Classical Studies

The ancient Greek and Roman worlds have given us an extraordinarily rich heritage of culture, literature, politics, philosophy, art, architecture and archaeology as well as paving the way for democracy, modern day sewers, underfloor heating and the calendar.

Our BA in Classical Studies takes an innovative, multidisciplinary dive into this fascinating cultural and intellectual history. You gain a critical yet empathetic appreciation of different worldviews on a course that blends study of history, literature, drama, philosophy, archaeology, art and architecture. Knowledge of Classical languages is not required, but opportunities to learn and develop your language skills may be on offer.

The course contextualises and enriches the study of these disciplines through, theoretical, research and vocational elements. You explore the world of the Greeks and the Romans in both historical and contemporary contexts and so come to a new understanding of the world around us.

Our programme considers the reception of the Classical world from the medieval through to the modern world. You interact with the Classical world through field trips to Fishbourne Roman Palace and the British Museum, through modules in Neo-Classicism and through volunteer placement opportunities in the heritage sector.

Study begins by establishing a framework of Classical history, both chronologically and geographically. You are introduced to Classical archaeology, art and architecture (for example, temples, sculpture and inscriptions); Classical drama (comedy and tragedy), and literature (epics and lyrics).

Next, in Year 2, you explore the nature of history as a discipline and its changing assumptions, methods and definitions. You choose from a range of modules covering civilisation, archaeology and history including the high point of Athenian democracy and the Classical Greek world, death and ritual in the ancient world and the world of Alexander the Great. In Year 2, you may also undertake a volunteer placement in a museum or art gallery, go on a week-long field trip to sites relevant to the Classical world, or take part in our Study Abroad exchange with a university in America or Bulgaria.

In the final year, you hone your research methods, write a dissertation and undertake more specialised modules that focus on the Pax Romana, the archaeology of Roman Italy, Minoan art and architecture, or Greek and Roman comedy.

After three years you’ll have a grounding in the political, cultural, and economic basics of the Greek and Roman worlds that lends itself to understanding how we continue to interact with the Classical world in our modern society. The skills you cultivate on your modules – time management, critical reading and writing skills, independent thinking and public speaking – transfer readily to today’s workplace.

As such, our graduates are valued in a wide variety of occupations including business, law and accountancy, the civil service, local government and social services. Others teach or write for television, film and radio.

Some of our graduates go on to postgraduate work, and often study MA degrees in related subjects, such as classical archaeology, ancient history and Latin languages and literature. Becoming a specialist is the first step towards pursuing an academic career as a lecturer or researcher.