MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
BA Ancient History and History
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA Ancient History and History program at the University of Reading combines the study of ancient civilizations with broader historical perspectives, offering students an in-depth exploration of both ancient and modern historical periods. The program is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of different historical epochs, emphasizing the development of critical analysis, research skills, and a deep understanding of historical narratives. Students will study various ancient societies such as those of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, while also exploring the history of more recent periods, including the medieval, early modern, and modern eras. The program is designed to foster intellectual curiosity, allowing students to engage with primary sources, historical debates, and interpretive methodologies.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA Ancient History and History is designed to give students a well-rounded understanding of history, spanning both ancient and modern periods. In the early stages of the program, students will be introduced to key themes in history, historical methodology, and the study of ancient civilizations. As the program progresses, students will delve deeper into specific topics, such as ancient military history, political structures, cultural practices, and the economic foundations of ancient societies. The modern history component covers a wide range of topics from the medieval period to the 20th century, offering students insight into global historical events and movements. In addition to core modules, students are encouraged to explore specialized areas of interest, including social history, political history, and the history of ideas. The program incorporates a variety of learning methods, including lectures, seminars, and independent research. Students are also required to complete a dissertation, where they can pursue a topic of personal interest, guided by expert faculty. This comprehensive approach to history ensures that graduates have a broad and versatile understanding of historical development across different periods and regions.
Research Focus: The University of Reading is renowned for its research-led teaching, where students benefit from the latest academic insights and ongoing research projects. The research focus of the History department covers a wide range of topics, with particular strengths in ancient history, classical studies, and the medieval to early modern periods. Faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge research in areas such as the political, cultural, and social history of ancient civilizations, as well as more recent historical developments. Students are encouraged to engage with faculty research projects, participate in seminars, and contribute to academic discussions. The research focus also extends to interdisciplinary approaches, combining history with archaeology, art history, and environmental studies. This allows students to gain a more nuanced understanding of historical periods, drawing on various disciplines to inform their historical analyses. The University’s research in ancient history is particularly distinguished by its focus on integrating material culture and textual sources, offering students a richer perspective on ancient societies.
Industry Engagement: The University of Reading places a strong emphasis on industry engagement and preparing students for the workplace. The BA Ancient History and History program provides opportunities for students to gain valuable practical experience in a variety of fields related to history, heritage, and research. The university works closely with museums, archaeological organizations, and heritage sites to offer students industry placements, internships, and work-based learning opportunities. These experiences help students develop essential skills that are transferable to numerous professional settings, such as project management, research, and public engagement. The program’s strong industry links also extend to career support, with dedicated career services providing guidance on job opportunities, networking, and professional development. Students are encouraged to participate in conferences, workshops, and exhibitions, which further enhance their employability and provide insights into potential career paths in history and heritage.
Global Perspective: The University of Reading adopts a global perspective in its approach to teaching and research, encouraging students to explore historical developments on a global scale. The BA Ancient History and History program offers students an opportunity to study both Western and non-Western historical contexts, helping them develop a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of global societies. This international outlook is enhanced by the university’s partnerships with institutions across Europe and beyond, providing students with opportunities for exchange programs, international study trips, and collaborative research projects. The program’s focus on global history also ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in international organizations, NGOs, and diplomatic services, where a deep understanding of historical events and cultural differences is vital. By examining the impact of historical events on a global scale, students develop critical thinking and cross-cultural communication skills, which are highly sought after in today’s globalized world.
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 135.
- 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.
The University of Reading is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and its strong emphasis on research-led teaching. The BA Ancient History and History program combines an in-depth study of ancient civilizations with broader historical perspectives, providing students with a well-rounded education in both ancient and modern history. This comprehensive academic approach equips graduates with a versatile skill set that opens up a wide array of career options in various sectors, including academia, heritage, museums, education, public history, and more.
Historian / Researcher: Graduates of the BA Ancient History and History program are well-prepared to become historians or researchers, contributing to the academic field and various public history projects. They may work for universities, research institutes, think tanks, or independent research projects. With a solid grounding in historical methodologies and critical thinking, graduates can engage in scholarly research, historical publishing, or data analysis related to historical events and trends. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate studies to specialize further in areas such as ancient history, medieval studies, or modern history.
