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

Explore Ancient Egyptian Art, History, Civilisation and Archaeology

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.

The additional Foundation Year included in this programme gives you an exciting introduction to Higher Education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful on your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after Further Education or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of the BA.

Why Egyptology and Ancient History with a Foundation Year 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 with a Foundation Year Experience

During your Foundation Year, you will learn the key skills you’ll need to make your degree a success, while developing key knowledge that will relate directly to your BA.

During the following three years, the opportunity to build valuable experience is fundamental, with history and heritage fieldtrips enabling you to experience history in its place, and varied placement opportunities enhancing your understanding of the museum industry and heritage practices. You will also have the chance to volunteer at our own Egypt Centre, which houses over 5,000 genuine Egyptian artefacts, and can benefit from our close links with local schools, via the Welsh Classics Hwb, as well as 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. Our range of assessments will help you develop your ability to communicate your knowledge in various ways, such as presentations, blogposts, or creative assignments, as well as more traditional 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 with a Foundation Year 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

CDD-DDD

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