BA in Ancient History and History

UCAS code: V117

Summary of course aims

This joint degree aims to provide a thorough degree level education in History and Ancient History. The syllabus aims to familiarise students with the core chronological and geographical range of Greek and Roman cultures, and to explore the broad sweep of post-classical history through study of Britain, Europe and the United States. Students are also able to study thematic topics in depth and develop special interests through independent study and the dissertation. Students will expand the range, depth and sophistication of their knowledge of History and Ancient History through the structured progression of Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the course.

Course content

The course is divided into 3 Parts (years). You must take 120 credits in each Part.

Part 1 introduces students to the study of both Greek and Roman Civilisations and post-classical history, with a particular emphasis upon the development of the study of primary sources and source criticism, alongside the development of historical writing skills to explore specific historical topics.

Part 2 develops the student's knowledge of chronological ranges within both Ancient and Modern History. Career Management Skills provides 5 credits at part 2.

In Part 3 there is an increasing specialisation and progression to approach topics in greater depth through the provision of optional units and the opportunity to research a dissertation topic in depth.

For a full description of this degree course with the required compulsory and optional modules, please download the programme specification. Please note that you are advised to check that this course is running for the next academic year.

http://www.info.reading.ac.uk/progspecs/prog-index.asp

Graduates in Ancient History and History have found that their degree course has been a good basis for careers in management, administration, the civil service, commerce, law, publishing, librarianship and teaching. As such, they are eagerly sought after by employers, with career prospects being extended to museums and galleries. They are given specific vocational training and orientation through a second year Career Management Scheme run by the School in conjunction with the Careers Advisory Service. Graduates have also gone on to postgraduate courses within the field of the Classics, History and related fields at Reading and elsewhere.

Opportunities for study abroad

Students may spend a period of study abroad, normally during Part 2, either in the Fall Semester at the University of Calgary's Department of Greek and Latin (applications need to be made in the Spring term of Year 1) or through the various links of History under the Socrates scheme. A study period abroad is also possible in conjunction with the American Studies course's exchange.
The Department also has an ERASMUS link with the University of Crete. Students are encouraged to study also at to the British School in Athens and the British School in Rome.