Ancient and Medieval History, BA (Hons)

Explore a Range of Influential Historical Events from across the World

Swansea University students at Messene Odeon

Course Overview

Ancient and Medieval History explores and examines civilisations that may appear distant but remain influential even today, and studying this three-year BA degree opens up a range of exciting career opportunities by helping you develop skills, which are highly valued by employers.

You’ll have the chance to explore the history of Europe and Mediterranean regions from the ancient Athenians and Persians to the Crusades, and from the Roman Empire to the medieval kingdoms of England and France as well as the Welsh ‘age of the princes’, taking a variety of historical and archaeological approaches.

Why Ancient and Medieval History at Swansea?

We are based in our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula.

Classics and Ancient History at Swansea is ranked:

  • 3rd in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • 11th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • 2nd in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • Top 20 in the UK for Graduate Outcomes (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • Top 51-150 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025) 
  • 5th in UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025)- assessed under 'Classics'*

*Based on the overall positivity score for questions 1 -26 in the NSS 2025, when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide

History at Swansea is ranked:

  • Top 25 in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)

Your degree programme will be delivered through lectures, tutorials and seminars and during your second year you will have the option to study a semester abroad in either USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong or Singapore.

If you prefer to stay closer to home, and you want to enhance your student experience and career prospects, you can gain teaching experience by leading workshops for the South West Wales Reaching Wider Partnership.

You also have the option to add a Year Abroad or Year in Industry to your degree.

The four year programme with a Year Abroad involves a year spent studying at one of our international partner institutions. This will take place between after your second year and enables you to develop key international focused skills and experience.

Alternatively, you the opportunity to spend a Year In Industry, in the UK or overseas (locations are dependent on VISA restrictions per country), giving valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for only paid placements which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Your Ancient and Medieval History Experience

During your Ancient and Medieval History degree you will have a personal tutor for any pastoral and academic support you may need, and The Society of Ancient Studies and History student society organises social and cultural events.

To enhance your employability prospects we offer work placements through the Literacy to Latin Project to Universities. These placements are within Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and charities only.

Our interdisciplinary approach means you make connections with a range of subject areas – from examining past cultures to covering over two millennia of history across the European continent and the Mediterranean world. You can tailor your degree to your own interests with a variety of topics to choose from.

Ancient and Medieval History Employment Opportunities

Students on this course typically develop excellent oral and writing skills and you will also learn to develop your ideas in a wide range of formats, along with strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Our graduates enter careers in a wide range of sectors including:

  • Education
  • Archives
  • Museums and heritage
  • Media and Public Relations
  • Business and Management
  • Politics and humanitarian organisations
  • Public sector

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.

Typical A level Offer

ABB-BBC

Ancient and Medieval History, BA (Hons)

Ancient and Medieval History with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)

Ancient and Medieval History with a Year in Industry, BA (Hons)