Classics
The Department of Classics and Ancient History offers two degrees that can be studied part-time, that are designed to reflect your interests:
- Classical Civilisation
- Ancient History and Classical Archaeology
The Classical Civilisation degree is aimed at those who wish to explore the ancient world in its broadest sense. The Ancient History and Classical Archaeology degree, on the other hand, is designed for those whose interest is primarily in history and material culture. Both degrees, however, have a number of common features and you are able to move from one degree to another as your interests develop, so long as the basic regulations for each are met.
Flexible entry requirements, consideration given for non-traditional qualifications, work and life experience. Applicants are normally interviewed by the course selector.
If you wish to do a degree with the Classics department, you must take an ancient language at first year / introductory level but NO previous experience of ancient language learning is required. However, there are modules available at intermediate and advanced level.
While this degree offers flexibility, it is highly recommended that students complete 120 credits of Level 4 modules prior to Honours Level (5 and 6) study in order to prepare well for this.
For the Classical Civilisation degree, you will take the following core modules:
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.
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.
You will choose between taking Latin Language or Greek Language
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.
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.
You will also have the choice between taking one 30 CATS module or two 15 CATS modules:
1. Introduction to Greek and Roman History (30 CATS)
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.
2. Reason, Argument and Analysis (15 CATS)
In this module, you will learn to identify common patterns of good and bad reasoning, helping you to expose errors in everyday life, to think better and develop the art of persuasion. The skills you gain will help you take a robust philosophical approach to your studies and work independently during your degree; giving you valuable reading, analysis and academic writing skills.
3. Introduction to Ancient Philosophy (15 CATS)
You will learn about Ancient Greek thinkers such as Parmenides, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, focusing on metaphysics, epistemology and ethics. You will see contrast and continuity between treatments of these topics in the ancient literature and you will gain a foundation for further study of Greek philosophy, and of contemporary philosophical literature.
While this degree offers flexibility, it is highly recommended that students complete 120 credits of Level 4 modules prior to Honours Level (5 and 6) study in order to prepare well for this.
For the Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Degree, you will take the following core modules:
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.
You will choose between taking Latin Language or Greek Language
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.
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.
You will also take the Introduction to Greek and Roman History module
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.
At Honours Level there are two core modules:
- The Hellenistic World (core)
- A c10,000 word dissertation on a topic agreed with the Department (usually taken in the final stages of the degree)
There are optional modules which you can choose from. You can have a look at which modules were available in the academic year 2019/20 on the Classics department webpages. You will find the modules listed in BOLD.
At both Level 4 and Honours Level many modules involve the study of material culture. If you are interested in the archaeological aspects of the ancient world, you should consult with tutors about which modules are the most suitable for this. For more detail on modules available to you within the department, see the Classics Department website.
The degree is designed to be fully supportive to those who are new to university study, whatever your age. There are a variety of assessments and these may include coursework assignments, formal examinations, presentations and research projects. You can study between one and three 30 credit modules per year. You can expect to commit to around 10 hours a week for each module you take, which includes contact time and independent study. Tutors are experts in their field and have extensive teaching experience, including working with adult learners. Throughout your degree programme you will be provided with considerable support and guidance.
The classes are small and students are fully supported in language learning at all levels. You may choose to continue with Latin / ancient Greek beyond introductory level but this is not obligatory.
Applications for 2020/21 are now closed.
The University will charge Home students £1,540 for each 30 credit module in 2020-21. Fees for subsequent years of the course have yet to be confirmed.
See Student fees and funding for more information and view potential additional fees.
The University of Warwick is not currently sponsoring students on part time or distance learning courses with a Tier 4 visa and so if you require a visa to study a part time/distance learning course in the UK which is longer than 6 months, you may wish to consult the 'right to study' page on our Student Immigration & Compliance website: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/international/immigration/othervisas/whatvisa before you make an application.
Classes are on located on Main Campus, The University of Warwick. Times dependent on modules taken; please contact us for more details
*The modules mentioned above may be subject to change.
Please read our terms and conditions for more detailed information and our Conditions of Offer document for more information on when you accept a place with the University.
If you do have specific questions regarding the part-time degree with the Classics department, you can contact the tutor for Admissions, Professor Victoria Rimell on V.Rimell@warwick.ac.uk
Applications for 2020/21 are closed
Key facts
Starts: September 2021
Level: Undergraduate
Length: Four - Eight Years
(Part-time)
Venue: University of Warwick
Finance information
See our finance information page for more information regarding financing your studies.
Have a look at our funding scenarios to see what support might be available for prospective students.
Success stories
"I felt very brave. I have found it challenging but I would encourage anyone to do it. Warwick University has great facilities and support for students of all ages and disciplines which I look forward to sharing with all those I meet."
Emma, current Part-time student