The Roman Empire
What made Rome so powerful? How did an empire that started in one city grow to rule vast parts of the world? In this course, you’ll explore the Roman Empire – where power, culture, and ideas helped shape history.
Start
Autumn 2026
Level
Bachelor's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
Course code
SASH39
In this course you will study how the Roman Empire was built and how it existed for so long. You will explore the city of Rome, its different provinces and the surrounding areas, in order to understand what everyday life looked like in various parts of the empire. This will enable you to compare life inside and outside of the Roman capital. You’ll also reflect on what it meant to be Roman, why so many large and impressive buildings were constructed, and what set the Roman Empire apart from other major empires, such as China and Parthia. In addition to this you also learn how the Roman economy and society worked.
Teaching includes lectures, discussions, and analysis of historical sources. You’ll practice thinking critically and asking your own questions about history.
Course syllabus
The syllabus contains the formal and legal details of the entire course. It’s a legal document outlining the course structure and requirements, intended mainly for administrative use.
Syllabus (PDF, new tab)Course literature
The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.
Course literature SASH39 (PDF, New tab)The course is taught in English at the Department of Archaeology and Ancient History. You will learn through different types of teaching: lectures, seminars, group work, and one study visit. To pass the course, you need to take part actively in the seminars and group exercises. You also need to complete a written assignment. Exchange students are given priority when applying.
Entry requirements
General requirements for university studies in Sweden
Selection criteria
Seats are allocated according to the following: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 34 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 32 %. If students have equal credentials, seats are allocated based on their results on The Swedish National University Aptitude Test. If this too is equal, seats are allocated based on a draw.
Specific documentsTuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 15,625
First payment: SEK 15,625
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
A modern study environment in historic surroundings
As a student at the Faculties of Humanities and Theology, you will spend most of your time at LUX and SOL. Here you will study in a bright and open environment, steeped in history. There are two libraries with quiet reading rooms and group rooms that you can book. The buildings are situated next to each other, right next to the large University Library and close to several student nations. It’s a 15-minute walk to the train station and to Lund city centre.
