Egyptology and Ancient History, BA (Hons)

Develop your Interest and Passion for Ancient Egypt and its Neighbours

Swansea University students at Messene Odeon

Course Overview

Egyptology and Ancient History is an exciting course that offers a comprehensive exploration of the rich histories and cultures of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Through this programme, you will gain valuable skills in research, analysis, and critical thinking, while developing a deep understanding of the social, political, and economic structures of these ancient cultures and societies.

With a focus on the art, archaeology, languages, and literature of these societies, this programme is designed to equip you with a strong foundation in the study of the ancient Eastern Mediterranean world, while providing you with a range of transferable skills that are valuable in many industries.

Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in academia, cultural institutions, publishing, tourism, or other fields that value critical thinking, research, and communication skills, the BA in Egyptology and Ancient History is the perfect choice for you. Join us on this exciting journey to explore the ancient world, its legacy, and its impact on contemporary society.

Why Egyptology and Ancient History at Swansea?

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

You’ll be joining a leading programme at Swansea, that is currently ranked:

  • 2nd in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • 3rd in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • 5th in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 8th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • 9th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • Top 51-150 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025) 

Your Egyptology and Ancient History Experience

The opportunity to build valuable experience is fundamental to this programme, with numerous opportunities for you to get out of the classroom. From history and heritage fieldtrips, to varied placement opportunities that enhance your understanding of the museum industry and heritage practices. You will also have the chance to volunteer at our Egypt Centre, which houses over 5,000 artefacts, and can benefit from our close links with local schools, via the Welsh Classics Hwb, and our placement module, where you can gain classroom experience, teaching students about the ancient world.

This course offers you various opportunities to demonstrate your new understanding of the ancient world. You may be asked to compile an ‘object life cycle’, setting out how particular specimens were created and how they reached their current location, or to design a plan to exhibit particular artefacts. Our assignments will help you develop your ability to communicate your knowledge in various ways, through presentations, blogposts, or creative assignments, as well as more traditional written essays. These assessments are carefully structured to support you in building skills and confidence as you progress.

You can also join our student-run Ancient World Society, which organises a variety of social and cultural events.

The programme includes opportunities to undertake a Semester or Year Abroad, spent in locations such as the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, or Singapore, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience.

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, 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.

Although securing a placement is your responsibility, we work with a number of organisations who provide a range of placements. You will also be supported throughout your application journey with advice, guidance and additional resources. If you are unable to secure a placement by the end of the second year of your studies, you will transfer onto the equivalent degree programme.

Egyptology and Ancient History Employment Opportunities

As a graduate of this programme, you will typically develop excellent presentation and writing skills, related to research, analysis, and problem solving. You will learn to develop your ideas in a wide range of formats, which will be directly applicable to life after university.

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

  • Heritage Management and Tourism
  • Museums and Cultural Institutions
  • Education and Teaching
  • Publishing, Media and Public Relations
  • Business and Management
  • Politics and Civil Service
  • Research and Development

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

Egyptology and Ancient History, BA (Hons)

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

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