Swansea University

What you'll study

The programme introduces the ancient world through a balance of language, history, material culture and theory. In the first year you will take core modules that provide grounding in the major civilisations (Greece, Rome and Egypt), critical approaches to ancient sources, and introductory training in research skills.

In subsequent years you choose from a range of optional and specialist modules. Typical topics include Greek and Roman political and social history, Hellenistic kingdoms, Roman provincial life, religion and ritual, epigraphy and palaeography, ancient warfare, and the archaeology and material culture of Egypt. Students can study ancient languages (beginners’ and advanced courses in Latin and Ancient Greek), and there are modules on interpretation of artefacts and museum practice, reflecting Swansea’s strong Egyptology provision and partnership with the on-campus Egypt Centre.

The degree is assessment-led by essays, source-based assignments, language exercises, and practical work with artefacts and inscriptions. In the final year you will normally complete a substantial dissertation or research project on a topic of your choice, supervised by a member of staff.

• Yearly structure: core compulsory modules in early years, increasing choice of optional modules and a dissertation/research project in the final year.
• Language study: opportunities to start or continue Latin and Ancient Greek.
• Practical work: object-based learning, epigraphy and access to the Egypt Centre collections.
• Study options: opportunities for short-term exchange and external placements where available; fieldwork modules may be offered subject to timetabling and availability.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a good secondary-school qualification. Typical entrants present qualifications such as A-levels, BTECs, International Baccalaureate or relevant national equivalents. Subjects in humanities, languages or history are helpful but not always required. Mature students and those with Access to Higher Education qualifications are welcomed.

Proficiency in English is required for all applicants whose first language is not English; the university accepts recognised English language qualifications. If you wish to study Latin or Ancient Greek from beginner level this is possible; advanced language study normally expects some prior experience.

Selection normally takes place through UCAS application; shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interview in certain circumstances. For exact entry grade guidance consult the university’s admissions pages or contact the admissions team.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to careers across the public, private and cultural sectors. Common destinations include museums and heritage organisations (curation, collections work, learning and outreach), archaeology and fieldwork, secondary and further education teaching, and postgraduate research in classics, ancient history, Egyptology or archaeology.

Transferable skills developed on the degree—critical reading, written and verbal communication, source analysis, project management and research methods—are also valued in publishing, media, law, local and national government, heritage consultancy and the charitable sector. The university’s careers service and department-run placement opportunities support students preparing for employment or further study.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea offers a distinctive combination of Classics, Ancient History and Egyptology within a research-active department. The campus houses the Egypt Centre, a nationally important teaching museum with a large collection of Egyptian antiquities that provides hands-on learning and internship opportunities for students.

Teaching emphasises small-group seminars and one-to-one supervision for final-year projects, allowing close contact with specialist staff. Swansea’s location on the coast combines a lively student community with access to regional heritage sites and archaeological projects in Wales and beyond.

The university provides strong student support services, language tuition, and employability assistance. Research-led teaching, opportunities to handle primary material, and links with museums and cultural organisations make Swansea a practical choice for students seeking a rounded training in ancient history and Egyptology.