Overview

Tracing human history from classical antiquity through to the modern era provides essential insights into the continuity, transformation, and diversity of human societies. The BA (Hons) Ancient History and History at University of Leeds offers a comprehensive joint honours education delivered collaboratively by the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies and the School of History. The curriculum bridges classical studies with global historical traditions, spanning the civilizations of ancient Greece, Rome, and Persia alongside medieval, early modern, and contemporary history. Classical texts are studied in English translation, though scholars have the option to learn Ancient Greek or Latin at beginner to advanced levels. Students engage with primary written sources, archaeological material, and archival documentation, applying diverse historiographical perspectives to analyze social structures, political systems, and cultural developments across continents and millennia. This program is ideal for inquisitive thinkers eager to synthesize classical and modern historical methodologies to evaluate the forces that have shaped the globalized world.

What You'll Learn

• Fundamental historiographical methods, historical research design, and source criticism techniques

• Classical civilizations, political dynamics, and social structures of ancient Greece, Rome, and the wider Mediterranean

• Ancient material culture, classical archaeology principles, and textual analysis of translated literature

• Global historical epochs spanning medieval societies, early modern empires, decolonization, and modern geopolitical shifts

• Optional study of classical languages, including Ancient Greek and Latin from beginner to advanced levels

• Archival research practices, public history models, digital history platforms, and historiographical debates

• Specialist elective pathways covering classical mythology, medieval religious history, colonial encounters, and modern political history

• Independent historical research project or extended capstone dissertation involving primary source synthesis and historiographical analysis

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will possess an in-depth understanding of historical processes, classical antiquity, and global developments across major historical periods. They will be capable of critically evaluating primary historical sources—including manuscripts, translated classical texts, inscriptions, and archaeological artifacts—alongside competing secondary interpretations. Students build strong technical abilities in qualitative historical research, archival investigation, contextual textual analysis, and persuasive essay composition. Furthermore, learners master the ability to articulate complex historical arguments and communicate research findings clearly across written reports, oral presentations, and digital media. Through specialized module selection and a major independent dissertation project, scholars cultivate the analytical rigor, cross-cultural awareness, and research capabilities required to excel in heritage management, journalism, education, public policy, curatorship, publishing, civil service, or postgraduate academic study.