Overview

The BA (Hons) Ancient and Medieval History explores societies, cultures, institutions, and ideas from the ancient world through the medieval period. Students examine how people and communities changed over time, while developing the skills needed to interpret historical evidence and understand the forces that shaped earlier societies.

What You'll Learn

• Ancient societies, cultures, and political structures

• Medieval kingdoms, communities, and institutions

• Religion, belief, and intellectual life across historical periods

• Social and economic change in ancient and medieval communities

• Warfare, political power, and relationships between societies

• Historical sources, including written and material evidence

• Methods for analysing, interpreting, and evaluating historical arguments

• Different approaches to understanding continuity and change over time

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to explain significant developments in ancient and medieval history and place them within their wider historical contexts. They will be able to assess different types of historical evidence, recognise the strengths and limitations of sources, and use evidence to construct reasoned interpretations. Students will develop the ability to compare societies and historical periods, identify patterns of continuity and change, and evaluate competing explanations of the past. They will also be able to present historical arguments clearly and critically, demonstrating an informed understanding of the complex relationships between political, social, cultural, religious, and economic factors.