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Ancient and Medieval History and Culture concentrates on the period c. 2000 B.C. to c. 1500 A.D. It explores the changes in society, politics, religious practices, and art and architecture that have helped to shape the world we live in. Over the four years of the program you will explore topics including the development of different systems of government (from democracy in ancient Greece to monarchy and empire in the Middle Ages), the formation of Europe, ancient and medieval belief systems and religious practices (from the pantheon of ancient deities to the dominance of Christianity), the development of the legal system, and the role of warfare in bringing about change. You will have the opportunity to explore developments in educational practices including the emergence of the university, changing attitudes to gender, sexuality and the place of women in society, and the different styles of European art and architecture used in the period.

Ancient and Medieval History and Culture: The course for you?

If you are curious about the past and about how history has shaped the world we live in then Ancient and Medieval History and Culture will appeal to you. Through the investigation of texts, artefacts and buildings this programme provides an intellectually stimulating encounter with the past, and challenges you to think about a range of cultural, social and political issues. Ancient and Medieval History and Culture is a unique programme that brings together the disciplines of Classics, History and Art History to train you to work across traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Ancient and Medieval History and Culture @ Trinity

The programme in Ancient and Medieval History and Culture is unique in offering a focused study of antiquity and the Middle Ages. As part of the School of Histories and Humanities, you will be able to work with experts in the disciplines of Classics, History and Art History, joining a vibrant community of staff and students in this interdisciplinary programme. As you progress through the course you will be able to choose to focus on particular time periods or themes, culminating in the opportunity to undertake in-depth research for your undergraduate dissertation. You will have access to rich collections of source material, including the University collections, visits to museums and galleries in Dublin, and opportunities to venture further afield through field trips to other European destinations.

Graduate skills and career opportunities

Our graduates go on to a wide range of careers including archaeology, journalism, work in museums, marketing, and teaching. Graduates from the School of Histories and Humanities have also entered accountancy, advertising, business, civil service, diplomatic corps, human resources, journalism, management, and publishing. Many also go on to further study.

Your degree and what you’ll study

Ancient and Medieval History and Culture is a four-year honours degree programme. Over the four years you will develop a broad understanding of the ancient and medieval worlds through an analysis of their art, architecture, archaeology, culture and history. These disciplines will be introduced to you in the first year of the programme. The teaching includes lectures, seminars (typically with 10-15 students) and site visits. As your studies progress, the modules become more thematically specialised, with an increasing emphasis on intensive discussion and independent research. In third and fourth years you have the option to choose from a wide range of modules, providing an opportunity for specialised research in areas that particularly interest you.