Ancient History and Classical Culture, MA, Swansea University

the United Kingdom

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Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
MA	Full-time, Part-time	1 - 3 year	September	GBP 9100 per year	GBP 19300 per year

About Ancient History and Classical Culture, MA - at Swansea University

This programme is designed to offer the flexibility for you to select modules around your own personal interests and future goals. The module pathways reflect the different disciplinary sub-branches into which the study of the Classical world is conventially divided.

If you have literary interests, you will be able to undertake modules such as ‘Creations of Egypt in the Greco-Roman World’, ‘Ancient Narrative Literature’, and ‘Saints and Sinners in Christian Late Antiquity’. You will also be able to pursue the study of ancient languages as part of the programme.

If you have historical or material culture interests, you will be able to undertake modules such as ‘Heritage, Law, and Conflict’, ‘Creations of Egypt in the Greco-Roman World’, and ‘Ancient Landscapes’. You will also be able to pursue the study of ancient languages as part of the programme.

The modules offered reflect a variety of approaches to the study of the ancient world and its heritage. Through both these optional modules, as well as modules on ‘Research Methodologies’ and ‘Advanced Research Project Preparation’, you will develop skills that build towards the dissertation that you will write under the direction of a specialist supervisor.

The full-time course structure is split across the year with three modules offered in each academic semester, and a dissertation completed over the summer.

If you study the course part time, one compulsory and two optional modules are usually taken in each of the first and second years, with a dissertation also completed over the summer of the second year.

Your study resources will include a main library that is particularly well stocked with ancient literary and documentary sources, archaeological, epigraphic, and papyrological publications, and relevant modern scholarship. Library collections include a wide range of general and specialist periodicals, and an increasing number of specialist digital resources.

You will also have access to the collections and resources in the Egypt Centre on campus, benefitting from being an active part of the thriving and supportive academic community in Classics, Ancient History and Egyptology with the Department of History, Heritage and Classics

Learn more about Ancient History and Classical Culture, MA - at Swansea University

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Entry requirements

Usually a 2:1 undergraduate degree is required in Ancient History, Classics, Classical Civilisation, or a related subject in Arts and Humanities, or equivalent.

For applicants whose first language is not English, we require IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or an equivalent English test.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at Swansea University

Swansea University offers a wide range of different scholarship schemes and in recognition of the high calibre of the international students choosing to study at Swansea, the International Development Office is awarding up to £6000 Excellence Scholarships for Undergraduate study and up to £4000 Excellence Scholarships for Postgraduate study. Visit our website to find what you could be eligible for and read our tips to write a successful scholarship application.

Student reviews of Swansea University

Find out what students say about Swansea University

Chido Ranganayi, (Zimbabwe) BSc Accounting and Finance

Why did you choose Swansea University?
Swansea University was at the top of my list as it ticked so many of my boxes. On a personal, lifestyle level, there were so many things that attracted me. The campus’ close proximity to a beautiful beach, the personable and supportive communications I had received during my application process and also the great things I had heard from a friend that had also studied there.

On an academic level, I was so impressed by its rankings. Over the past few years, the University has grown from strength to strength.I was also so pleased to have received the Excellence Scholarship to study at the University too.

What do you love about the University?
The amount of opportunities it has provided me with, in addition to my studies. I am proud to be a senior student ambassador, where I support prospective students with any questions they may have during University visits and Open Days. I’m also part of the Investment and Finance society and Christian Union; there are lots of opportunities to meet like-minded people.

I’m also an official Swansea University Vlogger which is great fun. Documenting my time at University isn’t just a great experience but also a great way of capturing all the memories I’m making during my time here.

What do you love about your course?
Staff are so supportive and are always available to help. The variety of modules is also great and allows me to focus on what I’m interested in. I particularly enjoy the Entrepreneurship module which helps with the management of Eve Zimbabwe.

The course is great at mixing theory with real-world examples, which makes me feel confident ahead of entering the world of work.

Being able to do a year in industry as part of my degree is also an incredible opportunity. Working for a business for a year, as part of my studies is priceless and experience that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve without doing this degree pathway.

Maya Dotson, (US) MA International Relations

Why did you choose to study at Swansea University? 
There are many reasons why I chose Swansea University. It seemed like it had an active, tight-knit community which was important to me. I also looked at several different masters’ programs and Swansea seemed to have the program that would best fit my interests. Additionally, there are some amazing lecturers that have experience in some of the academic areas of study I am interested in specializing in.

Can you tell us about your course and what do you enjoy the most? 
I am studying international relations. As an international student it has been an amazing opportunity to study with fellow students and lecturers from around the world. A lot of people are coming from different academic backgrounds, as well, which often augments and enriches class discussions.

What are your three favourite things about Swansea?
My three favourite things about Swansea would be the wonderful people I have met so far, the beautiful area and the beach.

Would you recommend Swansea University to other international students?
I would absolutely recommend Swansea University to other international students. I have found an amazing community both on and off the campus. I am taking courses which are challenging, intriguing, and enlightening. It is one of the most welcoming and humble places I have lived and studied.

Nouran Aly, (Qatar) BSc Computer Science

Why did you choose to study at Swansea University? 
I chose Swansea University because when I went to a UK universities’ fair that was helpful in Qatar, I’ve spoken to many universities but felt like Swansea's representatives were the most comforting, reassuring, and friendliest ones in the fair, they made me want to keep on researching the university after the fair and were able to leave a good impression.

Can you tell us about your course and what do you enjoy the most? 
I am impressed by how the lecturers have office hours where you can go and talk to them about anything, not necessarily lectures related but any student is able to explore their ambitions through these office hours as the staff at the computational foundry have a wide range of expertise and knowledge.

The fact that there are mentors always looking after you is quite comforting as well and they do made sure to make you come to talk to them if you are ever facing a problem.

Lastly, this based on my personal experience but the fact that there is a whole building just for computer science, software and maths students is quite amazing because whenever I enter that building, I feel a sense of belonging and confidence and also being surrounded by people who share the same passion and ambition is motivating and definitely helps you give your best to what you do.

What are your three favourite things about Swansea?
The beach is my favourite part about Swansea which definitely is Swansea’s strength and the fact that we are studying minutes away from it.

The friendly community, and the fact that racism is almost inexistent. People in Swansea are quite accepting and makes the fact that an international student who definitely looks like a foreigner in the UK much less intimidating.

The city centre is a great area, it is very vivid, full of things to do and when it comes to you grocery trips, not having a car, which is quite common especially for international students, not a problem at all as there is everything you need and more in one area and you definitely don’t need to be going around and taking multiple buses etc… for your weekly needs.