Ancient and Modern History

Ancient and modern history together offer a perspective on the human past that few other programmes can match. The ancient world, covering Bronze Age Mediterranean and Near Eastern civilisations through the Roman Empire, provides the foundation of much of what came after in Western and global history. Modern history, from the middle ages and early modern period through to contemporary events, shows how those foundations were transformed, contested, and reimagined across centuries of change.

Studying both allows you to see deep patterns across time and to engage with the full richness of the historical discipline.

At Oxford, whose approach to history is driven by tutorial teaching and primary source engagement from the outset, this three-year full-time degree takes you from the Bronze Age Mediterranean and Near East through the Roman Empire, the medieval and early modern periods, and on to British, European, and world history in the present day. You will encounter fruitful comparisons between ancient and modern societies and learn how the methods used to study different historical periods are mutually illuminating. Ancient history requires engagement with material evidence, epigraphy, and texts in their original languages, while modern history is grounded in archival research and the critical analysis of a broader range of source types.

The combination develops an unusually versatile and rigorous historical mind. The typical entry tariff of 184 points reflects the demands of study at one of the world's leading universities.

History graduates from Oxford pursue careers across an exceptional range of fields, including law, journalism, the civil service, diplomacy, policy, publishing, finance, education, and the cultural sector. The analytical, writing, and research skills developed through a history degree are valued by employers who need people who can make sense of complex information and communicate clearly under uncertainty. Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study in history, law, or related fields.