BA History and Ancient History
| UCAS code | V111 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | V190 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | V191 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
Why study BA History and Ancient History at Exeter?
- Study world history to its full: explore vital topics such as gender, race and global imperialism, navigate diverse geographical regions, and traverse 1,500 years of history, from the fall of the Roman Empire through to the post-Communist era
- Develop in-depth, wide-ranging understanding of the history, societies and political ideas of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Learn a classical language in your first year, which you can choose to continue in your second or third years
- Exeter is a city bursting with history and heritage that offers museums, art galleries and a wide range of historical architecture. The University Library has extensive historical holdings and collections
- Our research centres, which cover areas including Medical History and Medieval Studies, are a focus for interdisciplinary research activity across the institution and have significant international reputations
- The Student-Staff Liaison Committee provides an opportunity to communicate your views and influence, change and shape your degree. The student-run History Society organises guest speakers, trips and social events
We are 6th in the UK for research in History
Based on our GPA in REF 2021
Top 100 in world subject rankings for History
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
Proactive Classics Society with successful student tutor scheme
Top 10 in the UK for Classics and Ancient History
6th in the Complete University Guide 2026; 10th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
I decided to apply to Exeter as it offered a unique course combination that I couldn’t find at many other universities. I did Latin at GCSE and was torn between studying History and Ancient History so the option to study both was perfect for me!
I visited both the open day and offer holders’ day and really loved the green campus and felt welcomed by the friendly atmosphere. I would definitely recommend studying at Exeter; my course is so interesting and I especially like the wide range of module options I can choose from, I also take a French language module alongside my degree. All the lecturers in my department are lovely and have a great relationship with the students.
Grace
BA History and Ancient History
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAB | n/a |
| IB | 34/665 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDD | n/a |
| GCSE | 4 or C | English Language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBB |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B1. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
The History and Ancient History degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
Depending on your programme you can take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.
You may notice changes to some of our modules over the coming months. This is because we are making space for the following:
- Minors: Future Skills Pathways - Alongside your main degree you may be eligible (depending on your course) to choose modules from another subject to broaden your skills and interests.
- Skills to Thrive built into every degree - Essential skills for your future, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and digital confidence.
- Increased innovation and wellbeing - More room for creative learning, real-world projects and a healthier study rhythm.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
45 credits of compulsory History modules, 30 credits of compulsory Classical Studies modules, 15 credits of optional History modules and 30 credits of optional Classical Studies modules.
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
a - select either HIH1421 or HIH1422.
b - select either CLA1001 or CLA1002; the modules run in alternate years so you must select the one which is running in this academic year.
c - select 15 credits from this list of optional History modules.
d - select 30 credits from this list of optional Classical Studies modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Choice 2 CLA1001-CLA1002 | ||
| Greek History: Problems and Sources | 30 | |
| Roman History: Problems and Sources | 30 | |
| Compulsory Choice Combined Honours 2 | ||
| Understanding Medieval and Early Modern History | 30 | |
| Understanding Modern History | 30 | |
| Compulsory Combined Honours 3 | ||
| Becoming a Historian: Core | 15 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Ancient World: Racecraft | 15 | |
| Text and Context: Women in Homer | 15 | |
| Roman Death and Commemoration | 15 | |
| Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Tyranny | 15 | |
| Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus | 15 | |
| Text and Context: Roman Laughter | 15 | |
| Ancient World: Roman Philosophy | 15 | |
| Optional 1 | ||
| Classical Language and Texts Greek I (A) | 15 | |
| Classical Language and Texts Greek I (B) | 15 | |
| Classical Language and Texts Latin I (A) | 15 | |
| Classical Language and Texts Latin I (B) | 15 | |
| Ancient World: Racecraft | 15 | |
| Text and Context: Women in Homer | 15 | |
| Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Globalisation and the Roman Empire | 15 | |
| Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Greek Historiography | 15 | |
| Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): History and Comedy | 15 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek III | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin III | 30 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
30 credits of compulsory Classical Studies modules, 30 credits of optional Classical Studies modules, 60 credits of optional History modules.
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
e - select either CLA2001 or CLA2002; the modules run in alternate years so you must select the one which is running in this academic year.
f - select 30 credits from this list of optional Classical Studies modules.
g - select 60 credits from a single History Route A, B, C or D . You must take HIH2237 Doing History in the Digital Age if you intend to select HIH3005 History Dissertation or HIH3006 Research Dissertation in the final stage).
History Route A: 60 credits of History optional modules. Classical Studies Dissertation in final stage.
History Route B: HIH2002 and one other History optional module. Classical Studies Dissertation in final stage.
History Route C: HIH2237 and one other History optional module. History Dissertation in final stage.
