Egyptology and Ancient History with a Foundation Year

Egyptology and ancient history is an extraordinary scholarly pairing that takes you to the earliest civilisations to have left records substantial enough for serious academic study. Egyptology is a discipline in its own right, examining the language, archaeology, material culture, religion, art and social history of ancient Egypt across more than three millennia, from the Predynastic period through to the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Ancient history focuses primarily on Greece and Rome, but also on their neighbours, competitors and inheritors, building a picture of the ancient Mediterranean world in all its complexity and connectivity.

Together the two disciplines illuminate each other, revealing both what was distinctive about each civilisation and what they shared through trade, conquest and cultural exchange.

At Swansea University this four-year programme includes a foundation year, making it accessible to students who need additional preparation before the main degree. You will develop skills in research, analysis and critical thinking while building a deep understanding of the social, political and economic structures of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The programme provides a comprehensive exploration of the histories and cultures of these civilisations, using both textual and archaeological evidence.

Graduates in Egyptology and ancient history work in museums, galleries, heritage organisations, archives, universities and research bodies, as well as in education, journalism, publishing and the cultural sector. The research, analytical and communication skills the degree develops are valued across a wide range of careers where the ability to handle complex evidence and communicate it clearly is important. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in Egyptology, classical studies, archaeology, ancient languages, museum studies or heritage management, developing the specialist expertise needed for research and curatorial roles in museums and academic institutions.