Course overview
Combining modules in history and ancient history, this joint honours course enables you to take a wider view of society’s development. You will look at the ancient, medieval and modern worlds, learn to think critically about them and discover the challenges and rewards of studying different historical periods.
Year one
For ancient history, you study two core modules introducing the history and culture of Greece and Rome, and an in-depth module on one topic (eg Alexander). Beginners' language or classics and popular culture modules are optional. In history, you study our core module, Learning History, as well as two outline modules chosen from a menu of courses outlining the main trends in European and world history between 500AD and 1945.
Year two
The core element in history is provided by the compulsory Contemporary World since 1945. The focus of this module is not just on global developments, political and economic, social and cultural, environmental and demographic, but also on the exploration of key historical debates concerning the immediate origins of the world in which we now live. You also choose optional history modules, covering more specialised topics than those you will have studied in Year One, from a menu that covers a wide chronological and geographical range. In ancient history, an extended course study prepares you for third-year dissertation work, and you are able to pick from a wider range of optional modules, including further language work.
Year three
In your third year to have the choice of specialising in history or ancient history or splitting your time equally between departments. You can also choose to write a dissertation in either history or ancient history. Your history dissertation will be based on your study of a Special Subject, a year-long seminar which involves analysis of original source material. Depending on your choice of focus, you will also study further optional modules in either history or ancient history or continue your language work.
More information
Please visit the Department of History and Department of Classics websites.
Entry requirements
A levels: AAB, including A in history at A level. general studies not accepted.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
TOEFL iBT 100 (minimum 19 with 20 in Speaking).
Alternative qualifications
Please see the alternative qualifications page.
Flexible admissions policy
We may make some applicants an offer lower than advertised, depending on their personal and educational circumstances.
Modules
The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.
Core year-one modules
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Studying the Greek World
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Learning History
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Studying the Roman World
Typical year-one options:
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Introduction to the Medieval World, 500-1500
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From Reformation to Revolution: an introduction to Early Modern History
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Interpreting Ancient History
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Interpreting Ancient Art
Core year-two modules
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Extended Source Study in Ancient History
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Exploring Historiography
Typical year-two options:
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Blood and Treasure: Vikings, Franks and Anglo-Saxons
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The Making of Modern Japan
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The Victorians: Life, Thought and Culture
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Slavery in Roman Society
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Understanding Ancient Sculpture
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Greeks and Barbarians: connected histories
Typical year-three modules
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Students may select from a wide range of special subjects, involving analysis of original source material, as well as optional modules in History or Ancient History. They may also opt to write a dissertation in History or Ancient History. No compulsory modules for this year are listed in our database.
Typical special subjects:
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From Julian to Theodosius
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Samurai Revolution: Reinventing Japan
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The Norman Conquest: England 1016-1087
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Russia in Revolution 1905-21
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Visual Mythology
Typical year-three options:
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Britain on Film
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The Vietnam War
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The British Slave Trade
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Roman Dining
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Colour and Culture in the Mediterranean World
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Sex, Lies and Violence: Battles of the Athenian Law Courts
For a complete list of all the modules offered by the Departments of History and Classics please see the University module catalogue.
Careers
With an excellent track record of graduate employment, a History and Ancient History degree will prepare you for a wide range of professions. Some of the most popular of these are journalism and publishing, law, business and finance, national and local government, non-governmental organisations (both national and international), administration, teaching, library and museum work and research-based careers.
A History and Ancient History degree can cater for such a diverse field of employment because the skills that you will acquire are versatile, wide-ranging, and transferable. You will learn to interpret the complex and diverse character of human society as well as forces of change and continuity. You will learn to think critically, to analyse large amounts of data, to construct logical arguments, to communicate knowledge intelligibly, to work effectively in teams, to manage time and workloads, and to lead discussions and presentations. These skills will develop your capacity to learn and adapt and will therefore equip you with the tools you need to develop your future career.
For more information on the career prospects of Nottingham history graduates, please visit our Careers page.
Average starting salary
The average starting salary for 2010/11 full-time graduates of the School of History was £18,915 and for the graduates of the Department of Classics it was £19,928.*
*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2010/11.
Careers Support and Advice
Studying for a degree at The University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take. Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our Careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.
KIS
Key Information Sets (KIS)
KIS is an initiative that the government has introduced to allow you to compare different courses and universities.
Time in lectures, seminars and similar
Although this figure may appear low, you will undertake a module during your studies which involves over 90% of independent learning. This module is usually a dissertation, thesis or research project and will provide the opportunity to gain research and analytical skills as well as the ability to work independently. You will have a higher percentage of contact hours for other modules