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Classical Civilisation with Study in Europe (BA) (Full-Time, 2021 Entry)

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UCAS Code
Q821

Qualification
Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Duration
4 years full-time

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 Classical Civilisation with Study in Europe (BA) is a wide-ranging, flexible degree devoted to the study of the literature, history, philosophy, languages, art and archaeology of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. You'll spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner universities.


Course overview

This wide-ranging, flexible degree is devoted to the study of the literature, history, philosophy, languages, art and archaeology of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. The course allows you to choose from a wide range of topics – such as gender and sexuality in antiquity, democracy and imperialism, ancient global history, Roman laughter, or the history of medicine – and to develop skills in literary criticism and historical analysis as well as in theoretical and interdisciplinary approaches to the subject. Teaching is varied, innovative and interactive, and our students benefit from many hands-on learning experiences, including recreating the experience of a Greek symposium, visiting historical sites and museums in the UK, and taking part in our annual classical play. You will take either Latin or Ancient Greek in your first year, and study four modules per year.

Our four-year Classical Civilisation with Study in Europe degree has a similar structure to our three year course, but alongside learning about the ancient world you will study a modern European language (current options are Italian or German) and spend your third year studying classical subjects at one of our partner universities in Europe. 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.


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 Classical Civilisation in a variety of ways through lectures, seminars, and language classes. In your final year you will write 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. You will have more contact hours for your language module(s).


Class size

Your class sizes will vary from 6 to 80 students. Honours modules are capped at 60.


How will I be assessed?

You will take four modules each year. Assessment is usually divided equally between essays submitted during the year and exams in the summer (100% exam for language modules).

Your second and third years contribute equally to your final degree classification.

General entry requirements

A level:

  • AAB
  • Grade C/grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent).
  • You will also need a foreign language (modern or ancient) at A level grade B or two grade As/grade 7s at GCSE.
  • We would also consider a range of other qualifications as evidence of language learning. Please send us an email to ask about your circumstances at ugadmissions at warwick dot ac dot uk.

IB:

  • 36
  • Grade C/grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent)
  • You will also need a foreign language (modern or ancient) at Higher Level 5 or Standard Level 6, or evidence of ability to learn Italian.

BTEC:

  • We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside two A levels. You will also need to meet the foreign language requirements above.

Additional requirements:

You will also need to meet our English Language requirements.


Part-time study

Our Centre for Lifelong Learning offers part-time options for this course.


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).

Find out more about contextual data offers for Economics.


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.


A Modern European Language

You will take one module studying a Modern European Language (currently Italian or German).


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.

You will continue study of the modern language studied in Year 1.


Year Three

Year abroad


Year Four

Dissertation


Examples of optional modules/options for current students

  • Sexuality and Gender in Antiquity
  • Roman Laughter
  • The Roman Empire from Tiberius to Hadrian
  • Ancient Global History
  • Politics and Poetics in Greek and Roman Literature
  • The Vulnerable Body in Roman Literature and Thought
  • Democracy and Imperialism
  • Rhetorics
  • The History of Medicine
  • Receptions of Antiquity, East and West
  • The Transformation of Roman Society under Augustus

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

Discover more about careers support at Warwick.

Jonathan, current student

"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

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.