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Ancient History (Part-time) (MA)

Distance Learning
4 Years Part-time

The Ancient History (MA) offers students whose interests centre on the study of ancient history the opportunity to take a specialist higher degree tailored to those interests. 

If you wish to expand your knowledge of the history of Ancient Greek and Roman societies at a postgraduate level, then Ancient History (MA) is for you.

The Ancient History scheme allows you to study a wide range of modules covering not only fascinating figures like Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, but also basic aspects of everyday life, such as warfare and the economy.

Providing our students with a range of learning opportunities and excellent teaching is the primary aim of the master’s programme in Ancient History. We employ a range of innovative methods and approaches that enhance our students’ learning, thus preparing them for the world of work or for further academic research at doctoral level.

Course details

Start date:
Study modes:
  • Online
  • Part-time
Language:
  • English
Course length:
4 Years Part-time

Why choose this course?

01
A rich and stimulating learning environment fosters academic growth and curiosity among students.
02
Our staff are research-active, ensuring that they stay updated with the latest developments in their respective fields and bring valuable insights.
03
With small class sizes, students benefit from more personalised attention, creating an environment conducive to meaningful interactions and effective learning experiences.

What you will learn

The Ancient History (MA) offers students whose interests centre on the study of ancient history the opportunity to take a specialist higher degree tailored to those interests.

Students are offered a balance of modules in both Greek and Roman history and may focus on one or other of the two societies in their dissertation module.

The Greek modules cover the archaic, classical and Hellenistic periods while the Roman modules concentrate on the imperial period, and the relationship between Rome and the East.

In Part One, each module is worth 30 credits and, in addition to the compulsory module HPAH7011 Theory and Methodology, students have a choice from the list of optional modules noted below (a brief description of each module is available in the ‘Modules’ section).

In Part Two, students are given the opportunity to research in detail a topic that has particularly appealed to them and write an extended dissertation (for 60 credits). They will be allocated a supervisor to help guide them through their dissertations.

Year A/Year B-System

We operate a Year A/Year B system which means that some modules are only offered every other year, while others are offered in every year.

This system allows students who wish to study full-time to plan their study start at the appropriate academic year, while part-time students can plan their studies according to the modules available in the course of their degree.

Compulsory

Theory and Methodology for the Study of the Ancient World

(30 credits)

MA Dissertation (Ancient)

(60 credits)

Optional

  • Gender in the Ancient World (30 credits)
  • The Greek Economy in the Archaic and Classical Periods (30 credits) 
Rome and the Indian Ocean: The Classical World in a Global Context

(30 credits)

The History and Culture of Late Antiquity

(30 credits)

Art and Representation in the Ancient Near East

(30 credits)

Aspects of Greek and Roman Religion and Cult

(30 credits)

Intensive Greek I

(30 credits)

Intensive Greek II

(30 credits)

Screening the Past: Film and History - Ancient, Medieval, Modern
Intensive Latin I
Intensive Latin II

Compulsory

Theory and Methodology for the Study of the Ancient World

(30 credits)

MA Dissertation (Ancient)

(60 credits)

Optional

  • Life in the Eastern Desert of Egypt (30 credits)
  • Myth in Greek and Roman Epic (30 credits) 
  • Textiles in the Ancient World (30 credits) 
  • Power and Culture in the Hellenistic East (30 credits)
Art and Representation in the Ancient Near East

(30 credits)

Intensive Greek I

(30 credits)

Intensive Greek II

(30 credits)

Screening the Past: Film and History - Ancient, Medieval, Modern
Intensive Latin I
Intensive Latin II
Aspects of Greek and Roman Religion and Cult

(30 credits)

Disclaimer

  • We listen to student feedback and insights from industry and from professionals to ensure that course content is high-quality and up-to-date, and that it offers the best possible preparation for your future career or study goals. 

    For this reason, there might be modifications to the content of your course over time, to keep up to date with changes in the subject area or in the sector. If a module is no longer running, we’ll make sure to keep you informed, and work with you to choose a different suitable module.

Ratings and Rankings

Staff

Our People

You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for assessments and feedback (NSS 2023) meaning the comments you get back from your work will help you learn. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as Top 10 in the UK for Lecturers and Teaching Quality. Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses. 

Accommodation

example of student bedroom

Swansea Accommodation

Swansea has a huge student population, and the variety of accommodation available will leave you feeling spoilt for choice. Various purpose-built student accommodation providers provide accommodation in Swansea, and the accommodation team can guide you through your options. It will offer ongoing support throughout your time as a UWTSD student.

Further information

  • This programme is open to individuals with a background in counselling. Entry criteria is normally a 2.1 honours degree, but we may consider a good 2.2 honours degree (with a strong research dissertation). Whilst we may consider applications from those with a background in a closely related area, due to the nature of this programme this would depend upon an assessment of academic writing and psychological research skills.

  • The modules will be assessed using a range of assessment formats. There are no exams, instead each format focuses on a written or oral element. Each written element showcases different styles of academic writing and designed to encourage critical thinking and self-reflection. The skills demonstrated in the various assessment formats are directly relevant to a broad range of applied research professions and beyond.

    • Systematic Review
    • Briefing Paper
    • Professional Presentation
    • Practical Skills Assessment
    • Reflective Essay
    • Portfolio of competencies
    • Research proposal
    • Research papers
  • You may be offered the opportunity to attend a relevant conference or external event and if so you may be expected to contribute to the costs involved.

  • You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.

  • This programme is not a practice or skills-based programme. It is designed for those already qualified as counsellors to engage in professional development and research, or for those wishing to pursue an academic career in the area.

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