Ancient Studies (BA)

Explore the mythology, politics, philosophies, and societies of early civilizations from around the world in this interdisciplinary program. Bring what you learn in the classroom and the skills you develop with historical materials into a career in education, law, government, tourism, or the arts and culture sector.

Apply Your Learning

Make the most out of your university career by taking advantage of all that Laurier has to offer you. Volunteer work, campus clubs, leadership programs, studying abroad, work experience – there are so many ways you can extend your classroom experience into the real world.

Here are just a few examples of the experiences you can add to your Ancient Studies program:

  • Apply for co-op at the end of your first year to gain hands-on work experience for your resume.
  • Take a capstone seminar in your upper years, which will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience and develop professional writing and presentation skills.
  • Study abroad for an academic term and become immersed in another culture.
  • Thinking about graduate studies? Participate in the faculty-led research opportunities available to you.

Check out the Ancient Studies Experience Guide for more!

 

2020 graduates who secured employment or went on to postgraduate studies

 

Laurier ranks in the top 6 percent of universities worldwide*

 

students who gained hands-on learning experiences at Laurier in 2019/20

*Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)

Admissions

Format: full time or part time      Duration: four years     Start: September (fall term)     OUAC code: UH

Program Options and Courses

Multiple Perspectives

Explore the ancient world through a variety of disciplines. You'll take courses on the ancient civilizations of Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. But you can also take courses in History, Archaeology, Philosophy, and Religion in Culture as you explore the literature, myth, politics and philosophies of the first civilizations, including:

  • China
  • Egypt
  • Greece
  • Mesopotamia
  • Rome

Options and Minors

These are a few of the many popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Applied Digital Option
  • Music and Cultural History Option
  • Research Specialization

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

First-Year Courses

You'll have the option to select two of the following courses:

  • Ancient Heroes: Story and Tradition
  • Ancient History in a Global Context
  • Ancient Rome: Not Just Caesar
  • Greece: Minotaur to Alexander

In addition, you'll choose 4.0 elective credits in courses that interest you.

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Approach to Myth
  • Crime and Justice in Antiquity
  • Magic and Religion in the Ancient World
  • The Afterlife in Ancient and Medieval Thought

Similar Programs

Co-op

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 with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

Interested in More Info?

Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 519.884.0710 x3385 or see all contact information.