Ancient Studies (BA)

Immerse yourself in the mythology, politics, philosophies, and societies of early civilizations from around the world.

The Bachelor of Arts in Ancient Studies (BA) program can help you gain a greater understanding of these ancient cultures and their enduring effect on our society today. You will earn critical thinking and writing skills highly valued by employers in fields such as law, education, government, publishing and archaeology.

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Learn About Ancient Civilizations
    Develop a comprehensive understanding of ancient civilizations across Europe, Africa, the Near East, and the Americas. This global approach not only enriches your knowledge but also prepares you for diverse career paths. 
  • Prepare for Future Careers
    Gain a competitive edge by studying the ancient world through courses across multiple disciplines, enhancing your analytical skills and preparing you for your career. 
  • Integrate Arts with Business
    Broaden your career opportunities by integrating a business education with your Arts degree. Our collaboration with the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics offers unique pathways to undergraduate and graduate-level business education. 
  • Accelerate Your Degree
    Fast-track your future by completing your degree in just three years. By working with your Academic Advisor and taking courses during the summer semesters, you can graduate early and get a head start on your career or graduate studies.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):

  • Real Research, Real Skills, Real Impact
    Take a capstone seminar in your upper years, which gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience and develop professional writing and presentation skills, while working with students from universities across Canada.
  • Apply for Co-op
    Get valuable work experience as an Honours Arts student in Ancient Studies by applying to co-op. Complete three four-month work terms during your degree.
  • Participate in Clubs
    Join student clubs such as the History Students’ Association, Laurier Ancient Music Society, or Laurier Pre-Law Society, and build leadership skills through joining an executive team.
  • Live and Learn History
    Live in the Camelot Hall Residence Learning Community in your first year and register for the culminating summer travel course (when available).

Courses, Options and Pathways

Courses

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses, and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

Program Options

Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next. 

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

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"Laurier has a wide selection of exciting courses for all interests. My favourite course was 'Voices from the Near East.' It was a small intimate classroom environment that made me feel comfortable to engage in class discussions."

Olivia Douglas, Ancient Studies graduate

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • acquisitions editor
  • curator
  • foreign service officer
  • immigration officer
  • lawyer
  • market research analyst
  • project manager
  • public policy analyst
  • technical writer

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Your Co-op Experience

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate future-ready.

Future Laurier Arts students have two options to engage in co-op. You can apply in first-year to our co-op program and complete three-work terms of four months’ duration and gain valuable experience during their studies.

You can also get a head-start and apply for direct admission to our brand-new co-op program straight from high school in select Arts programs. In both pathways, you will gain 12 months of career experience.

Interested? Learn more about co-op in the Faculty of Arts.

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99%employment rate for co‑op students – 2024 / 2025

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Center for World University Rankings

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2024

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2024

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot. With more than 60 programs in arts, science, business and music, you can customize your degree, gain hands-on learning opportunities and join in the community beyond the classroom.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

students in a classroom

Delivered In Person

Join us on campus and experience university life firsthand.

You can complete your program primarily through in-person courses where you will attend classes in a physical classroom on scheduled days and times, which you will see and choose from when you register for courses. 

Connect face-to-face with your professors, learn alongside your classmates and be part of the campus community from day one.  

Hear From Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be a Laurier Golden Hawk? Student Life at Laurier is your social media source to get unfiltered content, first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?

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