Classical Studies with a Foundation Year

Classical Studies focuses on the literature of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, along with the cultures that created it.

Studying this four-year BA degree will allow you to read all kinds of texts in translation from around the ancient Mediterranean and develop an understanding of Greek and Roman culture from the archaic period to the fall of the Roman Empire and beyond.

You will explore the stories and mythology of Greece and Rome and learn how to perform close analysis with an eye for detail. You may investigate familiar texts, such as epics and tragedies, as well as often overlooked genres from the ancient world, including novels and satire.

The first year of this course will be spent as a Foundation Year, providing an exciting introduction to the humanities and social sciences. It is ideal for those who need extra support after further education or if you are returning to education after a gap. You will then progress on to Year one of the full degree programme. At Swansea we offer unique resources, including access to our own on campus museum, The Egypt Centre, where you will be able to access cultural artifacts and gain first-hand practical experience.

You will also be able to input into work undertaken across our established research groups: KYKNOS – the Centre for Research on the Narrative Literatures of the Ancient World and OLCAP (Object-and Landscape-Centred Approaches to the Past), which focuses on material culture in research and teaching.

Through the course you will be part of a close-knit student community and will have the opportunity to join in with many clubs and societies including The Society for Ancient Studies and our Egyptology Society which organise social and cultural events, including museum trips. We also have an active guest speaker programme.

This four-year BA honours degree aims to equip you with skills that enhance your future employability. To enhance your career prospects, we offer the opportunity to sign up for various employability and engagement-related placements, such as the Week of Work.

Students of Classical Studies receive a comprehensive grounding in how to research, develop, and present complex ideas in a clear and systematic fashion. You will gain a useful attention to detail along with ways and means to approach the unfamiliar with confidence. Our graduates have entered a wide range of sectors including education, business, media and public relations and marketing.