Swansea Metropolitan University

Course Details

BA Ancient History with Education Studies

Course Description

The major in Ancient History allows students to study a wide range of modules covering not only fascinating figures like Alexander the Great, but also basic aspects of everyday life, such as ancient myths, politics, warfare (both on land and at sea) and the economic and trading networks of Ancient Greece. Students can explore broader questions about how Rome grew into an empire, how Sparta became the legend that it is today and how religion shaped everyday life two thousand years ago. In the first year of study, modules can be taken on a wide range of periods and themes; in the second and third years, the School offers specialised modules on all aspects of Greco-Roman history so that you can gain in-depth knowledge in areas of particular interest to you. Options are also available to study select modules in ancient Chinese History, Classical Archaeology or Theology. The culmination of the degree is the dissertation, where you are free to pursue a topic of your choice in line with the research interests of your tutor. The Education Studies component of this major/minor degree comprises two modules of study per year over the three years of your degree. Modules within the Education Studies part of the degree will cover a range of themes including, for example, the historical development of education, learning cultures and approaches to learning, the philosophy of learning and education, and the legal frameworks within which education operates today. In your first year of study, you will undertake modules that will enable you to explore key educational debates regarding the relations between learning, knowledge, and education in contemporary society; this will provide an overview of the associated aims and values which have underpinned education. During the second year of study you will undertake a 20-credits module entitled ‘Learning in an Inclusive Environment’. As part of this module, you will have the opportunity for gaining valuable work experience through a work placement. This placement may be in a classroom, museum or other contexts which respond to education in its broadest sense. The work will provide you with an insight into the application of concepts and ideas that surround education. Further it offers an opportunity to gain first-hand experience that will support your future career aspirations. In your second year you will also study a module that explores educational identities in relation to knowledge, power, culture and social relations. Finally, in your third year of study you will have the opportunity to either take a 40-credits dissertation that combines elements of your Education Studies with your chosen Humanities subject, or take a 20-credit Independent Project plus a 20-credit Practical Placement. The latter module might involve an observation in a local school, college, organisation or learning/teaching contexts within the community. There is clear emphasis on enhancing your employability through ensuring that the modules enable you to develop a range of transferable skills for the workplace. Indeed, you will have the opportunity to develop such skills via, for example, a compulsory work placement, seminar presentations and a practice-based, work related dissertation. The School is proud of the wide range of assessment methods used on the course, such as essays, presentations, wikis, web pages and reflective reports, so that the assessment reflects the student’s performance as a whole.

Course Duration

NumberDuration
3year

Career outcomes

The Careers Service subscribes to a range of careers databases and networks to ensure that you benefit from having access to the latest information. The Careers team is able to help you to identify and plan your career by matching your interests and course of study to relevant jobs. The service also includes assistance with writing applications and CVs, interview techniques, Professional Development Planning (PDP), as well as general careers counselling for individuals and groups. Specifically the course offers employment opportunities in the following areas: Heritage sector and heritage management Teaching and education Tourism and tourism management Volunteer work Tour guides Online publishing Museum and archive Local government archaeology Administration Business and commerce Local government Media and Publishing Business and Commerce Library and Information Services Further Study




BA Ancient History with Education Studies Swansea Metropolitan University