more about a range of sectors.

There are also summer internship opportunities and work experience bursaries, which allow you to apply for funding to support you during any unpaid internships. You may also want to apply to work overseas on an expenses-paid placement through our Global Challenge Internship Programme.

Extra-curricular activities

To enhance your career prospects even further, you may want to engage in extra-curricular activities to broaden your skills and your network of contacts.

Our College of Arts and Law Undergraduate Research Scholarship Scheme enables interested students to work on a current academic research project run by one of our researchers in drama and theatre. You gain work experience over the summer after your first or second year and have the chance to develop skills in both collaborative and independent research.

Our employer-endorsed Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects.