BA
Classical Civilisation BA (Hons)
Explore the world of classical civilisation as you immerse yourself in the culture and society of ancient Greece and Rome.
How to apply Apply via UCAS
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BA
UCAS Code
Q820
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
AAA
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £ per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £ per year
Overview
Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in the ancient world? Are you fascinated by what the civilisations of the past can teach us about the present? The BA (Hons) Classical Civilisation offers you a broad and varied exploration of the society and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, and their importance for us today. You can also tailor the course to focus on particular areas that interest you. There is no requirement to study Greek or Latin, but if you are keen to do so or if you think you might like to try it out, the course includes that option. You will be welcome to attend an extensive programme of research-related activities in the department, including research seminars, public lectures from high-profile guest speakers, and events organised by the student-run Classics Society.
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BA
UCAS Code
Q820
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
AAA
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £ per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £ per year
What you'll study
You will explore the world of the ancient Greeks and Romans from a variety of perspectives. You will be introduced to some of the issues involved in translating ancient literature for our own times. You will also have a wide choice of other content to study embracing the literature, art, history, philosophy and archaeology of the Greeks and Romans.
Core modules
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Early Greek Philosophy
introduces you to the theories and beliefs of thinkers from the Greek world, active in the late Archaic and Classical periods. You will learn what answers they gave to the Big Questions: what is the world made of? What makes us human? and more.
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Introduction to the Greek World
examines ancient Greek history, society and thought. It will introduce you to the central themes, topics and terminology in the study of Archaic and Classical Greece, and equip you to use the basic intellectual resources available to assist that study.
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Language, Translation and Interpretation
helps you engage with Greek and Latin texts, and introduces you to the cultural, anthropological and literary implications of translation. You will learn to assess the role of translations in the study of the classical past by looking at detailed comparisons between different translations of classical texts.
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Monuments and Memory in the Age of Augustus
provides you with an introduction to Roman history and culture and Latin literature, which will also serve as a basis for your further study in these areas. You will investigate a central, transitional epoch in the history of ancient Rome, from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Optional modules
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In recent years optional modules have included: Beginners Latin or GreekLives of ObjectsEmpire and Religion in the Age of Constantine
Core modules
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Traditions of Epic
enables you to study representative examples of Greek and Roman epic, including its role as a device for recording and remembering lives and events, and you will explore the ways in which the genre developed, in ancient Greece and Rome and beyond.
Optional modules
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In recent years optional modules have included: Ancient Political Thought and ActionBeauty and GoodnessComedy and Tragedy, Laughter and SorrowEmperors and DynastiesTheatre and Spectacle in Ancient RomeMyths of Transformation in Ovid's MetamorphosesGreek Art and Architecture Roman Buildings and their DecorationAlexandriaClassical Receptions and Contemporary CulturesDialogues with AntiquityLiving in the Classical WorldThe City of AthensBeginners, Intermediate, or Advanced Greek and/or Latin language.
Core modules
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Dissertation
The dissertation is a significant piece of work in which you research and analyse a topic in depth and write your findings and conclusions.
Optional modules
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In recent years optional modules have included: Greeks and Persians (c. 560-336 BC)The Later Roman EmpireThe Origins of CivilisationComedy and Tragedy, Laughter and SorrowSing Me, O Muse Writing Alexander Pompeii and Herculaneum: Rediscovery and ReconstructionRoman Law and Latin Literature Happiness in Ancient PhilosophyThe Hellenistic World Roman SyriaThe History of Writing in the Ancient MediterraneanIntermediate, Advanced, or Higher Greek and/or Latin language modules
Learning
A combination of lectures and seminars will help you become an independent learner and researcher. Lectures introduce broad historical questions and offer context and critical commentary; seminars provide an opportunity for you to develop your critical skills through discussion. You will receive research skills training and access to an academic mentor for consultation about module choices in line with your interests and aims, and to support you with any other issues. Your dissertation gives the richest opportunity to use your independent learning and research skills. You will be supported choosing a topic at the end of Year 2, with one-to-one supervisory support from an expert in the field through the writing process.Assessment
We use various types of assessment, designed to test the different skills you have gained through your studies: essays, exams, commentaries, translations, presentations, and projects. In your final year, you will write a dissertation of up to 12,000 words on a subject of your choice, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in independent learning and research and your ability to bring together areas of learning from across the entire course.Entry requirements
Fees & Funding
Choose which fees you want to see:
Home / Island students
£ per year
International / EU Students
£ per year
Home / Island students
Part Time - £ per year
International / EU Students
Part Time - £ per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Find out moreDepartment Information
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When you study at the Department of Classics and Ancient History you will join a large, forward-looking department. We offer an intellectually stimulating learning environment in a welcoming community, and consistently rank highly for teaching, graduate employability and research. We offer a range of flexible and challenging degree courses designed with the twenty-first-century student in mind. Each with a different emphasis, depending on which area you prefer to put at the centre of your studies: ancient languages, ancient history or ancient culture. We also offer joint honours courses with the departments of Archaeology and History. Our degrees offer both academic rigour and an outstanding student experience, taught by a team of academic staff who between them specialise in the languages, literature, history, and culture of the Greco-Roman world, as well as its impact on later centuries up to the present day. The breadth of knowledge in the Department allows us to offer a wide range of study areas including ancient Greek and Latin languages from beginner to advanced level, literature in translation, history of various areas of the ancient Mediterranean, and many more aspects of classical culture, including philosophy, art and science. For more information see our department pages.
Read moreFacilities
We are situated in the beautiful and historic centre of Durham next to the Cathedral and Castle and just two minutes’ walk from the city centre, at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Extensive collection of ancient texts and reference works
The friendly and welcoming Department is housed in eighteenth-century buildings which include dedicated study space and a library with an extensive collection of ancient texts and reference works.
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Events
The student body is a large, close-knit and highly engaged community. Our student-led Classics Society organises regular social and academic events, often in conjunction with staff from the Department.
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REF 2021
In the latest UK-wide research assessment (REF 2021) we were ranked 4th for overall research quality. Our research informs our undergraduate degrees, so as to keep courses highly relevant and up to date.
Find out more -
Career Opportunities
Of those UK/EU students who graduated in 2022/23:
82%
81%
£33,183
HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. More at www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk
Employability
More Information
We offer a range of flexible and challenging courses, which offer students the opportunity to explore the breadth of our discipline as well as to develop expertise in specific areas.
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