Master of Ancient History

Possible career opportunities include:

• archivist
• diplomat
• high school teacher (professional development)
• heritage consultant
• museum curator
• policy advisor/consultant
• publisher
• researcher
• writer

Higher education

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

English Proficiency Requirements

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.

Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.

Information can be found at: https://mq.edu.au/rpl

The achievements, as well as the trials and tribulations encountered by people in the ancient world, and the ways in which they responded to such experiences, provide valuable lessons for each and every one of us. With a broad and rich understanding of ancient times, we can better understand who we are today and where we are going in the future.

This course, which allows you to engage critically with the cultures of the ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern worlds will give you postgraduate-level skills in historical studies.

Recommended Study Pattern

Foundation Zone

Essential subjects

• AHIX6100   Ancient Languages Foundation
• AHIX6200   Ancient Historical Studies: Foundation
• 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)

Essential subject:

• AHIX8000   Capstone Advanced Project

Choose 7 from :

• AHIX8210  History Writing in Antiquity: Herodotus and Thucydides; Tacitus and Suetonius
• AHIX8211 Topics in Ancient Greek: Athenian Empire
• AHIX8213 Egypt: Alexander to Augustus
• AHIX8221 Caravan Cities
• AHIX8230 City of Constantine
• AHIX8241 The Jews from the Maccabees to Bar Kochba
• AHIX8252 New Kingdom Egypt
• AHIX8261 Monasticism in Egypt
• 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.