- UCAS course code
- V110
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Duration
- 3 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
ABB
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
BBBFind out more about contextual admissions.
- Refugee/care-experienced offer
-
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- V110
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Learn from experts in the fields of Greek and Roman history and explore topics as diverse as ancient medicine, Greek philosophy, Egyptology and epigraphy.
- Study Latin and/or Greek, starting from beginner, intermediate or advanced level.
- Optional units allow you to explore related subjects such as ancient literature, religion, philosophy, art, archaeology and modern history.
- Study at a top10 UK university for arts and humanities (QS World University Rankings 2024).
Open days
We are pleased to announce that we are returning to hosting on-campus open days in the summer and autumn.
Please see open days for the dates, registration, and other information.
If you're a prospective student, you can also find out more about student life by chatting with our student ambassadors at a time that suits you, and ask any questions you may have about life at Manchester.
You can also look at our virtual open day content to help you learn more about the University.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £25,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
Scholarships and bursaries are available to eligible Home/EU students, including the Manchester Bursary . This is in addition to the government package of maintenance grants.
- Find out more from Student Finance .
- International student? Check your country page .
- Interested in a student internship ?
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Contact name
- Katie Cowey
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 306 1252
- Facsimile
- +44 (0)161 275 3098
- ug-classics@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk/cahae/
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: About us
Related courses
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Grades ABB. A-level subjects will normally include at least one subject which has a written element (ie. which is not a purely practical programme)
Contextual offer
BBB for applicants who meet our contextual offer criteria. For further information and to check eligibility visit our Contextual Offers page.
AS-level
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
We normally require grades AABBC/ABBBB in Scottish Highers. In addition, we accept Scottish Advanced Highers are Highers in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers at grades BBB
or
Two Advanced Highers at grades BB, plus two additional Highers at grades BB.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
We normally require 77% to include a minimum of 8.0 in at least one essay-based subject.
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade A in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade B.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade A in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.
Please read this in conjunction with our A-level requirements, noting any pre-requisite subjects.
For all other foundation programmes please see this list of approved UK foundation programmes .
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, Merit.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades Distinction, Merit plus an A Level at grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grade Merit plus two A Levels at grades BB.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade Distinction plus two A Levels at grades BB (One of these should be in an essay based subject).
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDM.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DM plus an additional A Level at grade A .
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades MM plus two A levels at grade BB.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D plus two A Levels at grades BB.
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Access to HE Diploma
The specific course requirements are a minimum of 30 credits with a Distinction grade, plus 15 credits with a Merit grade, all in a Humanities-related subject.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3, M2, M2 in the Pre-U and ABB at A level in three distinct subjects.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics. Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.
A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to. Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4 or;
- IELTS 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one component, or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Potential candidates are expected to demonstrate why they have chosen this particular degree in their personal statement and express why the course interests them.
Applicants submitting mitigating circumstances
If you are submitting information about mitigating circumstances that have affected, or are likely to affect, your academic performance, you should include this in the referee's report.
We cannot usually take into account information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application by the admitting school.
(Examples of mitigating circumstances include family illness, problems with school facilities or an unusual curriculum followed by your school of college.)
How your application is considered
Interview requirements
Returning to education
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
Deferrals
We welcome applications for deferred entry and feel a gap year benefits many students.
We do ask applicants to let us know as early as possible if they are intending to defer. This helps us to adjust the number of offers we make, in order to achieve the required number of students in a given year.
Re-applications
Transfers
We will consider applications to transfer to Manchester from other universities and would normally ask for a letter explaining why a transfer was needed, relevant transcripts, a copy of the applicant's UCAS form and a confidential reference from one of the applicant's current university tutors.
We will consider applications to transfer from other degrees within the University of Manchester but applicants are required to have the A-level grades (or other qualifications) needed for entry to that degree programme.
Both of the above are subject to our having enough places to accommodate such applicants. Enquiries should be made to the admissions administrator for the subject (see contact details).
Course details
Course description
"I got interested in Classics and Ancient History after I read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan when I was at primary school.
"The course at Manchester had a lot more freedom [to study different subjects] than other universities. I loved that I would be able to take a Religions and Theology module and a History module alongside my compulsory course units."
Araddhna Patel / 2017 graduate
Explore the ancient civilisations of the Roman Empire and ancient Greece on this BA Ancient History course, which brings these worlds to life by examining their culture, language and literature.
A staff of world-renowned tutors will expand your knowledge of subjects such as the Greek City, the Roman Army, Alexander the Great and the Roman Family. You'll have a truly multidisciplinary learning experience and will have the chance to immerse yourself in ancient ideas on subjects ranging from slavery to medicine.
You can choose to study ancient Greek and Latin from beginner level upwards, as well as Archaeology, Egyptology, Greek and Roman Literature and Ancient Philosophy. Further options are available in other areas that complement your subject including Modern History, Religions and Theology, and History of Art.
Throughout this course you'll develop a range of transferable skills, including logical and imaginative thinking, effective communication, the ability to formulate ideas and theories, and information and data interpretation and evaluation.
You will also undertake independent study units which will allow you to carry out research on the topics that interest you most.
Special features
"The lecturers here are absolutely phenomenal.
"They inspire you to go further and push you on to subject areas that you'll particularly enjoy."
