A Level Ancient History is a thrilling deep dive into epic Greek wars, scheming Roman emperors, and the drama of ancient politics. Students explore Spartan warriors, Athenian philosophers, and Julius Caesar’s rivals, analyzing battles, betrayals, and the rise and fall of empires. It’s history, power struggles, and intrigue at its best.
Site
Lewes
Course Type
16 +
| Options | Course Code | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| apply | 03173y1 | 08/09/25 | 09/07/27 |
In the OCR A Level Ancient History course, students explore significant events, individuals, societies, and issues of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. The curriculum is divided into two main components:
Period Study: Relations between Greek states and between Greek and non-Greek states, 492–404 BC. This includes the Persian Wars, the rise of Athens and Sparta, and the Peloponnesian War.
Depth Study: One of the following options: The Politics and Culture of Athens, c.460–399 BC The Politics and Society of Sparta, 478–404 BC The Rise of Macedon, 359–323 BC
Period Study: The Julio-Claudian Emperors, 31 BC–AD 68. This covers the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, Gaius (Caligula), Claudius, and Nero.
Depth Study: One of the following options: The Breakdown of the Late Republic, 88–31 BC The Flavians, AD 68–96 Ruling Roman Britain, AD 43–c.128 These studies involve analyzing primary sources, understanding historical contexts, and evaluating the interplay of military, political, religious, social, and cultural factors within the specified periods.
Our general entry criteria to study 3 A-Levels is: Minimum five GCSEs grade 4-9 with English Language or Maths at grade 5. For a mixed Level 3 programme the criteria are: Minimum five GCSEs grade 4-9 with English Language or Maths at grade 4. Subject specific entry criteria apply: A GCSE grade 5 in English Language.
In the OCR A Level Ancient History course, students are assessed through two externally examined components, each contributing 50% to the final grade.
Each component includes a written examination lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes, comprising a mix of essay questions and source analysis. These assessments evaluate students' knowledge, understanding, and analytical skills concerning ancient historical events, figures, and societies.
You will achieve an A Level in Ancient History. This will be taken alongside two other subjects.
An A Level in Ancient History can open doors to various opportunities in both higher education and career paths. Here’s what it can lead to:
Higher Education:
History or Ancient History Degrees: Pursue a deeper understanding of historical periods and methodologies. Archaeology: Study ancient artifacts and civilizations. Classics: Explore languages, literature, and cultures of the ancient world. Politics or International Relations: Apply knowledge of historical power dynamics and diplomacy. Law: Use analytical and evaluative skills developed in the course. English or Literature: Leverage historical context in literary studies.
Careers:
Teaching or Academia: Become a historian, lecturer, or educator specializing in ancient history or related subjects. Archaeologist: Work in field excavation, preservation, or museums. Heritage and Museum Work: Roles in curation, conservation, or public engagement at historical sites. Media and Publishing: Write, produce, or consult on historical documentaries, books, or films. Law, Civil Service, or Politics: Utilize critical thinking and evaluative skills in policy-making or legal contexts. Journalism: Report with a broad understanding of historical and cultural perspectives. Transferable Skills: Critical analysis Research and data interpretation Clear communication and argumentation Understanding cultural and societal dynamics
An A Level in Ancient History builds a solid foundation for a wide array of academic and professional pursuits while nurturing a lifelong appreciation of history.