History, Ancient and Medieval: University of Birmingham

To understand fully the modern world – its culture, language, political systems and people – you need to take a long perspective. This programme goes back to the roots of modern civilisation in Greece, Rome and the Middle Ages.

The emphasis of the programme is on social history, the lives of everyday people: how they lived, worked, traded and enjoyed their leisure. The historical sweep of the degree is wide, from around 1000 BC to c.1500 AD. You cover the Classical world and its development through its Western and Byzantine successors, focusing on the nature and extent of changes in society. These changes are set in the context of the major political and economic forces shaping the whole period. This approach enables you to analyse and reflect on the complex relationship between the Ancient and Medieval worlds.

First year

The first year comprises introductory courses on Ancient and Medieval History, as well as the opportunity to choose one-semester courses on particular topics in Ancient and Medieval History which begin to develop your research skills.

Second year

In this year, surveys of Ancient History, Western Medieval and Byzantine History, and one module linking the Ancient and Medieval worlds, are supplemented by a wide range of options, such as Greek Mythology, Slaves and Peasants in the Roman World, Roman Britain and the Roman Army, North Africa in Antiquity, Barbarians and the Birth of Europe, and Vikings in Western Europe.

Third year

In your final year you write a dissertation based on your own research on original documents, drawing on the excellent library facilities of the Department of Medieval History and the Institute of Archaeology and Antiquity. A more advanced module sustains the linked study of Ancient and Medieval societies. You choose from the same wide range of options plus Medieval Special Subjects such as The Origins of the English Landscape or Heresy and Heretics.

Teaching and assessment

There is an even balance of individual tuition, small groups and lectures, with an emphasis on helping you to develop your ability to learn and engage in informed debate rather than simply receive and accept ideas. Assessment is by means of exam papers and assessed essays with some group and individual presentations.

Career opportunities

A degree in Ancient and Medieval History serves as an excellent preparation for a wide range of jobs, from the commercial to the academic. Our recent graduates have successful careers in law, teaching, public relations, human resource management, banking and finance, museums and the media.

Entry requirements

• Number of A levels required: 3
• Typical offer: ABB
• Required subjects and grades: GCSE English grade B; a language other than English at GCSE grade C is desirable but not essential
• General Studies: accepted
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 34 points

Other qualifications are considered – see the entry requirements section for full details

Contact details

• Admissions Tutors: Dr Chris Callow, Dr Gareth Sears
• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 5752
• Email:

For general information about open days

• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3374
• Website: http://www.undergraduate.bham.ac.uk/visitsopendays/

 

Admissions

• Email:
• Tel: +44 (0)121 415 8900
• Website: www.marketing.bham.ac.uk/admissions_recruitment

 

Student Recruitment

• Email:
• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3374
• Website: www.marketing.bham.ac.uk/recruitment

 

International Relations

• Email:
• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 2894
• Website: www.international.bham.ac.uk