To understand fully the modern world – its culture, language, political systems and people – you need to take a long perspective. Studying Ancient and Medieval History goes back to the roots of modern civilisation in Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and the Middle Ages.
We have a distinctive emphasis on using literature, history and archaeology in the study of the ancient world, and we offer a range of expertise. The chronological sweep is wide, from around 3000BC to 1500AD and you can study Europe, the Mediterranean and Asian civilisations. One aspect of study is social history: how people in the past lived, worked, traded and enjoyed their leisure. Studying such a diverse range of societies and cultures enables you to analyse and reflect on the complex relationship between the Ancient and Medieval worlds.
The first year represents a foundation year in which we instil core skills and knowledge for historical enquiry. In the second year, the emphasis on small group teaching and independent learning increases and you develop as a historian of the ancient and medieval worlds. In the final year you study medieval and ancient modules, along with a Dissertation, using primary sources to answer a historical question which you have developed since your second year.
Why Study this Course?
- Outstanding student experience – Our students gave the course an overall satisfaction rating of 100% in the National Student Survey 2018.
- Strong employability – 90% of our graduates enter work or further study within six months of graduation (DLHE 2017) in a wide range of professions, including accountancy, charity work, housing, law, publishing, politics and teaching.
- Broad portfolio – We are very conscious that a true appreciation of the ancient and medieval world requires as varied an approach as possible. At the beginning you will study broad time periods and issues but you will get to focus on particular topics of your choosing all the way through.
- Resources – We have excellent library facilities with the University Library situated by the History Department and we have the Hilton and Styles libraries in the Arts Building. The Cadbury Research Library is home to the University of Newcastle historic collections of rare books, manuscripts, archives, photographs and associated artefacts. The collections which have been built up over a period of 120 years consist of over 200,000 rare printed books including significant incunabula, as well as over 4 million unique archive and manuscript collections.
Institutional Accreditation
University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.
BA Ancient and Medieval History
Course Level:
Udergraduate
Credits
120
Course
CODE U402
How long it takes:
Undergraduate (3 Year)
Study Mode:
Distance learning/ Campus
Course cost
Price: US$20,220
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Department:
Newcastle Law School
First year
Compulsory modules
- Discovering the Middle Ages (20 credits)
- Living in the Middle Ages (20 credits)
- Practising History A: Skills in History (10 credits)
- Practising History B: Approaches to History (10 credits)
- Rethinking the Ancient World A (10 credits)
- Rethinking the Ancient World B (10 credits)
Optional modules:
Either Greek World (20 credits) or The Transformation of the Roman World, c.200-c850 (20 credits)
Either Roman World (20 credits) or The Worlds of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia (20 credits)
Second year
Compulsory modules
- Research Methods (10+10 credits)
- Medieval Option A (20 credits)
- Medieval Option B (20 credits)
Optional modules
- Normally: Research Seminar A and B (10+10 credits)
- and 20+20 credits of optional modules, one in each Semester which may include languages chosen or 20 credits of optional modules chosen in Ancient History and Professional Skills module (20 credits)
Year abroad
You can apply to study abroad for a year in an approved university around the world. If you achieve a grade of 2.1 or above in your first year then you will be invited to apply for a Year Abroad in your second year. If your application is successful, you will go abroad in your third year and return to us for your final year.
Final year
Compulsory modules
- Dissertation (40 credits)
- Special Subject A and B (20+20 credits)
Optional modules:
- 40 credits of Ancient History modules
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have one of the following:
- A non-law bachelor’s degree (from a UK university or recognised by the BSB if you wish to study the BPTC), or
- A ‘stale’ law degree, where five or more years have elapsed since graduation, or
- An academic or professional qualification at degree equivalent level
If English is not your first language, you will also need to demonstrate your English Language proficiency. For example, you should have IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components.
If you intend to become a Solicitor
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has reduced its requirements for pre-authorisation this year. For details of the current arrangements, see the SRA website. You should pay special attention to the Character and Suitability section. If you think you may have a character or suitability issue, you may wish to clarify with the SRA before proceeding with the GDL.
See further details of our English Language requirement
USA,UK & EU students, 2019/20 (per year)
£8,500
International students starting 2019/20 (per year)
£13,100
Assessment
You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.
All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.
90% of our graduates enter work or further study within six months of graduation (DLHE 2017).
As an Ancient and Medieval History student, you will have an excellent opportunity to develop skills that are attractive to employers, including:
- Strong communication skills
- A deep understanding of the past
- The ability to research, analyse and interpret complex information
- Leadership and teamwork
- Handling complex information
- The ability to form concise and articulate arguments
- Managing your time and prioritising your workload
These are key skills that will enable you to pursue either further study in History disciplines or move into employment in a wide range of other careers. Our graduates have gone on to careers in:
- Accountancy
- Charity work
- Housing
- Human Resources
- International Development
- Law
- Marketing
- Media
- Publishing
- Politics
- Retail Management
- Teaching
- Library and Archive work
- Postgraduate study
Developing your career
Employers target University of Newcastle students for their diverse skill-set and our graduate employment statistics have continued to climb at a rate well above national trends. If you make the most of our wide range of opportunities you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.
- Careers events – we hold events covering careers in teaching, event management, marketing and working with charities to help you meet potential employers and learn more about these sectors.
- Global Challenge – you can apply to work overseas on an expenses-paid placement during your summer vacation through our Global Challenge initiative.
- Work experience bursary – we encourage you to apply your skills in the workplace by undertaking internships in the summer. Our work experience bursaries allow you to apply for funding to support you during unpaid internships.
- Cultural Internships – our innovative Cultural Internships offer graduates the opportunity for a six month paid internship at a leading cultural institution in the West Midlands. These internships will give you professional experience to set you apart in a competitive graduate market. Our current partners include Newcastle Museums and Art Gallery, Birmingham REP, Birmingham Royal Ballet, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust, Library of Newcastle
There are also internships available at our own cultural assets, such as Winterbourne House, the Lapworth Museum, and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.