Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 11/10/2022
College College Arts and Law
School History and Cultures
Department Classics, AH and Archaeology
Partner College and School
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title B.A. Ancient History Full-time
Programme Code 0784
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 3 Year(s)
Accreditations This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme It provides students with the opportunity to acquire an understanding of historical events and processes, focusing in particular (but not exclusively) on ancient Greece and Rome, from the Bronze Age to Late Antiquity. Students will deal with a wide range of evidence (material, written, digital) in a critical manner. The BA Ancient History programme allows students to explore the interconnected nature of Greek and Roman societies with each other and other cultures of the Mediterranean and beyond. The programme contributes to students’ understanding of the origins of modern culture, enabling them to engage critically with the Classical world and its impact on the modern world.

The programme aims to:
  • facilitate intellectual development by encouraging independence and critical thinking.
  • provide a foundation for research into and further study of the past.
  • develop an innovative range of subject specific and transferable skills in research, analysis and presentation through the study and understanding of Ancient History in the context of cognate disciplines.
  • instil sensitivity to the range of cultural similarities and differences that is of particular importance and value in modern multicultural societies.
  • provide the opportunity to study relevant ancient languages.
  • provide the broadest possible platform of transferable skills for both further study and intellectual training outside the Academy


Graduates of the Ancient History programme have wide career prospects, including academic research, teaching (from primary to higher education), museums and galleries, heritage management, tourism, creative economy, and government work. Some of these career paths may require further studies.

For Year/ Semester Abroad programmes only:
The year/semester abroad will provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the society and culture of a foreign country while gaining experience of a different academic environment and way of teaching. The year abroad also provides an opportunity for students to improve their existing language proficiency (where applicable) as well as enhancing their organisation and communication skills and their employability through a proven ability to succeed in a foreign setting. It also provides students with the opportunity to understand the approaches to the past and methodologies for its study employed in other countries or cultures.
Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
The origins, development and current social and academic context of Ancient History as a discipline CertHE, DipHE, BA
Theory and practice of the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of historical data from ancient literary sources CertHE, DipHE, BA
History of specific regions and periods through study and personal experience CertHE, DipHE, BA
Historical processes and their interpretation
Year/ Semester Abroad only
Demonstrate the ability to study relevant topics at an international institution and appreciate the difference between study in the UK and overseas.
1-4. Lectures, seminars, small group project work, field work, presentations, and (for BA only) independent research (dissertation)

5. Year/ Semester Abroad (as delivered by the host institution)
1-4. Examinations, extended essays, dissertation, seminar presentation, group work, project work, reports

5. Year/ Semester Abroad Module (assessment as required by host institution).
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
Ability to summarise, synthesise, analyse and evaluate others’ arguments, and to formulate their own logical and structured arguments, normally both orally and in writing, with appropriate supporting evidence.
Research, describe and analyse historical evidence and construct an informed synthesis from it in relation to current knowledge
Independent study skills (self-organisation, initiative and self-direction; time management; autonomous research skills; the ability to collect, organise, synthesise and evaluate information; planning, drafting and editing)
The ability to produce an extended piece of academic writing, drawing on independent study skills acquired on the programme
Ability to work as a member of a team in a range of contexts, including the capacity to listen, to respond flexibly to feedback, to understand diverse perspectives, and to negotiate solutions collectively
Identify problems and questions and critically evaluate solutions and answers in theoretical and practical aspects of research into the ancient world
Transferable skills relevant to employment, including problem-solving, self-reliance, initiative, adaptability, flexibility, resilience, self-motivation, and competences such as note-taking, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, ability to use and manipulate digital resources and to present information and ideas effectively using ICT.
Year abroad only: To achieve an enhanced cultural awareness through direct interactions with society and institutions in another country. To develop a range of marketable skills including problem solving, communication, patience and perseverance, determination, self-motivation, analytical and study skills through direct interactions with society and institutions in another country.
1-7: Lectures, seminars, independent study and research: essays at levels 1, 2 and 3, dissertation at level 3. Group project work: assessed at level 1 (project), informally at level 2 (Study Tour). Oral presentations: group presentation at level 1 (project), individually at level 3 (Special Subject).

8. Year/Semester abroad (as delivered by the host institution)
1-7: Examinations, extended essays, dissertation, seminar presentation, group work, project work

8. Year/Semester Abroad Module (assessment as required by host institution).