Ancient and Medieval History

To understand fully the modern world - its culture, language, political systems and people – you need to take a long perspective. Studying undergraduate Ancient and Medieval History goes back to the roots of modern civilisation in Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and the Middle Ages.

Our degree course has 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 3000BCE to 1500CE and you can study Europe, the Mediterranean and Asian civilisations. One aspect of the 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 of your degree course 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 an 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?

Get ahead in the graduate market - 90% of our graduates in work or doing further study 15 months after the course (Discover Uni stats 2022). Our graduates enter a wide range of professions, including accountancy, charity work, housing, law, publishing, politics and teaching.

Outstanding student experience - At Birmingham we believe that teaching hours should be complemented by a wide-range of academic opportunities and social occasions. Join our community and you'll have access to, among many other things, a student experience team who co-ordinate performances, talks, trips, podcasts, quizzes and celebrations and bespoke academic writing advice.

Broad portfolio - A true appreciation of the ancient and medieval world requires as varied an approach as possible. At the beginning of your degree course 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 and support - Birmingham will help you improve your academic writing, and offers student forums, alumni networking events and wellbeing activities throughout the year. We have excellent library facilities, including the Cadbury Research Library which is home to the University of Birmingham’s historic collections of rare books, manuscripts, archives, photographs and associated artefacts.

Access to primary sources - Enjoy access to our on-campus Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum where teaching usually takes place.

Top 15 for Undergraduate History in the Complete University Guide 2025

Top 50 for History in the Guardian University Guide 2024

Top 100 for History in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2024