Ancient History – AS

L3 Level 3
Full Time
3 September 2025 — 21 June 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

This level 3 A level qualification will allow learners to study the ancient world over a two-year period. This will allow the learner to engaged critically with the ancient past and engage with both major historical events and major works of literature. As Ancient History is not widely studied in Wales, this will give the college an opportunity to offer a course which learners would not otherwise get the opportunity to take. It also provides an alternative/ addition to the already successful Classics A level offered here. 

What you will study

The AS Units of study require learners to undertake the study of both Greece and Rome.

Unit 1 H007/01: Relations between Greek states and between Greek and non-Greek states, 492–404 BC. (taught in year 1)

This period study will focus on the unfolding narrative of the relations between the Greek city-states, particularly Athens and Sparta, and between Greek city-states and the Persian Empire during the period 492–404 BC. Learners will study the changes in relations between states and the substantial developments in inter-state relations between both Greek and non-Greek states. Learners will study the main events and issues in order to understand how these shaped these developments.

Assessment: 60 marks 1 hour 30 minutes Written paper 50% of total AS Level.

H007/02: The Julio-Claudian Emperors, 31 BC–AD 68 (taught in year 1)

This period study will focus on the unfolding narrative of the establishment and development of the principate under Augustus, Tiberius, Gaius, Claudius and Nero. There will be a particular focus on the military, social and political achievements of the emperors and their treatment by the ancient sources.

Assessment 60 marks 1 hour 30 minutes Written paper 50% of total AS Level.

A2 Year Content

H407/13: The Rise of Macedon, c. 359–323 BC (taught in year 2)

This depth study focuses on the interplay of political, military, social, economic, cultural and religious factors that contributed to the rapid rise to pre-eminence of Macedonia from c. 359 BC. There is a particular focus on Philip and thus placing the campaigns of Alexander more fully in context. In doing so learners will gain insight into the factors and beliefs that motivated two of the most renowned men in ancient history. The topics in this depth study are all interrelated, and learners are encouraged to see the connections between different topics to deepen their understanding of the period.

Depth study in H407/22: The Flavians, AD 68–96. (taught in year 2)

This depth study focuses on the interplay of political, military, social, economic and religious factors that affected the reigns of the Flavian dynasty resulting in a different type of Principate to that of the preceding Julio-Claudian dynasty. The topics in this depth study are all interrelated, and learners should be encouraged to see the connections between different topics to deepen their understanding of the period

Entry requirements

Individual Subject Entry Requirement English Language minimum: B

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

3 September 2025

End date

21 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

4.5 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

ASCC3F61
L3

Qualification

Ancient History – AS

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What our students say

“CAVC is a great place to study A Levels – the teachers, the support, the facilities and social experience has been so good – I’m delighted to have gained all A’s in my AS exams. The support to apply and prepare for university is brilliant and I’m looking forward to progressing after college.

A Levels learner
Kuba Lewandowski
Studying A Levels

Career prospects & further study

500

Fantastic university progression routes! With hundreds of students gaining places at Oxbridge, Russell Group and other leading universities. In fact, this year more than 500 students achieved their firm or insurance choice through UCAS, with nearly 100 being Russell Group universities!

The qualification carries UCAS points and if it is taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two-year programme of learning, then it is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses.

It can support access to higher education courses, other courses being undertaken will also be considered.  The qualification can also lead to direct employment or apprenticeship. 

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE