Ancient History/History

Ancient history and history together span an extraordinary range of human experience, from the emergence of the earliest literate civilisations to the events of the recent past. Ancient history examines the culture and history of Greece, Rome, and the wider Mediterranean world between the eighth century BC and the fifth century AD, drawing on archaeological evidence, literary sources, inscriptions, and material culture to reconstruct worlds that are separated from us by two millennia or more. History covers a much wider chronological and geographical span, developing the analytical and archival skills used to investigate the past from the medieval period to the present day.

At Glasgow, you will have the opportunity to study ancient languages including Latin and Greek if you wish, deepening your ability to engage with primary sources in their original form. The combination of ancient and modern historical study develops the comparative perspective that makes historians most valuable: you learn to recognise both the continuities and the ruptures in human experience across very long time spans. The programme includes a year abroad, broadening your academic and personal horizons, and is studied part-time, making it accessible to those managing other commitments.

Graduates of ancient history and history programmes pursue careers in the heritage sector, including museums, archives, and historic environment organisations. Education, journalism, the civil service, publishing, and cultural policy are also common destinations. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in ancient history, classical studies, medieval or modern history, or related disciplines, where the breadth of the undergraduate programme provides an excellent foundation for specialist research and academic careers.