To understand fully the modern world - its culture, language, political systems and people – students 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. 

This degree course has a distinctive emphasis on using literature, history and archaeology in the study of the ancient world, and the University of Birmingham offers a range of expertise.  The chronological sweep is wide, from around 3000BC to 1500AD and students 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 students to analyse and reflect on the complex relationship between the Ancient and Medieval worlds.

The first year of the degree course represents a foundation year in which students are instilled with core skills and knowledge for historical enquiry. In the second year, the emphasis on small group teaching and independent learning increases and students develop as an historian of the ancient and medieval worlds. In the final year, students study medieval and ancient modules, along with a Dissertation, using primary sources to answer a historical question which they have developed since the second year.