UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON · UNITED KINGDOM
Ancient History MA
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€41k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Intercollegiate programme with King's College London and Royal HollowayCollaborating Institutions
- Gain expertise in archaeology, epigraphy, numismatics, and papyrologySpecialised Skills
- Access to world-class resources in Bloomsbury (British Library, British Museum)Prime Location
- Prepares for PhD research and careers in heritage, civil service, and educationCareer Focus
- 1 year full-time studyDuration
This intercollegiate Master's programme offers a deep dive into the ancient world, combining the expertise of UCL, King's College London, and Royal Holloway. You will develop specialized skills in areas such as archaeology, epigraphy, numismatics, and papyrology, alongside advanced training in textual criticism. The curriculum is designed to equip you with a critical understanding of the field and the tools necessary for further research. It also prepares you for careers in fields like the civil service, museums, heritage, and education. The programme is suitable for students with a relevant undergraduate degree looking to deepen their knowledge or for those aiming for PhD research.
Curriculum
The MA Ancient History programme requires students to complete 180 credits. For full-time students, this typically involves around 8-10 hours of contact per week, with an additional 20-25 hours of self-directed study. During Term 3 and the summer, focus shifts to dissertation research with regular supervisor contact. For part-time students, Year 1 usually includes a compulsory module and 60 credits of electives, while Year 2 focuses on the dissertation and remaining electives.
- Year 1 (Full-time)
- Sources and Methods in Ancient History
- M.A. Ancient History: DissertationHIST0450
- Optional Module
- Part-time
- Sources and Methods in Ancient History
- Optional Modules
- M.A. Ancient History: DissertationHIST0450
- Optional Modules
Careers
Graduates are well-prepared for further academic research, including PhD studies, and also find employment in diverse sectors. The programme develops analytical, research, presentation, and negotiation skills highly valued by employers.
- Academia
- Journalism
- Civil Service
- Business
- Museum and Heritage
- Education
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students on the MA Ancient History programme?
- For the 2026/27 academic year, international students can expect to pay £35,400 per year for full-time study or £17,700 per year for part-time study.
- How long is the MA Ancient History programme?
- The programme is typically one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.
- What are the academic entry requirements for the MA Ancient History programme?
- You need an upper second-class Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Knowledge of an ancient language is not essential but can be advantageous.
- What is the application deadline for the MA Ancient History programme?
- For applicants requiring a visa, the deadline is 26 June 2026. For those not requiring a visa, the deadline is 28 August 2026.
- What are the career prospects after completing the MA Ancient History programme?
- Graduates are well-prepared for further academic research, including PhD studies, and find employment in diverse sectors such as academia, journalism, the civil service, business, and museum and heritage.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeAn upper second-class Bachelor's degree (or equivalent from overseas) in a relevant discipline. Knowledge of an ancient language is not essential but can be advantageous.
IELTSLevel 4
Country-specific qualification equivalencies can be found on the International Students website. Please contact Graduate Admissions for further advice if needed. UCL offers Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses for international students.
Fees
Tuition (international)Full-time: £35,400 per year; Part-time: £17,700 per year (2026/27 academic year).
Tuition (home)Full-time: £16,800 per year; Part-time: £8,400 per year (2026/27 academic year).
Living—
Fees are for the 2026/27 academic year. Please ensure you arrange payment by the published deadlines.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and English language requirements for the Ancient History MA.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather your academic transcripts, degree certificates, personal statement, and references.
3. Submit Online ApplicationComplete and submit the application form via the UCL graduate application portal. For applicants requiring a visa, the deadline is 26 June 2026 for the September 2026 intake. For those not requiring a visa, the deadline is 28 August 2026.
4. Attend Interviews (if applicable)Some programmes may require an interview as part of the selection process.
5. Await DecisionYou will be notified of the outcome of your application.
6. Accept Offer and Prepare for ArrivalIf successful, accept your offer and begin the visa application process and pre-arrival preparations.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students on the MA Ancient History programme?
+
For the 2026/27 academic year, international students can expect to pay £35,400 per year for full-time study or £17,700 per year for part-time study.
How long is the MA Ancient History programme?
+
The programme is typically one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.
What are the academic entry requirements for the MA Ancient History programme?
+
You need an upper second-class Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Knowledge of an ancient language is not essential but can be advantageous.
What is the application deadline for the MA Ancient History programme?
+
For applicants requiring a visa, the deadline is 26 June 2026. For those not requiring a visa, the deadline is 28 August 2026.
What are the career prospects after completing the MA Ancient History programme?
+
Graduates are well-prepared for further academic research, including PhD studies, and find employment in diverse sectors such as academia, journalism, the civil service, business, and museum and heritage.