Classics
Classics
BA
3 years full-time
Durham City
BA
3 years full-time
Durham City
Q801
Q801
Typical offers
| A Level | AAA |
|---|---|
| BTEC | DDD |
| International Baccalaureate | 37 |
Course details
The Classics degree is language-focused, although how much language is studied and at what level depends upon you. The course is designed to be equally suitable for students who have A levels (or equivalent) in Greek and/or Latin and for students with no experience in one or both languages.
We offer modules in both Latin and Greek, in prose and verse, at every level, from complete beginner to very advanced, and you will be able to take modules which are appropriate to your level of language experience and (at Advanced and Higher levels) your particular interests in the subject.
Year 1
In your first year, you will take two interdisciplinary modules that will give you grounding in the central periods of Greek and Roman culture:
- Introduction to the Greek World
- Monuments and Memory in the Age of Augustus.
You will also take courses in Greek and/or Latin language, at the appropriate level.
Other first-year optional modules have previously included:
- Lives of Objects
- Early Greek Philosophy
- The Craft of the Ancient Historian
- Language, Translation and Interpretation.
Year 2
You will take a module to study representative examples of Greek and Roman epic; you will be introduced to a wide range of approaches to the study of epic including its role as a device for memorialisation, and explore the ways in which the genre developed in Greek and Roman antiquity, and beyond:
- Traditions of Epic.
Study of Latin and/or Greek continues in the second year.
Many of the other modules in the second year are broad surveys, for example of a historical period or a literary genre.
Historical offerings have previously included:
- The Hellenistic World
- Crisis of The Roman Republic
- Emperors and Dynasties.
Literary, philosophical and cultural topics have previously included:
- Greek Literature and The Near East
- Interpreting Greek Tragedy Today
- Creation and Cosmology
- Ancient Political Thought and Action
- Stoicism
- Dialogues with Antiquity
- Classical Receptions and Contemporary Cultures
- Theatre and Spectacle in Ancient Rome.
Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a Year Abroad)
You will write a Dissertation in your third year. You choose a topic at the end of your second year in consultation with an adviser, with who you will meet regularly for guidance throughout Year 3. Your study of Latin and/or Greek will proceed to the next level, with the texts becoming more difficult or fragmentary. Most other modules in the third year cover specific topics that arise out of the research interests of the members of staff.
Historical modules have previously included:
- Greeks and Persians
- Roman Syria
- Writing Alexander
- The Life and Times of Cicero
- Urbs Roma
- The Later Roman Empire.
Literary, philosophical and cultural topics have previously included:
- The Literature and Language of Ancient Babylon
- Comedy and Tragedy, Laughter and Sorrow
- Hellenistic Poetry: Theory and Practice
- Roman Law and Latin Literature
- Love and Sex in Ancient Poetry
- Technologies of Knowledge in Antiquity
- Knowledge and Doubt in Hellenistic Philosophy.
Placement
You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.Study abroad
This course includes an optional European Studies element, where you may spend the third year of a four-year course studying at a European university. We currently have exchange links with universities in Belgium (Liege), France (Bordeaux), Germany (Tubingen, Munich), Greece (Athens), Italy (Bologna, Rome, Milan, Vercelli), the Netherlands (Free University, Amsterdam), Spain (Seville) and Switzerland (Fribourg). Students interested in studying abroad should apply to transfer to the European Studies course after their first year of study.
The Department also participates in the University-wide overseas exchange programme, which offers the opportunity to spend your second year studying at one of our partner universities in North America or Australasia. Find out more
Typical offers
| A Level | AAA |
|---|---|
| BTEC | DDD |
| International Baccalaureate | 37 |
Course details
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.
The course also put these languages into context by exploring the culture of these ancient civilisations. In your first year, you will gain a grounding in the central periods of Greek and Roman culture. In your second year you will then study how the genre of epic developed in Greek and Roman antiquity and beyond.
In your final year you will bring together your studies and write a dissertation in your chosen area of interest. This will be supported by continuing language study and a choice of further learning which you can tailor to your own studies.
Course structure
Year 1
Core modules:
Introduction to the Greek World examines ancient Greek history, society and thought, by focusing on how the classical Athenians engaged with their past. 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.
Beginners or Intermediate Greek and/or Latin language modules, at the appropriate level based on your previous experience.
Examples of optional modules:
- Early Greek Philosophy
- Language, Translation, Interpretation
- The Craft of the Ancient Historian
- Lives of Objects – Greek and Roman Antiquity.
Year 2
Core modules:
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.
Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced modules in Greek and/or Latin language.
Examples of optional modules:
- Interpreting Greek Tragedy Today
- Ancient Political Thought and Action
- Emperors and Dynasties
- Alexandria
- Classical Receptions and Contemporary Cultures
- Dialogues with Antiquity
- Living in the Classical World
- The City of Athens
- Crisis of the Roman Republic.
Year 3 (Year 4 if taking a placement or year abroad)
Core 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.
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced or Higher Greek and/or Latin language modules.
Examples of optional modules:
- Greeks and Persians (c. 560-336 BC)
- The Later Roman Empire
- The Origins of Civilisation
- Comedy and Tragedy, Laughter and Sorrow
- Lives and Afterlives of The Greek and Roman Poets
- Sing Me, O Muse
- The History of Writing in the Ancient Mediterranean.