History Route D: HIH2237 and HIH2002. History Dissertation in final stage.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Choice 1 CLA2001-CLA2002 | ||
| Greek History: Problems and Sources | 30 | |
| Roman History: Problems and Sources | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Ancient World: Racecraft | 15 | |
| Text and Context: Women in Homer | 15 | |
| Roman Death and Commemoration | 15 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV | 30 | |
| Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Tyranny | 15 | |
| Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus | 15 | |
| Text and Context: Roman Laughter | 15 | |
| Ancient World: Roman Philosophy | 15 | |
| History (Combined Honours) Optional Route A | ||
| Adventures in Environmental Arts and Humanities | 30 | |
| Forgetting Fascism, Remembering Communism: Memory in Modern Europe | 30 | |
| Deviants and Dissenters in Early Modern England | 30 | |
| Rebellion! Uprisings in England and France, 1173-1569 | 30 | |
| From Gallows to ASBOs: Crime, Punishment, and Society in Britain and Ireland | 30 | |
| Strategy and Success in the Second World War | 30 | |
| Vikings and Other Invaders: Europe under Siege in in the Tenth Century | 30 | |
| Beyond Bridgerton: A Peoples' History of Britain, 1688-1834 | 30 | |
| Atlantic History, 1500-1850: Communities, Identity and Empire | 30 | |
| Creating an American Empire: From Westward Expansion to Colonial Empire | 30 | |
| Hunger Games: Poverty, Famine, and Environment | 30 | |
| Russia’s Empires: Societies, Peoples and Cultures | 30 | |
| Beyond the Tudors: Europe’s Worldview Transformed c.1500-1600 | 30 | |
| History (Combined Honours) Optional Route B | ||
| Adventures in Environmental Arts and Humanities | 30 | |
| Uses of the Past | 30 | |
| Forgetting Fascism, Remembering Communism: Memory in Modern Europe | 30 | |
| From Gallows to ASBOs: Crime, Punishment, and Society in Britain and Ireland | 30 | |
| Vikings and Other Invaders: Europe under Siege in in the Tenth Century | 30 | |
| Beyond Bridgerton: A Peoples' History of Britain, 1688-1834 | 30 | |
| Hunger Games: Poverty, Famine, and Environment | 30 | |
| Beyond the Tudors: Europe’s Worldview Transformed c.1500-1600 | 30 | |
| History (Combined Honours) Optional Route C | ||
| Deviants and Dissenters in Early Modern England | 30 | |
| Doing History in the Digital Age | 30 | |
| Rebellion! Uprisings in England and France, 1173-1569 | 30 | |
| Strategy and Success in the Second World War | 30 | |
| Atlantic History, 1500-1850: Communities, Identity and Empire | 30 | |
| Creating an American Empire: From Westward Expansion to Colonial Empire | 30 | |
| Russia’s Empires: Societies, Peoples and Cultures | 30 | |
| History (Combined Honours) Optional Route D | ||
| Uses of the Past | 30 | |
| Doing History in the Digital Age | 30 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Find out more about study abroad or employment experience under Course variants.
With Study Abroad
120 credits of compulsry modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Study Abroad | 120 | |
With Employment Experience
120 credits of compulsry modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 2 | ||
| Employment Experience | 120 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
0-30 credits of compulsory Classical Studies modules, 0-30 credits of compulsory History modules, 30-60 credits of optional Classical Studies modules and 30-60 credits of optional History modules.
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
h - select a dissertation:
Route A or B taken in Stage 2 - select CLA3009.
Route C or D taken in stage 2 - select either HIH3005 or HIH3006.
i - select optional modules:
Route A or B taken in Stage 2 - select 30 credits of Classical Studies optional modules and one 60-credit History Special Subject optional module.
Route C or D taken in stage 2 - select one 30-credit Concepts optional module or 30 credits of elective modules from outside of History via modularity and 60 credits of Classical Studies optional modules.
If choosing optional modules outside your named subjects, you must make sure that your total for both History and Ancient History is 90 credits each over the second and final year. This is to ensure you meet the requirements needed for the degree title.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Choice 1 | ||
| Dissertation | 30 | |
| General Third-Year Dissertation | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| The Age of Cicero | 30 | |
| Dissertation | 30 | |
| Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds | 30 | |
| Virgil's Georgic Environment | 15 | |
| Domination and Resistance in Roman Britain | 30 | |
| The World of Late Antiquity | 30 | |
| Receptions of the Classical Body | 30 | |
| Critical Classics and the Contemporary World | 15 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek V | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin V | 30 | |
| Imagining the World: Geographic Thought and Representation in Antiquity | 15 | |
| Change and Resilience Through History: Polybius and the Rise of Rome | 15 | |
| Time and Relative Dimensions in Space: Historical Analysis and Visualisation with GIS | 15 | |
| Life in the Roman Empire | 15 | |
| Aristophanes and Athenian Old Comedy | 15 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek III | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin III | 30 | |
| Being and Not-Being in Greek Philosophy: from Parmenides to Aristotle | 15 | |
| Dialogues with the Past: Creative Interpretative Project | 15 | |
| Women Writing Classics | 15 | |
| Lost Works and Fragments | 15 | |
| Roman Political Thought | 15 | |
| Concepts Optional Modules | ||
| Truth | 30 | |
| Disease | 30 | |
| War | 30 | |
| Violence | 30 | |
| Revolution | 30 | |
| Sexualities | 30 | |
| Optional | ||
| The Legend of King Arthur | 30 | |
| Special Subject Optional Modules | ||
| The Yes, Minister Files: Perspectives on British Government since 1914 | 60 | |
| The Russian Revolution | 60 | |
| Magic in the Middle Ages | 60 | |
| Governing the World: A History of Internationalism from WW1 to the Present | 60 | |
| Health and its Politics in the 20th Century | 60 | |
| From the Grand Tour to Gladiator: Modern Encounters with the Ancient World | 60 | |
| The Body in Early Modern England | 60 | |
| Britons Abroad: The Experience of Travel, c. 1650-1900 | 60 | |
| The Celtic Frontier | 60 | |
| Borders and Mobilities in Postcolonial South Asia | 60 | |
Course variants
BA History and Ancient History with Study Abroad
UCAS code: V190
Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.
