Ancient History and History

The Department of History’s expertise covers political, social and cultural history across a wide range of regions from the medieval period to the present, from the Crusades to the 1960s. In the National Student Survey, 98% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2025, 98% of responders from the Department of History.) In the Department of History, 100% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – History). In the Department of Classics, 95% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Classics). The University of Reading ranks in the top 100 for Arts and Humanities globally (=92 in QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025). In the Department of Classics you can examine the fascinating cultures and societies of the Greek and Roman worlds, from c. 2000 BC to AD 600. In the National Student Survey, 97% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2025, 97% of responders from the Department of Classics.). In this three-year course, you’ll address important modern questions and trace them back to their roots, exploring different periods of history through both literary and material sources. In your first year, you will develop your research and analytical skills.