Skills you’ll develop
While studying Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies (AMNE), you’ll develop important skills while learning about the culture, history and mythology of the ancient Greek and Roman world. You’ll consider world religions in a comparative context, and investigate the history and material culture of the ancient Near East and ancient Egypt.
These skills may include:
- Critical thinking and analysis of concepts related to ancient cultures and how they are re-used today
- Applying problem solving to the examination of languages, literature, archaeology, religion, poetry, law, and philosophy
- Expressing and analysing ideas through strategic oral and written communication
- Reading and interpreting ancient languages like Greek, Latin, or Egyptian hieroglyphics
- Researching and collecting data applied to the exploration of ancient and modern-day religious texts
- Interpreting primary and secondary sources based on available evidence
- Applying advanced archaeological and epigraphical methods developed through lab and field school experiences
Explore career possibilities
AMNE opens a variety of career paths, and our alumni have succeeded working in everything from international relations to consulting to academia. Career opportunities vary across a range of fields including law, archaeology or cultural heritage management, education, finance, media, communications, non-profit organizations, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.
Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.
- Archaeological technician
- Archivist
- Art dealer
- Biographer
- Charitable organization director
- Collections manager
- Communications specialist
- Cultural anthropologist
- Curator
- Customs broker
- Diplomat
- Documentarian or Filmmaker
- Economic development officer
- Editor
- Event planner
- Foreign service officer
- Fundraiser
- Genealogist
- Heritage interpreter
- Historian
- Human resources specialist
- Immigration officer
- Interpreter
- Journalist
- Language school instructor
- Lawyer
- Librarian
- Linguist
- Literary agent
- Lobbyist
- Marketing specialist
- Media consultant
- Information consultant
- Museum administrator
- Museum educator
- Records technician
- Research assistant
- Restoration technician
- Student services advisor
- Program manager
- Public affairs officer
- Public policy analyst
- Publishing manager
- Teacher or professor
- Tourism industry consultant
- Trade officer
- Translator
- Writer
Make the most of your program
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.
- AMNE Student Association
Meet other UBC students through events and programs. - LOGOS undergraduate journal
Read and submit articles on topics relevant to Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies (AMNE). - UBC Archaeology Day
Check out this opportunity in Term 2 to showcase student and faculty research in archaeology. - Departmental events
Network with students and faculty members in your department at a variety of events. - Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about research opportunities, excavations and field schools. - Funding and awards
Find scholarship opportunities for AMNE students. - Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies resources
Dive into topics including classical archeology, languages, literature, and more. - Archaeology Institute of America, Vancouver Chapter
Attend public lectures about the significance of archeological discovery.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- American Academy of Religion
- American Schools of Overseas Research
- Archaeological Institute of America, Vancouver Society
- Association of Ancient Historians
- Canadian Archaeological Association
- Canadian Corporation for Studies in Religion
- Canadian-Hellenic Cultural Society
- Canadian Philosophical Association
- Classical Association of Canada
- Hellenic Canadian Congress of British Columbia
- Society for Classical Studies
- Society for the Study of Egyptian Antiquities
- Society of Biblical Literature
Connect with alumni
Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies graduates on LinkedIn.
AMNE alumni have gone on to hold positions such as:
- Senior Trade Commissioner, Canadian Embassy
- Prosecutor, Economics Crime Group of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada
- 3D Character Modeler, Video Game Studio
- Chief Financial Officer, Creative Startup
- Chief Archivist, History Museum
- Program Manager, NGO in Central America
As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.
More information
Throughout your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.