About this course

Learn about the ancient world and how it continues to shape life today, from popular culture and media to global politics.

As part of your ancient history degree, you’ll spend a year studying abroad. You’ll experience another culture, gain new perspectives and develop your understanding of ancient history in an international context.

You can shape your degree around your interests, with opportunities to explore ancient languages, philosophy, art, archaeology and digital humanities.

We’ll help you develop your career interests and explore career options related to your degree.

You’ll study in a supportive environment. In the National Student Survey 2026, 97% of students on our History courses were positive about academic support, and 94% were positive about the teaching on their course.

You'll spend your third year studying ancient history at a partner university abroad.

On BA Ancient History with Year Abroad you can:

Spend a year studying abroad and experience life in another culture.
Explore histories of the ancient world, ranging from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome to Imperial China, late antiquity and the rise of Islam.
Learn how the ancient world affects the modern life, from popular media to world politics.
Choose to study ancient languages (Latin or Greek), philosophy, art, archaeology, and digital humanities.
Learn from a team of world-class experts including historians, archaeologists, and language specialists.
Study in a research-led environment: Southampton is ranked 10th in the UK for research quality in History (Complete University Guide 2026).

Your year abroad

You’ll spend your third year studying at a partner university overseas. Current destinations include universities in Europe, the United States, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Australia.

Studying abroad will give you new perspectives on the ancient world and the opportunity to experience a different academic environment. You’ll develop your independence before returning to Southampton for the final year of your degree.

Discover the benefits and financial support options for studying abroad.

You can also study Ancient History (UCAS code: V102) without a year abroad. You may have opportunities to gain international experience through summer schools in Greece or Italy.

Course location

This course is based at Avenue.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

ODT

Download 2026-27 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

ABB

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB and grade A in the EPQ.

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is: BBC from 3 A levels.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma, or Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level, or Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB from 2 A levels.

Additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

QCF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma, or Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level, or Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from 2 A levels.

BTEC contextual

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

Each year is made up of a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You’ll have the opportunity to study archaeological methods and carry out fieldwork to enhance your understanding of the ancient world.

You'll spend your third year abroad. You'll record your experiences in a blog and produce an end of year report.

You’ll be able to broaden your experience beyond ancient history by selecting:

interdisciplinary modules
language modules, Latin or ancient Greek

You do not need to choose your modules when you apply. We'll guide you through the process before you start.

Year 1 overview

Compulsory modules provide an introduction to the ancient world and its source materials.

You’ll choose from optional modules, covering topics such as the emergence of civilisation, Alexander the Great, or the Romans in Britain.

Year 2 overview

Optional modules include myths in the ancient world, or ancient Rome from an archaeological perspective. You’ll also carry out a group research project and prepare for your year abroad.

Year 3 overview

You’ll study for a year at one of our partner institutions. Locations include:

Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
France
Germany
Norway
Poland

You can arrange an approved work placement as an alternative to study.

Year 4 overview

The Reading Histories module in semester 1 will help you to shape your ideas for your dissertation. You’ll work closely with a group who are interested in a similar historical period to critically engage with key literature and historiographical approaches.

You can also choose from specialist module options. These include Ancient Egypt, the Emperor Julian, or urbanisation in Ancient Rome.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

Research
Critical thinking
Self-management
Confidence
Communication
Teamwork
Creativity
Adaptability
Problem solving
Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Local and national government bodies,

regional councils,

museums and galleries,

British Library,

universities,

Libraries,

archaeological contractors and consultants,

archaeological and heritage service providers.

Careers directly related to this course:

Heritage manager
Archivist
Archaeologist
Historic buildings officer
Conservation officer
Academic researcher
Museum curator
Gallery exhibitions officer
Secondary school teacher
Museum education officer

Wider career opportunities:

Museum grants officer
Academic librarian
Information officer
Policy officer
Editorial assistant
Library trainee
Archaeologist
Broadcast journalist
Political assistant
Social researcher

Example job titles of Southampton BA Ancient History (YA) graduates*:

Archives assistant
Human resources specialist
Secondary school teacher
Tax assistant
Assistant archaeologist
Marketing executive
Primary school teacher
Recruitment consultant
Civil servant
Trainee solicitor

Job prospects for BA Ancient History (YA) graduates

£24.5k

Average professional salary

80%

In a skilled profession or further study

92%

Graduate employment rate

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Year in employment

You can apply for a year in employment placement on this course. This is a great way to improve your employability and confidence in your career prospects. Recommended by 100% of students who've taken part, you can apply for a UK or global placement in any sector.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £10,050.
EU and international students pay £28,300.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

Ancient History with Year Abroad (BA)

About this course

On BA Ancient History with Year Abroad you can:

Your year abroad

Learn more about this subject area

History

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202728

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

BTEC contextual

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Access Offer Contextual

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish certificate additional information

Irish Offer Contextual

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

GCSE requirements

Mature applicants

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Year 4 overview

Modules

For entry in academic year 2027 to 2028

Year 1 modules

Ancient Sources in Context

Introduction to the Ancient World

The Ancient World in the Modern Day

Thinking Through Things: The Archaeology And Anthropology Of Material Worlds

Antiquity and Authority: Ancient Persia in Modern Iranian Politics

Debates and Issues in Archaeological Science

From Alexander to Augustus: Leadership in the Ancient World

Introduction to Ethnography: Food and Culture

Landscapes and Seascapes of Britain’s Past

Latin 2

Literary Transformations

Masada: History and Myth

Year 2 modules

Humanities Study Abroad Preparation Module

Making History Part 2: Debates and Research

Making History: Historians and Audiences

Year Abroad Report Module for Humanities Students

Year in Employment

Ancient Greek Philosophy

Ancient Greeks at War

Ancient Rome: the First Metropolis

Antiquity and Authority: Ancient Persia in Modern Iranian Politics

Bones, Bodies and Burials: osteology and comparative anatomy

Creating Elizabeth I: Ancient Inspiration for a Renaissance Queen (1558-1603)

Digital Futures of the Past: Power, Ethics, and Representation

Humanities and Professional Practice