Cameron Mackenzie / BA Ancient History Student
Apply your subject-specific knowledge in a real-world context through a placement year in your third year of study, enabling you to enhance your employment prospects, clarify your career goals and build your external networks.
Study abroad
You can apply to spend one semester studying abroad during Year 2, with exchange partners including those in Europe as well as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Explore world-class collections
Enjoy unique opportunities to explore special archived material and carry out research in a wide range of archives, libraries, museums and other research institutions in Manchester and beyond.
Teaching and learning
You'll learn through a variety of methods. Lectures will introduce and survey the main issues, supported by small group tutorials and seminars.
Language classes are taught intensively, with group sizes capped to encourage participation.
You are encouraged to involve yourself, under guidance, in independent study and original research.
Coursework and assessment
Course content for year 1
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Constructing Archaic Greek History | CAHE10011 | 20 | Mandatory |
From Republic to Empire: Introduction to Roman History, Society & Culture 218-31BC | CAHE10022 | 20 | Mandatory |
Cities and Citizens | CAHE10232 | 20 | Mandatory |
The Odyssey | CAHE10101 | 20 | Optional |
The Making of the Mediterranean | CAHE10132 | 20 | Optional |
Discoveries and Discoverers: Sights and Sites | CAHE10282 | 20 | Optional |
Virgil's Aeneid | CAHE10422 | 20 | Optional |
Doing Archaeology 1 | CAHE10501 | 20 | Optional |
Introduction to the History and Culture of Pharaonic Egypt | CAHE10651 | 20 | Optional |
Intensive Greek 1 | CAHE20151 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 2
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
The Roman Empire 31BC - AD313 Rome's Golden Age | CAHE20051 | 20 | Mandatory |
Politics and Society in Classical Greece | CAHE20062 | 20 | Mandatory |
Through Cicero's Eyes | CAHE20031 | 20 | Optional |
The Conquering Hero: The Life, Times and Legacy of Alexander The Great | CAHE20041 | 20 | Optional |
Thinking Archaeology | CAHE20112 | 20 | Optional |
Intensive Greek 1 | CAHE20151 | 20 | Optional |
Introduction to Egyptian Hieroglyphs | CAHE20162 | 20 | Optional |
Intensive Latin 1 | CAHE20171 | 20 | Optional |
Greco-Roman Society and Technology | CAHE20261 | 20 | Optional |
Roman Love Elegy | CAHE20272 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
You'll also research and write a dissertation on an ancient historical topic of your choice, under the guidance of a specialist supervisor.
There will be further opportunities to take course units in History, Archaeology, and Greek and Latin.
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology and Egyptology Dissertation | CAHE30000 | 40 | Mandatory |
Intensive Greek 1 | CAHE20151 | 20 | Optional |
Introduction to Egyptian Hieroglyphs | CAHE20162 | 20 | Optional |
Intensive Latin 1 | CAHE20171 | 20 | Optional |
Through Cicero's Eyes | CAHE30031 | 20 | Optional |
Advanced Latin Language 1 | CAHE30111 | 20 | Optional |
Advanced Greek Language 1 | CAHE30121 | 20 | Optional |
Intensive Greek 2 | CAHE30162 | 20 | Optional |
Intensive Latin 2 | CAHE30182 | 20 | Optional |
Advanced Latin Language 2 | CAHE30211 | 20 | Optional |
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Facilities
The John Rylands Library
At The John Rylands Library , you'll have exclusive access to our internationally significant collections, including papyri, medieval manuscripts and early printed books such as very early copies of the Homeric poems.
Manchester Museum
The UK's leading university museum has more than four million objects spanning millennia, including one of the largest collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the UK. Go behind-the-scenes to handle, analyse and interpret rare artefacts, including exclusive material specific to ancient history.
Visit our facilities page to find out more.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
Allour courses involve the development of strong transferable skills, encouraging students to think logically and imaginatively to interpret andanalyseinformation and data.
A degree in Classics or Ancient History will equip you with the ability to effectively communicate ideas and demonstrate an intricate understanding of different cultures and societies, leading to a career in wide range of industries.
You'll have various opportunities to gain professional and practical experience.
Many employers seek graduates who have skills in many fields of expertise.
Alternatively, you could study selected course units from other courses around the University.
This is through the University College for Interdisciplinary Learning.
You can also apply to spend a year gaining valuable workplace experience on a work placement.
The creative economy accounts for one in 11 jobs across the UIK and employs 700,000 more people than the financial services industry(Creative Industries Federation).
The University of Manchester is the second most targeted university in the UK for top graduate employers (High Fliers Research, 2024).
Our award-winning careers service provides a wealth of tools, advice, development opportunities and industry links.
You'll have access to dedicated, subject-specific support throughout your studies and for up to two years after graduation.
Our undergraduate courses are also designed to provide an easy transition into postgraduate study, if desired.
We offer a wide range of specialist master's courses within the University and even offer fast-tracked enrolment to high-achieving undergraduate students.
Our students can take part in our Stellifyprogrammealongside their degrees, developing professional and leadership skills while contributing to their local and global communities through volunteering.
Our graduates have gone on to work in a variety of industries, including positionswithBBC, Google, UK government, museums, cultural institutions and law firms.
Find out more onour Careers and Employability page.