Master of Ancient History
Immerse yourself in ancient times. Understand who we are today by looking into the trials of history. Learn how to critically examine cultures of ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern worlds at a postgraduate level.
About the Course
Graduates in the Master of Ancient History (OUA) will have specialised knowledge in this discipline and skills for research and further learning. In this course, you will have the opportunity to gain advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in a range of relevant disciplines. In addition to the coursework offered through seminars, you will conduct research in your chosen field. You may only enrol in the course as an online student. The course caters for anyone who wishes to further their studies in Ancient History, support specific professional development (eg teachers), or prepare for higher degree research studies.
Course Entry Requirements
Depending on your prior qualifications, work experience, or other recognised prior learning, you may qualify for entry to the course at one of the admission points below.
Each admission point requires the completion of some or all of the course's zones (see Course Structure) which will affect the overall duration of the degree.
Students commencing with the Foundation Zone
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent, or
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent, and approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning, or
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65
Students commencing with the Core zone:
- AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent, or
Meet two of the following three criteria:
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent
- Approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65
The required standard of English for this program is:
- Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each band, or equivalent.
- All applicants to coursework programs at Macquarie University are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English.
- For more information on accepted equivalents, please see English Language Requirements.
Course Structure
Recommended study pattern
Foundation Zone
Essential subjects
- AHIX6100 Ancient Languages Foundation
- AHIX6200 Ancient Language Studies: Foundation in Ancient Language
- AHIX6201 Ancient Historiographical and Historical Studies: Foundation
- AHIX6202 Archaeological and Historical Studies: Foundation in Archaeology or History
Students admitted at the Foundation Zone have to complete the above four subjects.
Core Zone
(The core zone is required for all students. Students admitted at the Core Zone entry are exempt from the Foundation Zone subjects)
Complete all the following subjects:
- AHIX8000 Capstone Advanced Project
- AHIX8210 History Writing in Antiquity: Herodotus and Thucydides
- AHIX8211 The Athenian Empire 510 - 404 BC
- AHIX8213 Egypt: Alexander to Augustus
- AHIX8221 Caravan Cities
- AHIX8230 City of Constantine
- AHIX8252 Egypt in the Age of Akhenaten and Tutankhamun
- AHIX8320 Under the Shadow of Vesuvius: Archaeology in Ancient Campania
Total subjects required for Core Zone: 8
Award requirements
Depending on the admission point for which you qualify (see Entry Requirements), you will need to complete eight or twelve subjects. The Core zone is always compulsory.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Understand recent developments in one or more of the following specialised bodies of knowledge: Ancient Greece, Rome, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Israel, Early Christianity, Coptic Studies, Ancient Languages.
- Demonstrate research principles and methods relevant to Ancient World studies in one or more of the fields of archaeology; art and architecture; epigraphy; historiography, language and literature; material culture; numismatics.
- Understand, respect and display professional (academic), ethical and sustainability principles and values.
- Evaluate theoretical, methodological, historical and linguistic information and scholarship about ancient Egypt and/or the Near East and/or Greece and/or Rome and/or Late Antiquity.
- Integrate knowledge, imagination, and evaluation as a foundation for creative learning behaviour.
- Communicate ideas about Ancient History studies clearly, coherently and with reference to evidence.
- Utilize research methods and tools, balancing creativity and initiative with knowledge of the subject and scholarship.
- Plan and execute a substantial research-based project.
- Apply knowledge and skills in a professional manner.
