Ancient and Modern History BA (Hons)
Overview
The Ancient and Modern History BA (Hons) is a fascinating and comprehensive course that will give students a deep understanding of the past. From the ancient Mediterranean and Near East civilisations to the ever-evolving tapestry of British, European, and world history.
Students will learn about the major events, people, and ideas that have shaped the world. They will also develop critical thinking and research skills that will be valuable in any career.
Students will learn from top experts in both ancient history (classics) and modern history. They will learn different ways to study history, like archaeology, art history, literature, or even ancient languages like Latin or Greek.
The programme will tailor their studies to their interests, exploring how history has changed over 3,000 years.
Objectives
- Combination of cadaveric dissection and human biology exploration.
- Understanding of topical issues, ethical principles, professionalism, and respect.
- Effective communication of ideas to diverse audiences.
- Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Safe and correct use of lab equipment.
Prerequisites
- Strong academic background in history.
- Need to complete an International Foundation Year (for BD students).
- English language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent.
- A passion for reading and writing.
- Solid communication and interpersonal skills.
- Desire for positive impact.
Curriculum Outline
- History in Practice Part 1: Questions, Frameworks and Audiences.
- Investigating the Ancient World: Skills and Evidence.
- The Near East, Greece and Rome, 1000-323 BCE.
- Empires East and West, 323 BCE to 680 CE.
- Global Histories.
- Independent Second Year Study.
- Reading History.
- Crossing Boundaries: Interdisciplinary Dissertation.
Teaching Method
- Interactive lectures
- One-to-one meetings
- Lively discussion-based seminars
- Tutorials
- Group works
- Practical sessions
- Workshops
- Laboratory work
- Personal tutors
- Virtual learning environment
Modules
- The Making of The Modern World, 1750-1970.
- Inventing a Nation: Politics, Culture and Heritage.
- Medieval Worlds, AD 500 -1500.
- Renaissance, Reformation and Revolution.
- History in Practice Part 2: Sources, Evidence and Argument.
- Past, Present and Future.
- Past and Present: Encountering Antiquity.
- Greece and the Near East: Expanding Worlds.
- From the Hellenistic World to the Roman Empire.
- The Late Ancient World.
- Life in Ancient Rome.
- Gender and Sexuality in the Ancient World.
- Making History: Historians, Evidence, Audiences.
- Everyday Life in Medieval Britain c1200–1600.
- A History of the Supernatural.
- Accessible Pasts.
- The British Civil Wars.
- European Enlightenment(s): The View from the Margins.
- America: From Revolution to Reconstruction.
- Modern France.
- Europe's Dark Century.
- Stalinism: State, Society, and Environment.
- Close Neighbours, Dangerous Foes: China, Japan and Modern East Asia.
- Politics and the People in Modern Britain: Protest, citizenship and the state.
- Environmental Histories.
- Anti-Colonial Resistance.
- Chwyldro, Diwylliant a Radicaliaeth, 1789–1914.
- An Introduction to Greek Art and Archaeology.
- Visual History of Early South Asia.
- Roman Britain.
- The Persians.
- Greek and Roman Medicine.
- Ancient Israel: Portrait of a Near Eastern Society.
- The South Shore: The Cities, Cultures and Identities of North Africa in Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages.
- Greek Warfare.
- Early Rome and the Etruscans.
- Age of Arthur: Myths, History and Identity in Medieval Britain.
- Crusading Worlds.
- Divided Memory in post-1945 Germany.
- East Asia in a Global Second World War.
- Digital Games and the Practice of History.
- Witchcraft and Witch-Hunting in Early Modern Europe, 1400-1750.
- An Information Revolution: Politics and Communication in Early Modern Britain.
- An Information Revolution: Politics and Communication in Early Modern Britain.
- Health and Illness in Early Modern Britain.
- Mobile Lives: Travel, Exile, and Migration in the Early Modern World.
- Slavery and Enslaved Life in the United States, 1775-1865.
- Native American History.
- Utopias of Extremism: Revolutions in Comparative Context.
- Czechoslovakia: The Twentieth Century in Miniature.
- Inside the Third Reich.
- Violence and Ideology in the Inter-War Soviet Union.
- Gender and Imperialism, India c.1800- c.1900.
- Change, Conflict, and Mass Mobilisation in Republican China, 1911-1945.
- Peripheral Reverberations of the French Revolution.
- Mayhem and murder: Investigating the Victorian Underworld.
- The Making of British Socialism.
- Britain at War: Culture and Politics on the Home Front, 1939-1945.
- Public and Private: Gender, Identities and Power in Twentieth Century Britain.
- Jews, Europe and the World.
- Empire of Faith: Religion, Politics and Belief in the Roman Empire of the Fourth Century CE.
Assessment Methods
- Exams
- Essays
- Source criticisms
- Research projects
- Reviews
- Presentations
- Creative projects
Course Duration
This programme may vary depending on the institutions and countries, but the general standard options in the UK are:
- 03 years (full-time).
Facilities
- Experienced faculty members for academic support.
- Access to historical societies and archives.
- Regular tutorials and seminars for personalised guidance.
- Computer labs with historical software and databases.
- Digital humanities tools for analysing historical data.
- Extensive collections of historical books, journals, and primary sources.
- Digital resources and online databases for research.
- Online learning platforms for flexible study.
- Career counselling and job search assistance.
- Workshops on CV writing, interview skills, and networking.
- Opportunities to connect with alumni and employers.
- Opportunities to participate in research projects.
Career Pathways
- University lecturer or professor
- Researcher
- Archivist
- Librarian
- Museum curator
- Heritage manager
- Heritage consultant
- Archaeologist
- Journalist
- Editor
- Content creator
- Public relations officer
- Civil servant
- Policy analyst
- Diplomatic service
- Lawyer
- Legal researcher
- Financial analyst
- Management consultant
- Marketing executive
- Secondary school teacher
- Further education lecturer
- Tutor
Fees and Fundings
- Tuition fees are £23,700 per year and may vary depending on the institution.
- Scholarships, grants, and financial opportunities are available.
- Government loan aid is available.
Entry Requirements
- A-level standard offer: ABB
- A-level contextual offer: BBC
- IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
- GCSE English Language grade C/4 or
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- A strong academic record
Field Work and Internships
- Hands-on experience in uncovering historical artefacts and understanding past societies.
- Internships at museums, historical societies, or heritage organisations.
- Opportunities for research projects, data analysis, and writing reports at research institutions.
Certifications
- Certified Archivist
- Certified Public Historian
- Project Management Certifications
- Chartered Institute of Archaeologists (CIfA) Membership
- Society of Antiquaries of London Membership
- Library and Information Science Qualifications
- Teaching Qualifications
- Language Certifications
- TESOL or TEFL Certifications
- Digital Humanities Certifications
- Digital Skills Certifications
- Museum Studies Certifications
Intakes
Typically, it takes twice a year (fall and spring), but may vary like:
- Fall (September/October)
- Spring (January/February)
- Summer (May/June)
Student Testimony
"Ancient and Modern History at Oxford was a deeply enriching intellectual experience, combining argumentative and analytical skills with a real flexibility that allowed me to shape my learning and research to my own interests. AMH has given me an unforgettable academic experience that provides the very best of what Oxford has to offer." Says - "Connor Beattie, Ancient and Modern History BA (Hons)."
Frequently asked questions
This degree provides a comprehensive understanding of historical events, cultures, and societies, from ancient civilisations to contemporary issues.