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Classics (BA) (Full-Time, 2021 Entry)

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UCAS Code
Q800

Qualification
Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Duration
3 years full-time

Start Date
27 September 2021

Department of Study
Department of Classics and Ancient History

Location of Study
University of Warwick


Classics and Ancient History investigates the Ancient Greek and Roman worlds and the role those worlds have played in shaping modern cultures and societies. A degree in a classical subject offers a rich and versatile training which develops advanced skills in critical analysis, communication and creative thinking.


Course overview

This course will enable you to pursue your interest in the languages, literature and thought of Greece and Rome, while considering the broader cultural, social and political contexts of the classical world. You’ll study a broad range of literary and non-literary sources, which are taught in innovative and dynamic ways by staff engaged in ground-breaking research. Teaching will develop a range of core skills both in literary criticism and in theoretical and interdisciplinary approaches to Classics.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore classical literature and art (or what connects them), performance studies, the reception of antiquity in the Renaissance and the modern world, or contemporary philosophical responses to ancient texts, themes, and concepts. Each year of the course comprises four modules, with flexibility in your second and third years to choose some optional modules in order to pursue areas of particular academic interest.


Course structure

In your first year, you take core modules in Greek and Roman Culture and Society, and in Greek and Latin languages at an appropriate level; in your second year you take four optional modules, of which at least two study texts in the original Latin and Greek; and in your third year you write a dissertation (core module) plus three further optional modules, of which at least two study texts in the original Latin and Greek.

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 Classics 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.


Study abroad

• The following Classics and Ancient History degrees enable you to learn a modern European language in your first two years (current options are Italian and German) and spend your third year studying classical subjects at one of our partner universities in the relevant country 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. Our dedicated Study Abroad Co-ordinator can offer you more specific information and assistance.

General entry requirements

A level:

  • AAB to include A in Latin or Ancient Greek
  • Grade C/grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent)

IB:

  • 36 to include 6 in Higher Level Latin or Ancient Greek
  • Grade C/grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent)

BTEC:

  • We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside two A levels, including A level Latin or Ancient Greek.

Additional requirements:

You will also need to meet our English Language requirements.


Part-time study

Explore part-time study with our Centre for Lifelong Learning.


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 at appropriate level

Students entering with Latin A Level will take the module Latin Literary Texts. This allows you to develop your understanding of Latin by further reading of significant works by authors and in genres which, for the most part, you will not have previously studied. As well as developing your ability to read Latin more fluently and to translate from Latin, the module also teaches you advanced grammar, and offers an ambitious introduction to literary criticism and philological analysis at degree level. Students without A-level Latin will take the accelerated modules Latin Language I and II.


Greek at appropriate Level

Students with A-level Greek will take Greek Literary Texts

The purpose of this module is to build upon your prior study, to allow you both to broaden and deepen your understanding of Greek by further reading of significant works in major genres of archaic and Classical Greek literature, and to hone skills of critical interpretation. Additionally, the module will consolidate knowledge of grammar and syntax through work in class on classical Greek prose-writing.

Students without a qualification in Greek will take Greek Language I and II

These accelerated modules will teach you the fundamental elements of Ancient Greek in a clear and accessible way. By the end of the year you will be able you to read and translate passages of original Greek with accuracy and confidence, will have a firm knowledge of Greek vocabulary and syntax, and will be able to begin to appreciate pieces of Classical Greek prose in their original unadapted form.


Year Two

Two optional core modules (one based on Greek texts and one on Latin texts)


Year Three

Dissertation

Two optional core modules (one based on Greek texts and one on Latin texts)


Examples of optional modules/options for current students

  • The Vulnerable Body in Roman Literature and Thought
  • Africa and the Making of Classical Literature
  • Roman Laughter
  • Space and Place in Greek Literature
  • The Roman Empire from Tiberius to Hadrian
  • Rhetorics: from Classical Rhetoric to Modern Communication
  • Sexuality and Gender in Antiquity
  • The Transformation of Roman Society under Augustus
  • Politics and Poetics in Greek and Latin Literature
  • Humanism and Early Modern Latin Texts
  • The History of Medicine in the Ancient World
  • Ancient Global History
  • Songs, Texts, Theories: Greek Lyric Poetry.

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

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.