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BA

Classics BA (Hons)

Explore all aspects of classical culture as you immerse yourself in the languages and society of ancient Greece and Rome.

How to apply Apply via UCAS

Course details

Start date

Degree Type

BA

UCAS Code

Q801

Course length

3 years full-time

Typical offer

AAA

Tuition Fees

  • Home (Full-time): £ per year
  • Overseas (Full-time): £ per year

Overview

The core of the Classics course is language, although how much language is studied and at what level, depends on you. The course is equally suitable for students who have A levels (or equivalent) in Greek and/or Latin and for those who have never studied an ancient language before. As such, we offer modules in both Latin and Greek, in both prose and verse, at every level appropriate to your experience or your particular interests. By exploring the culture of these ancient civilisations, the course also puts these languages into context. 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

Q801

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

If you have studied Latin and Greek before, you will build on that experience at intermediate, advanced, and higher levels. If you are new to one or both languages, then we will introduce you to them through our beginners' programme, before moving on to advanced language study. 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

  • Beginners

    or Intermediate Greek and/or Latin or Intermediate Greek and/or Latin language modules, at the appropriate level based on your previous experience.

  • 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.

  • Monuments and Memory in the Age of Augustus

    gives you 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

  • In recent years optional modules have included: Early Greek PhilosophyLanguage, Translation, InterpretationLives of Objects – Greek and Roman Antiquity.Empire and Religion in the Age of Constantine

Core modules

  • Beginner

    , Intermediate or Advanced modules in Greek and/or Latin language.

  • 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

  • In recent years optional modules have included: Theatre and Spectacle in Ancient RomeMyths of Transformation in Ovid's MetamorphosesComedy and Tragedy, Laughter and SorrowBeauty and GoodnessInterpreting Greek Tragedy TodayAncient Political Thought and ActionEmperors and DynastiesAlexandriaClassical Receptions and Contemporary CulturesDialogues with AntiquityLiving in the Classical WorldThe City of AthensGreek Art and ArchitectureRoman Buildings and their Decoration

Core modules

  • Beginner

    , Intermediate, Advanced or Higher Greek and/or Latin language modules.

  • 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

  • In recent years optional modules have included: Comedy and Tragedy, Laughter and Sorrow Sing Me, O Muse Writing Alexander Greeks and Persians (c. 560-336 BC)The Origins of CivilisationPompeii and Herculaneum: Rediscovery and ReconstructionRoman Law and Latin Literature Happiness in Ancient PhilosophyThe Hellenistic World Roman SyriaThe Late Roman World

Learning

A combination of lectures, seminars, and language classes 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; language classes involve the collaborative reading of texts in the original languages and study of grammar. You will get 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.

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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).

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Department Information

  • 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.

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    Facilities

    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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

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Career Opportunities

Of those UK/EU students who graduated in 2022/23:

82%

in work or further study.

81%

in high or medium skilled employment.

£33,183

is the average salary.

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

Our students acquire many skills which are readily transferable to a whole range of professions. You will learn to search for, gather, and process information, to evaluate evidence and to express yourself clearly and succinctly, both verbally and in writing.  Classics graduates have progressed to careers as diverse as computing, the Civil Service, gold dealing, teaching, journalism, law, accountancy, public relations and the theatre. A significant number of our students progress onto higher level study following their degree. Some remain within their academic field of interest and pursue a Master’s degree, either at Durham or elsewhere. Others choose professional postgraduate programmes in subjects such as law, finance and teaching.

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.

Learn more about why the department of Classics and Ancient History is a great place to study

Your next steps

Apply via UCAS

  • Institution code: D86

  • UCAS code: Q801

Apply now

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