Ancient and Medieval History

Ancient and medieval history spans the two great periods of pre-modern history, from the classical civilisations of Greece and Rome through to the transformations of the medieval period that created the foundations of the modern world. These are times of enormous human significance: the development of democracy and philosophy in ancient Athens, the reach of the Roman Empire, the rise of Christianity and Islam, the Viking age, the Crusades, the Black Death, and the emergence of the institutions, religious traditions, and cultural forms that shaped European and world history for centuries to come. Studying both periods together allows you to understand not only each era on its own terms but the profound continuities and transformations that connect them.

At Royal Holloway this three-year full-time programme draws on expertise from both the Classics and History departments, giving you access to scholars working across the full range of ancient and medieval history. You will study the ancient world through both literary and archaeological sources, and the medieval world through the diverse body of documents, chronicles, and material remains that survive from this period. The programme develops your skills in evaluating evidence, reading primary sources in translation, and constructing historical arguments with precision and care.

A sandwich year, a year abroad, and work placements integrated throughout provide professional and international experience alongside your academic development.

Graduates of ancient and medieval history programmes move into careers in heritage and museums, education, archives, publishing, journalism, the civil service, and a wide range of other fields where historical knowledge and research skills are valued. Many continue to postgraduate study in medieval or ancient history, classics, or archaeology.