Ancient History (Part-time) (MRes)
The MRes in Ancient History is designed for those who are passionate about exploring the past through independent, research-driven study. This course provides a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the ancient world, from the power struggles of the Roman Empire and the conquests of Alexander the Great to the everyday lives of people in ancient societies. Whether your interest lies in Ancient Greek history, Roman history, Near Eastern history, or the broader landscapes of Afro-Eurasia, this programme offers a rich and flexible academic experience.
Unlike a traditional taught master’s degree, the MRes places a strong emphasis on independent research. Typically, one-third of the programme consists of taught modules, giving you a solid foundation in research methods, Ancient Greek studies, and Latin studies, as well as technical skills in analysing ancient manuscripts and inscriptions. The remaining two-thirds of the course are dedicated to a substantial research project, developed in collaboration with an expert supervisor. This allows you to pursue your specific interests in Ancient History, refining your analytical skills and deepening your understanding of the complexities of these past societies.
This course goes beyond just studying historical events. You will explore themes such as warfare and economy in Ancient History, examining how military strategy, trade systems, and political structures shaped ancient civilisations. You will also engage with classical texts, investigating how ancient sources inform our modern interpretations of history. By working with original materials and developing expertise in primary sources, you will enhance your ability to conduct rigorous academic research, preparing you for further study at PhD level or careers in fields that require critical thinking and analytical precision.
The MRes in Ancient History equips you with transferable skills that are highly valued across academic and professional sectors. You will develop expertise in project management, problem-solving, and effective communication, as well as the ability to evaluate complex ideas and synthesise large amounts of information. These skills are invaluable not only for academic research but also for careers in government, education, publishing, heritage, and cultural industries.
If you are eager to explore the ancient world in depth and develop specialist research skills, the MRes in Ancient History provides the ideal foundation for your academic and professional ambitions.
Course details
- Distance Learning
- Part-time
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our MRes in Ancient History offers a dynamic and student-centred approach to learning. We blend traditional methods with innovative techniques, encouraging independent thinking, critical analysis, and practical skills. Through an extensive selection of modules, you will explore the histories of Ancient Greek and Roman societies, study influential figures, and examine everyday life across the Roman Empire, Near East, and Afro-Eurasian societies. This programme equips you with the expertise needed for academic research or professional careers related to the ancient world.
Part I
In the first part, you will engage with core research methodologies through the compulsory Theory and Methodology for the ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ of the Ancient World module. Optional modules allow you to tailor your studies to your interests, with topics such as Gender in the Ancient World, Myth in Greek and Roman Epic, Aspects of Greek and Roman Religion and Cult, and The Greek Economy in the Archaic and Classical Periods. Other options explore global connections, including Rome and the Indian Ocean and Life in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. These modules provide essential historical context and analytical skills, preparing you for your research dissertation.
Part II
Your second part is dedicated to the MRes Dissertation, an independent research project developed under expert supervision. This major piece of research allows you to focus on a specific area of interest within ancient history, applying the methodologies and critical approaches gained in your first part. The dissertation enables you to produce original scholarship, refining your ability to conduct advanced historical analysis and preparing you for doctoral study or professional research roles.
Compulsory
(120 credits)
(30 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