Additional pathways
Students on the BA in Classics can apply to be transferred onto either the ‘with Year Abroad’ or ‘with Placement’ pathway during the second year. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four.
Placement
You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more./prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/study/individual-course-and-cta-images/500-x-300-px-(2).png)
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Learning
The Classics course will give you around 9 hours of contact time every week. It is slightly higher than the figure for our other Single Honours courses, reflecting the enhanced level of support required for the study of the ancient languages, which lies at the heart of this degree.
The aim of the course is to help you become an independent learner and researcher in the field of Classics. In order to do this, it progresses from a greater number of contact hours, designed to promote and support your own study to a greater intensity of contact in more specialised areas as you gain in independence and experience.
First-year modules focus on ensuring that you have knowledge and skills across a number of sub-disciplines which you share with all other students in the Department. As well as the languages, you will take two core modules, 'Introduction to the Greek World' and 'Monuments and Memory', which include seminars with a special emphasis on scholarly skills. Other modules start to introduce more specialised foundations in the study of ancient history, literature, and philosophy.
In the second and third years topics are increasingly offered from current research interests of the lecturers; lecture and seminar/tutorial sizes become smaller and there is more scope for interaction between students and staff.
The final-year dissertation gives you the opportunity to exercise your skills in independent learning and research. You will receive one on one supervisory support with an expert in the field through the writing of your dissertation in your final year.
Every module coordinator is available for consultation about particular issues and advertises office hours when they can be contacted. You will be allocated an academic mentor, with who you will discuss your module choices within the context of your interests and aims (academic and personal). Mentors are available for consultation throughout the year.
You are encouraged to attend the Department’s research seminar series, which are scheduled at times when you should be available to attend. In addition, the student-run Classics Society regularly organises guest speakers.
You will also have the opportunity to attend events and workshops focused on your future career, organised in collaboration with alumni of the Department and the Careers and Enterprise Centre at Durham.
Entry requirements
A level offer – AAA.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD.
IB Diploma score – 37 with 666 in higher level subjects.
In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
- We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. For more information contact our Admissions Tutor.
- Classical subjects are not essential, but selectors look for evidence of linguistic ability.
- If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre
- We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.
Science A levels
Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Fees and funding
Full Time Fees
| Home students | £9,250 per year |
|---|---|
| EU students | £24,000 per year |
| Island students | £9,250 per year |
| International students | £24,000 per year |
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time 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).
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
Classics and Ancient History
Of those students who graduated in 2019:
- 87% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes
Of those in employment:
- 79% are in high skilled employment
- With an average salary of £23,000.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Classics and Ancient History
We are consistently ranked among the top Classics departments in the UK. Our academic staff have extensive, interdisciplinary expertise, and this is reflected in our teaching. We offer a wide variety of modules: ancient Greek and Latin for every level of ability, surveys of the main periods and themes of Greek and Roman history, and teaching in all aspects of classical culture, including philosophy, art and literature in translation.
For more information see our department pages.
Rankings
- 3rd in The Complete University Guide 2023
- 3rd in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022
- 13th in the QS World University Rankings 2022.
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the Classics and Ancient History Department pages.
Research Excellence Framework
- 4th in the UK for overall research quality (REF 2021).
Facilities
We have an extensive collection of ancient texts in the original and in translation, modern scholarship, and reference works. Our library is particularly strong in ancient philosophy, but also provides valuable resources for students in all our programmes and a useful reference library for researchers. The collections amount to approximately 8,000 volumes, across three rooms. Students may borrow the books, and many also use the library as a quiet study space to use between lectures, or for informal discussion sessions and reading groups.
More information about our facilities.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
Q801
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
Learning
A combination of lectures and seminars will help you become an independent learner and researcher. 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.
Assessment
We use various types of assessment, designed to test the different skills you have gained through your studies: essays, commentaries, translations and (in some modules) presentations or 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
A level offer – AAA.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD.
IB Diploma score – 37 with 666 in higher level subjects.
In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
- We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. For more information contact our Admissions Tutor.
- Classical subjects are not essential, but selectors look for evidence of linguistic ability.
- If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre
- We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.
Science A levels
Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Fees and funding
The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time 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).
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
Classics and Ancient History
Our students acquire many skills which are readily transferable to a whole range of professions. You will have learned to think logically, to compile and 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 elsewhere. Others choose professional postgraduate programmes in subjects such as law, finance and teaching.
Of those students who graduated in 2019:
- 87% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes
Of those in employment:
- 79% are in high skilled employment
- With an average salary of £23,000.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Classics and Ancient History
When you study at the Department of Classics and Ancient History you will join a large, forward-looking department that is genuinely diverse in both make up and outlook. 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, culture and philosophy 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, surveys of the main periods and themes of Greek and Roman history, and teaching in all aspects of classical culture, such as philosophy, art and literature in translation.
For more information see our department pages.
Rankings
- 2nd in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
- 3rd in The Complete University Guide 2023
- 4th in The Guardian University Gude 2023
- 13th in the QS World University Rankings 2022
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the Classics and Ancient History Department pages.
Research Excellence Framework
- 4th in the UK for overall research quality (REF 2021).
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. The friendly and welcoming Department is housed in eighteenth-century buildings which includes dedicated study space and a library with an extensive collection of ancient texts and reference works. Our location, at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is highly conducive to study of the subject.
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.
More information about our facilities.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
Q801
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
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