Ancient and Medieval HistoryBA

How did people in the past live, work, trade and relax? Taught through a blend of literature, history and archaeology, you'll explore the transformation of the ancient world over several millennia as medieval societies such as the Vikings and the Byzantine Empire emerged.  

• Delve into primary sources that have survived to the modern day – you'll receive teaching in our on-campus Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum.
• Explore the ancient world and its effects on present day through fascinating optional modules in Ancient History, Archaeology, Heritage and Digital Humanities.
• Enhance your professional development with our exciting work placement opportunities with prestigious organisations including Birmingham Museums and the National Trust.
• Learn an ancient language with optional modules in Classical Greek, Latin and Ancient Egyptian.
• Equip yourself with the skills that employers value, from analysis and communication to independence and teamwork.

Cultural artefacts at your fingertips

You'll benefit from our excellent collections and library facilities, including the Cadbury Research Library. Holding the University of Birmingham’s historic collections of rare books, manuscripts, archives, photographs and associated artefacts, the library is home to thousands of significant pieces of history and literature.

• Lectures: These give you an insightful, expert introduction to key topics; they also provide guidance to support your reading and assessments.
• Seminars: These are small group discussions where you share and test ideas with your academic tutor and your peers. Seminars help you understand topics better and build confidence in sharing your thoughts.

Support during your studies

At Birmingham, you’ll have plenty of support to help you adjust to university life:

• Personal Academic Tutors: You'll have a tutor assigned to you who will guide and support you throughout your studies.
• Wellbeing Officers: The Wellbeing team help with extensions, disabilities, extenuating circumstances, or any personal challenges. They’ll also connect you with further support on campus or elsewhere.
• Academic Writing Advisory Service: Tutorials, workshops and support in  structuring an argument and developing your own academic voice.
• Student Experience Team: They offer research opportunities, and cultural, intellectual and social activities to enhance your university experience.

Contact hours

Your degree is designed to help you achieve 120 credits per year, which equals about 40 hours of learning each week. This includes lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, revision, and assessments.

Assessment methods

You’ll be assessed in different ways to suit each module. At the start of a module, you’ll be told how and when you’ll be assessed. Methods will vary but may include coursework (e.g., essays), group or individual presentations and projects, exams, reports or computer-based assignments.

Feedback: You will receive timely feedback on each assessment, so you can learn from it and improve your performance in future assessments.

You can apply to study abroad for a year in an approved university around the world. If you achieve a grade of 2.1 or above in your first year, you will be eligible to apply for a Year Abroad in your second year. If your application is successful, you will go abroad in your third year and return to us for your final year.

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Number of A levels required: 3

A Level

ABB. General Studies not accepted.

A Level History, Medieval History or Ancient History is preferred, but we welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate an interest in and an aptitude for the study of history.

Acceptable subjects include: Ancient History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Business Studies, Classical Civilisation, Drama and Theatre Studies, Economics, English Language, English Language and Literature, English Literature, Environmental Studies, Geography, Government and Politics, History, History of Art, Law, Medieval History, Modern or Classical Languages, Music, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology.

If you are not studying one or more of the above then please contact us to discuss your application. If you are not taking A level History then we will require GCSE History grade 7 and at least one humanities subject at A level or equivalent.

BTEC qualifications

• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD.
• BTEC Diploma: DD, plus B at A-level.
• BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A-level.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills.
• Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015): Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in each skill
• Trinity ISE II: Not applicable
• Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students.  If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay.  If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

Key skills:

• Strong communication skills
• A deep understanding of the past
• Leadership and teamwork
• Handling complex information
• The ability to form concise and articulate arguments
• Managing your time and prioritising your workload

These are skills that will enable you to pursue either further study in History disciplines or move into employment in a wide range of other careers. Our graduates have gone on to careers in:

• Charity work
• Human Resources
• International Development
• Law
• Marketing
• Media
• Publishing
• Politics
• Teaching
• Library and Archive work

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.