Master of Arts [M.A] [Ancient History (Hons)] From University of St Andrews

The MA (Hons) in Ancient History is a four-year course run by the School of Classics. In the first year, no previous experience of ancient history or classical languages is required; any student is eligible to take ancient history. The history of the ancient Greek world is traced from the eighth century BCE to the time of Alexander the Great, and the history of Rome is studied from its beginnings to the reign of the Emperor Augustus. Modules introduce political, social and archaeological aspects of civilisations that contributed much to later European culture.

Alongside ancient history, in the first year of studies, students will be required to study an additional two subjects. In the second year they will usually carry on at least one of these subjects, sometimes two. Find out more about how academic years are organised.

In second year students will undertake advanced study of the social, economic, administrative and religious history of the Roman Empire from Augustus to Constantine. They will also study the history of human settlement in the Mediterranean throughout classical antiquity. The rise and fall of classical civilisation are examined, with particular emphasis on archaeological evidence and the theories and interpretative models that modern historians have brought to bear on antiquity. These modules bridge the gap to Honours through focused assessment methods, including deeper analysis and practical tutorials using the University’s archaeological collections.

At Honours-level, they will be able to branch out and study a wide range of topics in ancient history that cover key aspects of the social, economic, political and cultural history of the Greek and Roman world, from archaic Greece to the end of the Roman empire. All of the School’s Honours modules are inspired by the research expertise of the members of staff who teach them, and expose them to the latest debates and developments in the discipline. They cover a wide range of genres and themes, such as slavery, religion, gender, warfare and imperialism.

The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits.