Ancient History and Classical Archaeology (BA) (2021 entry)
This course is closed
for Clearing 2023
This course is closed for Clearing 2022
If you would like to study at Warwick, there are other courses available for 2024 entry.
UCAS Code
VV14
Qualification
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Duration
3 years full-time
4-10 years part-time (Lifelong Learning)
Start Date
27 September 2021
Department of Study
Department of Classics and Ancient History
Location of Study
University of Warwick
A degree in a classical subject offers a rich and versatile training which develops advanced skills in critical analysis, communication and creative thinking. Our Ancient History and Classical Archaeology (BA) degree will enable you to pursue your interest in the history, archaeology and art of the ancient world.
Course overview
This course will enable you to pursue your interest in the history, archaeology and art of the ancient world. It looks at the societies and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean through their written texts, visual art and material remains, from grand temples, monuments and villas to the humble residues of everyday life. You’ll benefit from many hands-on learning experiences, including handling authentic ancient coins, recreating the experience of a Greek symposium using replica vases, visiting historical sites and museums in the UK, and taking part in our annual classical play, which is staged at a professional theatre and played to a public audience of over a thousand people. You will have the opportunity to study topics such as Greek democracy, the Roman cultural revolution under Augustus, the Roman Near East, or ancient global history, in modules specifically focused on Greco- Roman history, art, archaeology and architecture. You will take either Latin or Ancient Greek in your first year, and study four modules per year.
Course structure
All our degrees involve core modules in your first year. In subsequent years, you build on what you have learnt through a choice of modules, which allow you to engage in your own way with the civilisation of the Ancient Mediterranean. You are required to complete one module in an ancient language in your first year.
Second and final year students may take one 30-CAT module or two 15-CAT modules from outside the department (e.g. from the Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning or another academic dept) in place of an optional module.
How will I learn?
You will study Ancient History and Classical Archaeology in a variety of ways – through lectures, seminars, and language classes, and, in your final year, through a dissertation on a topic of your own choice, with guidance from your departmental supervisor.
Contact hours
You will take four modules, each with 2-3 contact hours per week (more for your language module/s).
Class size
Class sizes vary from 6 to 80. Honours modules are capped at 60.
How will I be assessed?
You will take four modules each year, the assessment of which is generally equally divided between essays submitted during the year and exams in the summer (100% exam for language modules). Your second and final years contribute equally to your final degree classification.
Study abroad
Our Ancient History and Classical Archaeology with Study in Europe degree enables you to spend your third year studying classical subjects at one of our partner universities, before returning for your final year at Warwick. Currently, placements are available in Bologna, Padua, Rome or Venice, with recent confirmation of new placements in Berlin and Tübingen, Germany. Confirmation of available placements will be made in your second year.
Alternatively, you may choose to spend a year at our partner university of Monash, Australia, at the end of your second year. The Study Abroad Team based in the Office for Global Engagement offers support for these activities, and the Department's dedicated Study Abroad Co-ordinator can provide more specific information and assistance.
A level:
- AAB to include grade C/grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent)
IB:
- 36 to include grade C/grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent)
BTEC:
- We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside two A levels
Additional requirements:
You will also need to meet our English Language requirements.
Part-time study
Our Centre for Lifelong Learning offers part-time study options.
International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
Find out more about international entry requirements.
Contextual data and differential offers
Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in the Realising Opportunities programme, or who meet two of the contextual data criteria. Differential offers will be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer (to a minimum of BBB).
Warwick International Foundation Programme (IFP)
All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).
Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.
Taking a gap year
Applications for deferred entry welcomed.
Interviews
We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.
Year One
Greek Culture and Society
This module introduces students of all backgrounds to the vast panorama of Greek culture, from Homeric times to the coming of Rome. It explores some of the most distinctive features of Greek culture and its social institutions, from the polis, festivals and religion, to mythology, sport and the performance of poetry, while encouraging students to consider the degrees of continuity and difference between ancient Greek culture and their own beliefs and practices. The module is designed to provide a framework within which you can develop your own individual interests in the second and third years.
Roman Culture and Society
This module explores what was distinctively ‘Roman’ about Roman culture and society, both in Rome itself and throughout its empire, from Britain to Bulgaria, and from the Nile to the Euphrates. The module introduces students of all backgrounds to topics from the late first century BC to the early third century AD, investigating the impact on Roman society of the emergence of sole rulers and dynastic powers, and the gradual opening up of society to provincials. It considers a range of evidence, from poetry to graffiti, monuments to religious artefacts, and is designed to provide a framework within which you can develop your own individual interests in the second and third years.
Latin Language
This introductory module will teach you the fundamental grammatical structures of Latin through explicit, systematic exposure and explanation, graded exercises and translation. By the end of your course, you can expect to have a good knowledge of Latin vocabulary and syntax, and the ability to read and translate from Latin, with an understanding of an inflected language. You will be encouraged to develop your appreciation of the influence of Latin on English, and to cultivate your capacity for logical analysis. Many students progress to the study of the module Latin Language and Literature, with access to unadapted versions of the works of authors such as Cicero and Virgil. Intermediate level Latin is available for those with prior study of Latin.
OR
Greek Language
This introductory module will teach you the fundamental elements of Ancient Greek in a logical and systematic way. It will enable you to read and translate passages of adapted Greek with accuracy and confidence. By the end of your course, you can expect to have a good knowledge of Greek vocabulary and syntax, and to be able to read and translate from Greek, with good understanding of an inflected language. You will be encouraged to develop your appreciation of the influence of Greek on English, and to cultivate your capacity for logical analysis. Many students go on to study the module Greek Language and Literature, through the work of authors such as Lysias, Euripides and Homer. Intermediate level Greek is available for those with prior study of Greek.
Introduction to Greek and Roman History
You will be introduced to the central themes of Greek and Roman history, from the Greek Archaic Period to the beginning of the Roman Empire. You will gain a broad chronological understanding of the ancient world, and good knowledge of the range of evidence and methodologies used to analyse its historical events and cultural practices. You will also develop advanced skills in analysing evidence, crafting an argument and presenting your ideas coherently and fluently.
Year Two
Hellenistic World
The campaigns of Alexander the Great transformed the Greek world, creating an empire that stretched from the Adriatic to the Himalayas. Through this module, you will explore the political histories, power structures, cultural developments and ideologies of the period, and gain critical insight into the evidence from which our understanding of Hellenistic culture and history is constructed. This will lead to an increased appreciation of how the Hellenistic world helped shape the Roman world and beyond.
Year Three
Examples of optional modules/options for current students
- From Confucius to Constantine: Ancient Global History
- The Roman Near East
- Democracy and Imperialism
- Domestic Space in the Roman World
- Food and Drink in the Ancient Mediterranean
- Art and Architecture
- The Roman Empire from Tiberius to Hadrian
- Sexuality and Gender in Antiquity
Tuition fees
Find out more about fees and funding.
Additional course costs
There may be costs associated with other items or services such as academic texts, course notes, and trips associated with your course. Students who choose to complete a work placement or study abroad will pay reduced tuition fees for their third year.
Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2021
We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities. This new scheme will offer international fee-paying students 250 tuition fee discounts ranging from full fees to awards of £13,000 to £2,000 for the full duration of your Undergraduate degree course.
Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2021
Your career
Graduates from Classics courses have gone on to work for employers including:
- Acturis
- Cancer Research UK
- Comic Relief
- English Heritage
- EY
- John Lewis and Partners
- KPMG
- Teach First
- The British Museum
- Waitrose and Partners
They have pursued roles such as:
- Business and related associate professionals
- Conference and exhibition managers and organisers
- Finance and investment analysts and advisors
- Legal associate professionals
- Management consultants and business analysts
- Marketing associate professionals
- Teaching and other educational professionals
Helping you find the right career
Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant. They offer impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- What can you do with a Classics and Ancient History degree?
- Careers in the Creative Industries
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
- Next steps after your classics degree ... hear from alumni
- Networking for Classics students
"The lecturers are all very welcoming"
“I wanted to study at Warwick because the honours modules offered the option of extra original language classes which was very important to me. The classes are much smaller and give Classics students the chance to gain a more intimate understanding of the texts you have studied in lectures and seminars.
My favourite module has been Ancient Greek Theatre. Greek Theatre was great since we covered a wide range of both tragedians and comedians and I found comedy’s engagement with literary genres to be so interesting that I chose it as my topic for my dissertation.
The lecturers are all very welcoming and you don’t feel at all intimidated to talk to them about any concern you have. Their doors are always open for a chat and they are happy to go through essay questions, feedback or just to talk about how you’re getting on."
Jonathan
BA Classics
About the information on this page
This information is applicable for 2021 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.