Egyptology and Ancient History

Egyptology and ancient history together address some of the most magnificent and enduring civilisations in human history. Egypt's civilisation spanned more than three thousand years, producing architectural, artistic, and administrative achievements of astonishing scale and sophistication. Greece and Rome between them shaped the intellectual, political, and cultural foundations of much of the modern western world, through philosophy, democracy, law, literature, and visual art.

Studying all three together allows you to appreciate both the distinctiveness of each civilisation and the connections and interactions between them across the ancient Mediterranean world.

At Swansea University, this three-year full-time programme offers a comprehensive exploration of the histories and cultures of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. You will engage with the social, political, and economic structures of these ancient societies, developing skills in research, analysis, and critical thinking that are central to historical and humanistic inquiry. The study of Egypt brings in the decipherment of ancient scripts, material culture, and the extraordinary record preserved in papyri and monuments, while the Greek and Roman dimensions introduce the literary and philosophical traditions that have been so influential in subsequent European thought and culture.

With a typical entry tariff of 120 UCAS points, the programme is accessible to students with a genuine fascination with the ancient world.

Graduates from Egyptology and ancient history programmes are well placed for careers in museums, heritage organisations, archaeology, academic research, teaching, publishing, journalism, arts administration, and the cultural sector. The research and analytical skills developed during the degree are broadly transferable. Postgraduate study in Egyptology, ancient history, archaeology, or classical civilisation provides a natural route for those who wish to develop specialist expertise or pursue academic careers.