Ancient History (BA)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

We are currently working with our students to update and improve the content of this course. The information shown below reflects the current curriculum and is likely to change. The review of the course is expected to be completed by August 2022 and this page will be updated by end of October 2022 to reflect the changes.

BA Ancient History is a three-year degree programme comprising of core modules, which provide essential skills and training, and a wide variety of optional modules that allow you to tailor your degree to meet your interests. You will study modules totalling 120 credits each year.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

Year one
You take at least four 20-credit Ancient History modules of your yearly total of 120 credits. Your remaining 40 credits can be taken from within the School.

In a year giving you a thorough grounding in the subject, you will acquire a focused introduction to the study of Ancient History. Your critical and analytical skills will be fostered through close engagement with the ancient sources and modern interpretations.

Year two
You study two 20-credit core modules plus optional modules equating to 80 credits to make your yearly total of 120 credits.

At this point in your degree you have a wide range of choice to explore topics and themes of particular interest.

Year three
You choose from a wide range of optional modules (totalling 80 credits) and write a dissertation on a topic of your choice (40 credits).

A level
ABB-BBB. If you have grade B in the relevant language A-level you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

International Baccalaureate
32-31 overall or 665 in 3 HL subjects. If you have grade 6 in the relevant language at HL you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

Fees for overseas status

• £18,950

Our graduates progress into a wide range of careers using the skills gained throughout their degrees. Some choose to pursue professions making direct use of their discipline expertise, whilst others enter the public or private sectors, from teaching to graduate-track management.

96% of the School’s 2016/17 graduates reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduation (Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey).

Taking the Class of 2017 as our most recent example, graduates from the School have gone on to roles in teaching, the civil service, the military, banking and insurance, and the charity sector, with employers ranging from the National Museum Wales and Oxford Archaeology East, to County Council authorities and schools.

During your degree you can take full advantage of the wide range of opportunities provided by the Careers Service, enhanced by the School’s Workplace Partnerships Officer.

Graduate careers

• Historian
• Lecturer
• Curator