BA (Hons) Ancient History and History in Cardiff United Kingdom | Cardiff University

Why choose this program? In Ancient History, you'll explore the civilizations of the Near East, Persia, the Byzantine Empire, along with Greek and Roman societies, through diverse sources including literature, art, inscriptions, and archaeological findings. No prior knowledge of ancient history is required - our curriculum builds your understanding of ancient cultures while equipping you with university-level academic skills. We value social and cultural studies equally with political history, covering compelling themes like warfare, gender, religion, medicine, and art that remain relevant today, while examining ancient influences on modern society. The History component allows you to tailor your studies to your interests, employing contemporary methodologies to critically examine the past and connect historical debates to current issues. Our program spans an exceptional range of regions and eras, from the British Isles and Europe to Africa, Asia, and the Americas, giving you global historical perspectives. You'll have access to rare materials in our Special Collections and Archives, including some of the world's earliest printed books. This combined degree in Ancient History and History develops versatile skills while offering comprehensive exploration of human history across all periods. The curriculum equally balances both disciplines, enabling deep engagement with ancient through modern history using diverse evidentiary sources. An optional study abroad year extends the program to four years, with your third year at an international partner institution. Teaching methods include interactive lectures, seminar discussions, workshops, group projects, and tutorials, supplemented by digital learning platforms that extend education beyond the classroom. Small-group seminars encourage critical engagement with course materials and collaborative learning. Advanced students conduct independent research projects with faculty guidance. Our approach cultivates analytical skills including critical evaluation, evidence assessment, argument construction, theoretical application, and effective communication. We emphasize teamwork, independent research, and time management. With a supportive learning environment featuring personalized attention, our faculty bring cutting-edge research directly into the classroom across diverse historical fields and methodologies.