Ancient History and Classical Archaeology

Ancient History and Classical Archaeology is a combination that investigates the ancient world through both its written records and its material remains. Ancient history draws on texts, inscriptions, and other documentary evidence to reconstruct the political, social, economic, and cultural life of Greece and Rome, and of the other civilisations with which they interacted. Classical archaeology examines the physical evidence of the ancient world, from temples and cities to pottery, coins, and everyday objects, using archaeological methods and art historical analysis to understand how people lived and what they made.

Together, the disciplines provide a richer and more complete picture of antiquity than either can offer alone.

At the University of Leicester, this programme is offered through distance learning, making it accessible to students anywhere in the world who want to pursue a rigorous academic engagement with the ancient world without relocating. The distance learning format is designed to accommodate full-time study or to allow you to fit your learning around work and family commitments, combining the flexibility of studying from home with the quality of a Leicester education. You will engage with both textual and material evidence for the ancient world, developing the analytical and critical skills that ancient history and classical archaeology demand.

Graduates of Ancient History and Classical Archaeology work in heritage organisations, museums, archives, and education, as well as in archaeology, publishing, journalism, public policy, and the arts. The analytical rigour and research skills the degree develops are valued across any profession that rewards close reading and careful argument. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in ancient history, classical archaeology, Greek or Roman studies, or heritage management, building specialist expertise for curatorial or research careers.

The distance learning format makes the degree particularly well suited to career changers and those combining study with professional or family commitments.