About Ancient history

Ancient History comprises of the study of the Greek, Egyptian, Mesopotamian and Roman civilisations. Students studying Ancient History move in chronological order through the events which lead to the rise, reign, extent and fall of these empires. Their architecture, socio-economic condition, governmental structure and culture is also studied. Ancient History can be studied at the high school, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level.  Common course modules students can expect to study are biochemistry, anatomy related to anaesthesia, pharmacology, hematology, physiology related to anaesthesia, physics related to anaesthesia, and pathology.

　　

Is Ancient history right for me?

If you are a student with good analytical and research skills who can retain information and communicate effectively with your team, Ancient History may be a good option for you. Students who have an inquisitive mind and yearn to answer questions pertaining to the past are encouraged to pursue this subject. In addition, people who are fond of acquiring new skills such as learning a new language or polishing their critical thinking are well-suited for this subject.

　　

Ancient history study options and costs

　　As mentioned earlier, students can learn ancient history at many academic levels. After high-school you can study Ancient History by enrolling in a Bachelor’s of Arts in Ancient History programme, the duration of which is 3-4 years and starts with basic foundation level classes, for example ‘introduction to history and world civilisations’ and ‘the history of dynasties and classical mythologies’. Higher levels may include courses on the Ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek empires along with their rise to power. The history of colonialism and comparative historiography is also included in the course work. The average tuition fee for bachelors in History in the US is around $4,300-$5,600 per year for domestic students and $21,000-25,000 for international students.

　　After bachelors, students can pursue this subject at the master’s level as well, the duration of which is usually 1-2 years depending on the university you attend. The programme is usually a credit-based system and involves taking seminars as well as lectures about your desired specialisation. However, the course work usually contains Greek history, Roman architecture and topography, approaches to Islamic law, Latin and Mediterranean history. The cost of master’s is around $20,000-27,000 per year in the UK and US.

　　Students may also go for a doctorate (PhD), which is a 3-year course full-time and is based on research work and a dissertation. Students carry out research across the whole range of classical studies: Greek and Latin literature, ancient history and historiography, visual culture, philosophy and reception. The estimated cost for a PhD in the US is around $25,000-30,000 for international students.

　　

Future outlook

According to the US Bureau of labour statistics, the employment of historians and anthropologists/archaeologists is projected to grow 5% and 7% respectively, with an estimated total of 1,100 new job openings each year, making this subject worthy of pursuing. Historians find vast employment opportunities in historical societies, consulting firms, museums and in the antique business. An education in Ancient History can lead you to exciting career tracks with plenty of vertical and horizontal career growth. 

　　

Career pathways for Ancient history graduates

　　

Museum archivist and Curator

 

　　Archivists and curators usually over-see the collections of historical artefacts in different institutions. They also oversee the inventory of items and the restoration process. Their average salary in the US is $50,120. 

　　

Historian

 

　　Professional historians study information from texts and artefacts, tie historical developments together, advise on preservation methods and prepare reports or books on select topics. They even travel extensively, and often specialise in specific periods and geographical locations. Their estimated average salary in the US is $74,158 per year.          

　　

Archaeologist

 

　　An archaeologist aids in the discovery, excavation and maintenance of historical sites. They unearth artefacts, human remains and structures before analysing them to determine the time period they belong to. Their average salary in the US is $63,223 per year.        

　　

History professor

 

　　History professors in universities teach and assist under-graduate and graduate students throughout the academic process. Unlike high school history teachers, university professors are involved in research as well. Their average salary in the US is around $76,135 per year. 

　　

Heritage Manager

 

　　Heritage managers conserve and manage heritage sites such as museums, landscapes, monuments and historical sites. They ensure the sites are accessible to tourists and the public. They manage the budgets of their institutions and also train and supervise the staff under them. They may also be required to raise money and sponsor outreach activities to promote their institutions' areas of speciality. Their average salary in the US is $68,371 per year. 

　　

Anthropologist

 

　　They study the development of cultures and societies throughout the period of history. As a history major, you would have to focus on the environmental, socio-economic, political and linguistic aspect of every civilisation that is studied. Their average salary is $66,130 per year.