Why study abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I study abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.
Are there any academic requirements to study abroad?
Yes. If you wish to study abroad as part of this degree course, you must achieve an overall grade of at least 60% (a 2:1) for your first year of study. This applies to all students, even if you are registered on the 'with Study Abroad' variant from the start of your degree.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are studying abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your Study Abroad year.
BA History and Ancient History with Employment Experience
UCAS code: V191
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree offers you the option of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements, within the UK or abroad, as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience?
Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career.
A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate-level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector and country you choose to work in is very much your choice, as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement.
We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Is the placement paid?
You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.
Find out more
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,790 per year
International students: £24,950 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
Throughout the programmes stress is laid on the need to analyse, discuss and deploy historical evidence in a variety of settings and not simply on the ability to memorise. You will learn through lectures, tutorials and seminars, with a growing emphasis at each successive level on student-led learning.
Modules
Modules are designed to encourage you to think about long-term developments and processes of historical change, and to make comparisons between countries and cultures. This helps you progress from the more tightly defined topics studied at A level. Modules are also designed to encourage you to think and write analytically about these broad subjects. They emphasise historical questions that require you to identify patterns across time, or between countries, and to isolate common or competing trends, instead of concentrating on short-term or single explanations.
Teaching hours
You’ll have on average 1-3 teaching hours per module and will need to allow for up to nine additional hours of private study. You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time. As well as attending lectures and writing essays and assignments, you’ll be expected to make presentations in seminars or tutorials. We encourage your presentation work, because it involves you actively in the teaching and learning process and develops important life skills such as good verbal and visual communication and effective interaction with other people.
Personal tutor
You'll have a personal tutor as well as tutors in individual subjects and they will work with you to monitor your progress, as well as offering pastoral support and other help. You will have a chance to make your mark on the programmes through regular student evaluations and participation in the Student-Staff Liaison Committees and the student History Societies on both campuses.
How will I be assessed?
All the degrees in History have assessments and examinations each year. Although formal examinations are important tests of skill, up to 50 per cent of your marks will come from other forms of assessment, including coursework essays, projects, dissertations and measures of your skill in presentation and oral work. The exact balance will depend on the modules you choose, and you’ll be informed of the methods of assessment before making your choices.
Progression
You must pass your first-year assessment in order to progress to the second year, but the results do not count towards your degree classification. For three-year programmes, the assessments in the second and third years contribute to your final degree classification. For four-year programmes the assessments in the second, third and fourth years all contribute to your final degree classification.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Minors: Future Skills Pathways
You can study a Future Skills Pathway alongside your main degree by choosing up to 30 credits of modules from a different subject area in your second and final years.
Your future
Employer-valued skills this course develops
History graduates from the University of Exeter have an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and compete very successfully in the employment market. Alongside in-depth subject knowledge you’ll develop highly transferable skills in researching; analysing and assessing sources; written and verbal communication; managing and interpreting information; developing ideas and arguments; teamwork; and problem solving.
Employer visits
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service, with offices at our Exeter and Penryn campuses, ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market. Our graduates compete very successfully in the employment market, with many employers targeting the University when recruiting new graduates. For further information please visit our Careers Service.
Career paths
You will be equipped with skills that are attractive to employers and relevant for a wide range of careers, including graduate-level roles in the heritage and arts sectors as well as other fields of work, including TV, education, retail management, recruitment, charities, finance and accounting, and journalism.
Example careers
- Account Manager
- Archivist
- Business Analyst
- Civil Servant
- Digital Marketing and
- Events Executive
- Event Project Manager
- Global Market
- Researcher
- Historian
- Parliamentary Researcher
- TV Researcher
Further study
A History degree may also lead to further study or research and recent graduates have progressed to postgraduate courses in:
- MA Conflict, Security and Development
- Graduate Diploma in Law
- MA English Literary Studies
- MA History
- MSc International Management
- PGCE
