MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
BA Ancient History
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA Ancient History program at the University of Reading offers students a comprehensive exploration of ancient civilizations, focusing on the history, culture, politics, and society of the ancient world. This program provides a deep dive into the ancient societies of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Near East, offering students the opportunity to understand the historical developments that have shaped modern civilizations. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and research techniques, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in education, research, heritage management, and beyond. With access to exceptional resources and faculty expertise, the University of Reading ensures a rich and engaging learning experience for all students pursuing ancient history.
Curriculum: The BA Ancient History curriculum at the University of Reading is designed to offer a well-rounded education in the history of the ancient world, combining theoretical knowledge with practical research skills. In the first year, students are introduced to the key themes and periods of ancient history, covering foundational topics such as the rise and fall of ancient empires, the social and cultural life of ancient societies, and the political dynamics of key ancient civilizations. The second and third years allow students to specialize in specific areas of interest, such as ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, and the Near East. Students will explore diverse subjects like ancient warfare, the role of women in ancient societies, religion and mythology, and ancient philosophy. The program also offers opportunities to study ancient languages, including Greek and Latin, which enhances students' understanding of primary sources and deepens their historical analysis. The curriculum is designed to encourage students to engage critically with ancient sources, examining both written and material evidence. Students will learn to interpret archaeological findings, inscriptions, and ancient texts, enhancing their skills in historical analysis and argumentation. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to develop their writing, presentation, and research skills through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent study.
Research Focus: The University of Reading is renowned for its research excellence in the field of ancient history. The BA Ancient History program benefits from this strong research focus, providing students with access to cutting-edge research in a variety of areas. The university's faculty members are experts in diverse aspects of ancient history, including classical Greece, Roman history, ancient Egypt, and the ancient Near East. Research themes at Reading include ancient politics and governance, military history, cultural interactions, and the impact of ancient societies on later civilizations. Students in the program have the opportunity to engage with ongoing research through lectures, seminars, and independent projects. The university also encourages students to participate in research activities, including opportunities for fieldwork and archival research. This emphasis on research ensures that students are exposed to the latest academic developments in the field and have the chance to apply this knowledge in their own studies.
Industry Engagement: The BA Ancient History program at the University of Reading offers students a range of opportunities for industry engagement and professional development. The university's connections with museums, heritage sites, and archaeological organizations provide students with valuable opportunities for work placements, internships, and volunteering. Students can gain hands-on experience in the heritage and museum sectors, learning how ancient history is curated and presented to the public. The university also organizes guest lectures and events with professionals from various industries, including archaeology, museum curation, and education. These events offer students insights into career paths within the field of ancient history and the wider cultural heritage sector. Additionally, students have access to career services that provide guidance on employability, job search strategies, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Global Perspective: The BA Ancient History program at the University of Reading incorporates a global perspective on the ancient world. Students are encouraged to study not only European civilizations but also the ancient cultures of the Near East and Egypt, expanding their understanding of ancient history beyond the traditional Greco-Roman focus. The program emphasizes the interconnectedness of ancient societies and encourages students to explore the cultural, political, and economic interactions between different civilizations. Students also have the opportunity to engage with global research projects and study abroad programs, which offer the chance to visit archaeological sites, museums, and historical locations across Europe and beyond. These experiences help students gain a deeper understanding of the ancient world and how different civilizations influenced one another. The global outlook of the program ensures that graduates are well-prepared to work in international settings and contribute to global discussions on cultural heritage and historical preservation.
Location
Reading
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 25250
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 125.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.
Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.
Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.
Graduates of the BA Ancient History program at the University of Reading have access to a wide variety of career paths in both traditional and emerging sectors. The skills gained throughout the program—such as critical analysis, research, communication, and historical interpretation—are highly transferable, enabling graduates to succeed in a diverse range of roles.
Heritage and Museum Curator: One of the most common career paths for BA Ancient History graduates is working in the heritage and museum sector. As heritage managers or museum curators, graduates can work with ancient artifacts, historical documents, and cultural exhibits. They are responsible for managing collections, designing exhibits, and preserving historical objects, ensuring that they are accessible to the public. This role often involves working with collections from ancient civilizations such as Rome, Greece, and Egypt, helping to present history in a way that engages visitors and educates the public.
Archaeologist/Field Researcher: Graduates with an interest in archaeology can pursue careers as archaeologists or field researchers. These professionals are responsible for conducting excavations, analyzing artifacts, and interpreting historical evidence to learn more about ancient societies. Archaeologists may work for universities, research institutions, government bodies, or private archaeology firms. They often travel to historical sites and work in collaboration with other experts to uncover new insights about the ancient world.
Historical Consultant: As a historical consultant, BA Ancient History graduates provide expert advice to organizations, governments, and media outlets on matters related to ancient history. Consultants may be involved in projects such as historical documentaries, films, or historical novels, ensuring that the portrayal of ancient societies is accurate and well-researched. They may also advise heritage organizations on historical accuracy when curating exhibits or managing cultural heritage sites.
Teacher/Educator: For those interested in education, a career in teaching is a popular option. Graduates can pursue a career as history teachers at the secondary or further education level, sharing their passion for ancient history with students. Teaching at this level often requires additional teaching qualifications, but graduates can inspire future generations to appreciate and understand the rich history of ancient civilizations. Some graduates may also choose to work in museums and educational outreach programs, engaging with younger audiences and promoting historical education.
Researcher or Academic: Graduates with a passion for research can continue their studies at a postgraduate level, potentially leading to a career in academia as a researcher or professor. Academic careers in ancient history involve conducting original research, publishing scholarly articles, and teaching at the university level. Researchers may specialize in specific ancient civilizations, themes, or archaeological practices, contributing to the advancement of historical knowledge and education.
Cultural Heritage Manager: Cultural heritage managers work to protect and promote cultural heritage sites and practices. Graduates with a focus on ancient history may work with UNESCO, local governments, or private organizations to manage and preserve ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and historical landmarks. This role often involves ensuring that heritage sites are maintained, accessible, and safeguarded for future generations, as well as working on the development of educational programs to raise awareness about these sites.
Public History Specialist: Public history specialists work to make history accessible and engaging for the general public. This can involve organizing exhibitions, writing for museums or heritage organizations, and developing educational content for both physical and digital platforms. Public historians often work with government agencies, historical societies, or media organizations to present historical narratives in an engaging way, bridging the gap between academic history and the wider public.
Publishing and Writing: Graduates of the BA Ancient History program can also find roles in publishing and writing. Whether working for academic publishers, newspapers, magazines, or online platforms, graduates can contribute their expertise in ancient history through articles, books, or editorial work. Writing for historical magazines, creating educational content, or researching for historical publications allows graduates to communicate their knowledge of ancient civilizations to a wider audience.
Tour Guide/Travel Consultant: For those who enjoy engaging with the public and have a passion for history, working as a tour guide or travel consultant at historical sites or cultural destinations is an exciting career option. Graduates can lead tours at famous ancient sites such as the Colosseum in Rome, the pyramids in Egypt, or archaeological digs around the Mediterranean. Tour guides help educate tourists about the historical and cultural significance of these sites, bringing ancient history to life.
Non-Profit and NGO Work: Graduates can work for non-profit organizations or NGOs that focus on cultural preservation, historical research, or educational outreach. Many organizations around the world work to preserve ancient history and culture, promoting awareness of archaeological discoveries and the importance of historical preservation. Graduates can take on roles in project management, fundraising, or communications within such organizations, helping to raise awareness about ancient history and support cultural heritage preservation efforts.
