Ancient Civilisations (Part-time) (MRes)
The MRes in Ancient Civilisations offers an immersive, research-focused study of the world’s most influential ancient societies. From the monumental architecture of Ancient Egypt and the pioneering cities of Mesopotamia to the intellectual legacy of Classical Greece and Rome, this programme provides the opportunity to engage deeply with the cultures, histories, and material remains of the past. Beyond the well-known empires, you will also explore the fascinating worlds of ancient China, the Bronze Age Aegean, and the Celts, expanding your understanding of how these civilisations shaped human history.
This programme is ideal for students who are eager to develop their expertise in Greek history, Roman history, and the broader ancient world, while honing advanced research skills. Combining taught modules with independent research, the MRes offers a balance of structured learning and intellectual freedom. One-third of the course consists of taught components, where you will gain essential training in archaeology, historical analysis, and research methodologies. The remaining two-thirds focus on an in-depth research project, supervised by an academic expert, allowing you to pursue your own specialised interests in ancient civilisations.
By studying this MRes, you will engage with a wide range of primary sources, from ancient texts to artefacts, and develop the analytical tools necessary to interpret them. Through the study of archaeology, you will explore how material culture—such as art, architecture, and everyday objects—sheds light on the lives of ancient peoples. You will also gain transferable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management, which are highly valued in academia, museums, heritage sectors, and beyond.
The programme is designed for those considering further research at PhD level, as well as for graduates looking to advance their careers in education, heritage, and the arts. Whether you are fascinated by the political systems of Ancient Rome, the mythology of Classical Greece, or the engineering marvels of Mesopotamia, this MRes allows you to explore these topics in depth while gaining a strong foundation in research and analysis.
With flexible study options, including full-time, part-time, and distance learning, the MRes caters to a variety of schedules and commitments. Under the guidance of experienced academic staff, you will join a dynamic research community and contribute to the ongoing exploration of the ancient world. This programme is an excellent choice for those looking to develop expertise in ancient civilisations while acquiring the skills and knowledge to excel in further academic study or a wide range of professional fields.
Course details
- Distance Learning
- Part-time
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our approach to learning and teaching is rooted in critical inquiry, interdisciplinary study, and hands-on engagement with ancient materials and research. You will develop analytical and practical skills while exploring diverse perspectives on the ancient world, guided by expert faculty in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.
Year One
In your first year, you will explore a variety of themes in ancient civilisations, focusing on religion, material culture, and historical methods. You will study Spaces, Places and Objects in Ancient Mediterranean Religions, while optional modules allow you to specialise in areas such as Ancient Egyptian Religion, Religions in China, or Art and Representation in the Ancient Near East. You will also engage with key research methodologies in Unravelling Heritage: History, Theory, Methods.
Year Two
The second year is dedicated to your MRes Dissertation, an extended, independent research project supervised by a specialist in your chosen field. This is your opportunity to develop original research, applying the skills and knowledge gained in your first year to explore a topic in depth. The dissertation is a key step towards further academic research or professional application of your expertise.
Compulsory
(30 credits)
(120 credits)
Optional
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Ratings and Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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2:2 honours degree 
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or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
Alternative entry routes 
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Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert). This is the first part of the full Master’s degree.
Once you have successfully completed your PGCert studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remainder of the Master’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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The modules are assessed by a variety of assessment methods: short essays (2,500 words), longer essays (4,000-5,000 words), comparative analyses, literary reviews and appreciations, short assignments, linguistic exercises, oral assessments and one 30,000-word dissertation.
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Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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Approximately £300 for literature.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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Areas of employment include:
- Museum
- Archives
- Heritage sector
- Professional Writers
- Marketing