Archaeologist: With the program's focus on ancient civilizations and the development of analytical skills, graduates can pursue careers in archaeology. Archaeologists work to uncover, analyze, and interpret material evidence from past societies, often through fieldwork and excavations. Opportunities exist in various sectors, including academia, government agencies, private archaeological firms, and non-profit heritage organizations. The practical experience gained during the program, such as field trips and research projects, can serve as a stepping stone into archaeological digs and conservation projects.
Museum Curator: Graduates with an interest in preserving history and artifacts can pursue careers as museum curators. Museum curators are responsible for acquiring, preserving, and presenting historical collections in museums, galleries, and cultural heritage sites. They plan exhibitions, curate collections, and develop educational content that brings history to life for visitors. With specialized knowledge in ancient and modern history, graduates of the BA Ancient History and History program are highly sought after by museums and heritage organizations for their ability to analyze and interpret historical artifacts.
Heritage Manager / Consultant: Heritage managers work to preserve historical landmarks, monuments, and cultural heritage sites. Graduates of the BA Ancient History and History program, with their understanding of the historical significance of cultural assets, can step into roles that focus on conserving heritage while promoting its value to the public. Heritage managers may work for local authorities, national governments, or private heritage organizations to ensure that historical sites are protected and accessible. Graduates may also find opportunities as heritage consultants, advising on the conservation of historical sites, projects, and policy development.
Public Historian: Public historians bridge the gap between academic research and public engagement. These professionals work in various settings, including museums, cultural organizations, and government agencies, to make history accessible and relevant to the public. They may create educational programs, organize exhibitions, and lead public history projects aimed at preserving and sharing historical knowledge with wider audiences. Graduates with a passion for communicating history to the public can pursue careers as public historians or in related fields like historical education and outreach.
Teacher / Educator: Many graduates of the BA Ancient History and History program choose to enter the education sector. With their deep knowledge of historical subjects, they can become history teachers in secondary schools or higher education institutions. The program's emphasis on critical thinking, research, and effective communication also prepares graduates to create compelling lesson plans, lead discussions, and inspire students to explore history. Teaching history in schools or at the university level is an excellent career path for those who are passionate about sharing historical knowledge and engaging with students.
Archivist: Archivists are responsible for managing, preserving, and organizing historical documents, manuscripts, and records. They work in libraries, archives, museums, and governmental organizations to ensure that important historical materials are protected and accessible. Graduates of the BA Ancient History and History program possess the analytical and research skills necessary to assess the historical significance of documents and records, making them well-suited for roles in archives and historical preservation.
Cultural Resource Manager: Cultural resource management (CRM) focuses on the protection and preservation of cultural heritage in the face of modern development. Graduates from the BA Ancient History and History program can pursue careers as cultural resource managers, where they evaluate the impact of development projects on historical sites, advise on preservation efforts, and work with developers, government agencies, and cultural organizations to protect important cultural assets. This role requires a deep understanding of history, as well as the ability to balance development needs with heritage preservation.
Tourism and Visitor Engagement: With expertise in ancient history and historical interpretation, graduates can work in the tourism industry, especially at heritage sites, historical landmarks, and cultural destinations. These professionals often serve as tour guides, providing informative and engaging historical insights to tourists. Graduates can also contribute to the creation of educational programs and materials that enhance the tourist experience, working with heritage organizations or tourism boards to develop interactive experiences that highlight the significance of historical sites.
Government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Graduates of the program may also choose to work for governmental or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that focus on cultural preservation, historical research, and international development. Government agencies may hire historians or heritage specialists to develop policies that promote cultural heritage and the protection of historical sites. Similarly, NGOs working in conflict zones or underdeveloped regions often need experts who can help preserve the cultural heritage of at-risk societies. Graduates with expertise in ancient and modern history can play a vital role in such initiatives.
Freelance Writing or Consultancy: Some graduates choose to work independently as writers or consultants. Freelance historians can write for publications, produce historical content for documentaries or media outlets, or offer consultancy services to historical projects and research teams. Writing books, articles, or even historical fiction are popular avenues for those with a strong passion for history and storytelling. Consultancy roles may include advising film productions, providing expert analysis for historical documentaries, or assisting researchers with historical data and interpretation.
