Ancient History MA
Ancient history involves the study of the history and culture of Greece, Rome and the wider Mediterranean between the 8th century BC and the 5th century AD with the opportunity to learn Latin and ancient Greek if you wish.
You will have the opportunity to visit archaeological sites and museums in Italy and Greece as part of your studies.
- September start
- Session dates
- Ancient History MA (Hons): V160 4 year degree
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Degree options
- Study abroad available
Programme structure
Year 1
You will study the history, politics and culture of classical Athens and Augustan Rome. You will use a wide variety of source material, including buildings, coins, artefacts and literary works such as epic poems and plays alongside historical texts.
Year 2
You will study Greek cities, communities and kingdoms and the wider Mediterranean world in the build-up to Alexander the Great's world-changing conquests in the fourth century and their aftermath in the Hellenistic period. Using literary, historical and material evidence you will explore topics such as war and conquest, kingship and empire, politics and ideology, cult and ritual, and the household. Historians whose work you will use include Polybius, Diodorus Siculus and Plutarch.
You will also study the Roman Empire by considering literary, historical and material evidence (including historians such as Tacitus and Suetonius) to investigate issues of identity and power across the empire as well as the lived experience of its inhabitants (including topics such as slavery, gender, language, religion, education, disability).
All our pre-Honours Classical Civilisation courses (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B) provide recordings of face-to-face lectures and some online seminar slots, for greater flexibility if you require it.
You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.
Years 3 and 4
If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4), you will choose from a wide variety of options in ancient history that reflects current key issues, debates and research on the ancient world. These could include, for example, courses in ancient medicine, ancient technology, Athenian democracy, Roman history from the Gracchi to Sulla, Greek religion, the ‘invention of history’ by Herodotus, Thucydides and Xenophon, Cleopatra (her life and legend), and the fall of the Roman Empire.
You will write a dissertation on a topic of your choosing, and you will also design and implement a study visit to Greece, Italy or another part of the ancient world. There is also the opportunity to start or continue study of Latin and/or Greek.
Course details
Courses you will take as part of an Ancient History programme may include:
Year 1
- Classical Civilisation 1A: Myth and Politics in Classical Athens
- Classical Civilisation 1B: Augustan Rome: From Republic to Empire
Year 2
- Classical Civilisation 2A: Identities, Ideology and the Hellenistic World
- Classical Civilisation 2B: Empire and Identity
Years 3 and 4 (Honours)
- Core travel course (Years 3 and 4)
- Dissertation (Ancient History) (Year 4)
Across Years 3 and 4, at least six (and up to nine) options from the following (not all courses listed will be available in each session):
- Ancient Emotions
- Ancient Medicine
- Ancient Technology in Context
- Ancient Warfare
- Athenian Democracy: Model Or Mob-Rule?
- Basic ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs for Honours
- Cleopatra: Life and Legend (Hons)
- From the Gracchi to Sulla: the sources and the history 133-70 BC
- Heroes and Heretics (Egypt)
- The Histories of Trans People (UG)
- Imperium Indivisum?: The Collapse of the West Roman Empire in the fifth century AD
- The Later Roman Empire, 270-400 AD
- Literature in Fragments (Greek)
- Material World in Greek Religion
- Myths, Fictions, and Histories of Alexander
- Religion in Ancient Greece
- ROMAN ART
- The Roman Stage: A History Of Roman Drama From The Republic To The Empire
- Rome In Transition, 49-27 BC
- The Art of Divergence in Ancient Egypt (Hons)
- The Invention of History: Herodotus, Thucydides, Xenophon
- The Other Greeks: Sparta, Crete, Thessaly
- Women and Power? The extraordinary women of the ancient world
- Women, Witches & Witchcraft in Antiquity
- Writing Ancient Women (Honours)
Up to three further options from Classics, Greek and Latin courses:
- Hellenistic Poetry
- Interpreting Greek Tragedy
- Lyric poems and their performance in ancient Greece
- The Novel in Antiquity (Latin)
- Basic Greek For Honours 1
- Basic Greek For Honours 2
- Basic Latin For Honours 1
- Basic Latin For Honours 2
- Intermediate Greek for Honours 1
- Intermediate Greek for Honours 2
- Intermediate Latin for Honours 1
- Intermediate Latin for Honours 2
- Advanced Greek for Honours
- Advanced Latin for Honours
Honours options, apart from language courses, typically run every other year and can be taken in either Year 3 or Year 4. The list here is indicative only, since Honours options are subject to change. Particular levels of language have specific pre-requisites in terms of previous experience and achievement.
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Our international links
If you progress to Honours you will have the opportunity to spend up to three weeks (usually during the summer vacation after year 3) visiting archaeological sites and museums in Italy, Greece or another part of the ancient world. Financial support for this visit is available to all Single Honours students.
You may also spend year 3 studying at universities in Europe (for example, in Athens or Rome), Australia, New Zealand or North America.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2027
Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
- English for Academic Study: Pre-sessional courses
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: English for Academic Study
Careers and future opportunities
Graduate destinations
From professional employment to further study and professional training, our graduates go into a wide range of destinations.
Job prospects
Graduate Outcomes data shows that:
- 93.3% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
- 75.4% of those in work are in graduate-level employment
- The average professional salary after 15 months is £29,161.
This university-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2023–24 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Skills development
As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:
- Analysing primary sources independently, interpreting texts, material culture and historical evidence within their literary and cultural contexts.
- Evaluating scholarly arguments critically, comparing interpretations and constructing evidence‑based conclusions about the ancient world.
- Communicating historical insights clearly through well‑structured essays, commentary and oral discussion.
- Applying multiple methodological approaches to understand ancient societies, recognising the strengths and limitations of each.
- Designing and carrying out independent historical research, framing questions and presenting sustained academic arguments.
Careers & employability support
Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.
You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
MA (Hons)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
The chief extra expense will be copies of set texts. We make every effort to minimise additional expense through the use of electronic texts supplied by the Library. The projected costs are (these are variable depending on courses chosen):
- £60 for each of years 1 and 2; and
- £120 for each of years 3 and 4 (Honours).
Please note: for Single Honours Classics, Ancient History, Greek and Latin students, the Honours Core Travel course is compulsory and involves planning, costing and experiencing travel to place(s) associated with classical antiquity. We have funds to support this travel and students can tailor your plans to the funding available, but some students choose to spend more money on implementing their plans. This year (2025-26) we were able to secure funds to support Joint Honours students choosing to take this course (for whom it is not compulsory). However, funding Joint Honours students in this way may not be possible in future, so Joint Honours students should expect to spend a minimum of £250 on travel between years 3 and 4, if you choose to take this course.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
The scholarships shown are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 13 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
How to apply for Advanced Entry
Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.
Subject ranking
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Classics & Ancient History]
Times Higher Education World University Rankings [Arts and Humanties]
