Ancient and Medieval History and Culture

Program Overview

Ancient and Medieval History and Culture concentrates on the period c.2000 BC to c.1500 AD. It explores the changes in society, politics, religious practices, and art and architecture that have helped to shape the world we live in. Over the four years of the programme you will explore topics including the development of different systems of government (from democracy in ancient Greece to monarchy and empire in the Middle Ages), the formation of Europe, ancient and medieval belief systems and religious practices (from the pantheon of ancient deities to the dominance of Christianity), the development of the legal system, and the role of warfare in bringing about change. You will have the opportunity to explore developments in educational practices, including the emergence of the university, changing attitudes to gender, sexuality and the place of women in society, and the different styles of European art and architecture used in the period. How competitive: applicants from the EU apply through the CAO and are ranked on points. In round 1 of 2026, places went to applicants with 497 points or more. On Trinity's indicative scale for the IB, that is about 37 points, or about 35 with Higher Level Mathematics at 4 or better, which adds 25. Applicants from outside the EU apply to Trinity directly and are assessed individually.