| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Students explore Greek and Roman history, archaeology, and classical languages, developing critical thinking, research, and communication skills for careers in archaeology, history, cultural heritage, and beyond. The program emphasizes research-led teaching and offers opportunities for fieldwork, study abroad, and professional development.
Program Outline
Ancient History and Archaeology (VF14) - Durham University
Degree Overview
This joint honours degree combines the study of ancient history and archaeology, offering a comprehensive understanding of the ancient world. The program delves into the interconnected nature of these disciplines, allowing students to explore history through archaeological evidence and contextualize archaeological findings within a historical framework.
Objectives:
- Develop a deep understanding of the ancient world through a combination of historical and archaeological perspectives.
- Learn to analyze and interpret archaeological evidence.
- Hone critical thinking and research skills.
- Gain proficiency in critical analysis, evaluation, and communication of historical and archaeological knowledge.
- Prepare for various career paths related to history, archaeology, and related fields.
Program Description:
The program balances historical and archaeological studies, allowing students to tailor their learning towards their specific interests. Students will gain a strong foundation in both disciplines, studying topics such as:
- Greek and Roman history
- Archaeology of the ancient world
- Classical languages (Latin and Greek)
- Archaeological methods and techniques
- Historical analysis and interpretation
Outline
Year 1:
- Introduction to the Greek World: Explores Greek history, society, and thought through primary sources and archaeological evidence.
- Monuments and Memory in the Age of Augustus: Investigates Roman history and culture through the lens of Augustan-era monuments and literature.
- Archaeology in Britain: Provides an overview of archaeological practices, techniques, and discoveries in Britain.
- Cities in Antiquity: Examines the archaeology of the Greco-Roman world from 800 BC to AD 400.
- Optional Modules: Students can choose from a range of optional modules, including Intermediate Latin/Greek, Early Greek Philosophy, and Language, Translation, and Interpretation.
Year 2:
- Optional Modules: Students choose from a wider range of optional modules, including Ancient Political Thought and Action, Emperors and Dynasties, Living in the Classical World, Beginner's, Intermediate, or Advanced Latin/Greek, and Interpreting Greek Tragedy Today.
- Professional Training (Archaeology): Provides hands-on experience in archaeological excavation and fieldwork.
Year 3:
- Dissertation: Students conduct independent research on a chosen topic, culminating in a substantial dissertation.
- Optional Modules: Students can choose from modules such as Greeks and Persians, The Later Roman Empire, The History of Writing in the Ancient Mediterranean, Intermediate, Advanced, or Higher Latin/Greek, and Museum Representation.
- Advanced Professional Training (Archaeology): Offers further opportunities for archaeological fieldwork and research.
Fieldwork:
Fieldwork is not compulsory for joint honours students, but some options offer the chance to participate in archaeological excavations and fieldwork.
Additional Pathways:
Students can choose to study abroad or undertake a placement year during their degree.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary depending on the module and may include:
- Coursework: Essays, reports, presentations, and projects.
- Examinations: Written and oral exams.
- Practical exercises: Skills-based assessments in areas such as archaeological analysis and interpretation.
- Dissertation: Independent research and writing project.
Teaching
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Delivered by subject experts to introduce key concepts and theories.
- Seminars: Smaller group discussions to deepen understanding and engage in critical analysis.
- Practical classes: Hands-on experience with archaeological materials and techniques.
- Fieldwork: Real-world application of archaeological skills and knowledge.
- Independent research: Encourages students to develop their research abilities and pursue their own interests. The program boasts a dedicated team of academics with expertise in various areas of ancient history and archaeology. Students benefit from personalized attention and guidance throughout their studies.
Careers
Graduates of this program pursue diverse careers in various fields, including:
- Archaeology: Archaeological fieldwork, museum curation, heritage management, research, and consultancy.
- History: Academia, research, teaching, archives, and museums.
- Cultural heritage: Heritage organizations, museums, libraries, and tourism.
- Education: Teaching history and archaeology at various levels.
- Communication and media: Journalism, publishing, and public relations.
- Law and government: Public policy, legal research, and international relations. The program equips students with valuable transferable skills, including critical thinking, research, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. These skills are highly sought after by employers across various industries.
Other
- Study abroad: Students have the option to spend a year studying at a European university.
- Placement year: Students can gain practical experience through a placement year in a relevant organization.
- Scholarships and bursaries: The university offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support students.
- Location: The program is based in Durham, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a unique and stimulating environment for learning.
- The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.
- The program emphasizes research-led teaching, ensuring students are exposed to the latest scholarship and research findings.
- The program boasts strong industry connections and partnerships, providing students with valuable opportunities for professional development.
The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved. The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government. The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
