BA (Hons) in Classical Studies
University of Winchester
Key Information
Campus location
Winchester, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 6 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 14,700 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
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* international students
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
*Subject to revalidation
- Get out of the library on organised field trips to Fishbourne Roman Palace and the British Museum, and placements in art galleries and museums
- Work with experts in the fields of Roman and Greek history, Classical literature and drama, and Roman and Greek art and archaeology
- Cover a range of exciting topics from the Minoans and the Bronze Age to Murder in the Classical City, and from Roman Sport and Leisure through to the Classical inheritance of the early medieval world and beyond
- Hone your ability to understand and work in multicultural environments — highly valued by employers
The ancient Greek and Roman worlds have given us an extraordinarily rich heritage of culture, literature, politics, philosophy, art, architecture and archaeology as well as paving the way for democracy, modern-day sewers, underfloor heating and the calendar. Whatever you aspire to become – and Classical Studies students have conquered most fields – an understanding of the classical past gives you a keen lens through which to view the modern world.
Our BA in Classical Studies takes an innovative, multidisciplinary dive into this fascinating cultural and intellectual history. You gain a critical yet empathetic appreciation of different worldviews on a course that blends the study of history, literature, drama, philosophy, archaeology, art and architecture. Knowledge of Classical languages is not required, but opportunities to learn and develop your language skills may be on offer.
The course contextualises and enriches the study of these disciplines through, theoretical, research and vocational elements. You explore the world of the Greeks and the Romans in both historical and contemporary contexts and so come to a new understanding of the world around us.
Our programme considers the reception of the Classical world from the medieval through to the modern world. You interact with the Classical world through field trips to Fishbourne Roman Palace and the British Museum, through modules in Neo-Classicism and through volunteer placement opportunities in the heritage sector.
The study begins by establishing a framework of Classical history, both chronologically and geographically. You are introduced to Classical archaeology, art and architecture (for example, temples, sculpture and inscriptions); Classical drama (comedy and tragedy), and literature (epics and lyrics).
Next, in Year 2, you explore the nature of history as a discipline and its changing assumptions, methods and definitions. You choose from a range of modules covering civilisation, archaeology and history including the high point of Athenian democracy and the Classical Greek world, death and ritual in the ancient world and the world of Alexander the Great. In Year 2, you may also undertake a volunteer placement in a museum or art gallery, go on a week-long field trip to sites relevant to the Classical world, or take part in our Study Abroad exchange with a university in America or Bulgaria.
In the final year, you hone your research methods, write a dissertation and undertake more specialised modules that focus on the Pax Romana, the archaeology of Roman Italy, Minoan art and architecture, or Greek and Roman comedy.
After three years you’ll have a grounding in the political, cultural, and economic basics of the Greek and Roman worlds that lends itself to understanding how we continue to interact with the Classical world in our modern society. The skills you cultivate in your modules – time management, critical reading and writing skills, independent thinking and public speaking – transfer readily to today’s workplace.
As such, our graduates are valued in a wide variety of occupations including business, law and accountancy, the civil service, local government and social services. Others teach or write for television, film and radio.
Some of our graduates go on to postgraduate work, and often study MA degrees in related subjects, such as classical archaeology, ancient history and Latin languages and literature. Becoming a specialist is the first step towards pursuing an academic career as a lecturer or researcher.
*This course is subject to revalidation. 'Revalidation' is the process by which the University refreshes its existing provision. Revalidation assesses the quality and standards of the programme to ensure it continues to provide a distinct, high-quality academic experience for students, enabling them to acquire the necessary academic knowledge, understanding, and general and subject-specific skills required to pursue a graduate-level career.
Admissions
Curriculum
Year 1 (Level 4)
- Case Studies I: Sources and Approaches to History 15
- Case Studies II: Independent Study Project 15
- Introduction to the Classical Greek World 15
- Introduction to Classical Greek Literature 15
- Introduction to Classical Archaeology 15
- Introduction to the Classical Roman World 15
- Introduction to Classical Roman Literature 15
- Introduction to Classical Theatre 15
Year 2 (Level 5)
- Reading Epic 15
- Practising History 15
Classical Studies Optional Modules:
- The Glory of Athens and the Shadow of Sparta - 15 Credits
- Alexander the Great: in his Own Time - 15 Credits
- Rome: the Rise of the Eternal City - 15 Credits
- Imperial Rome: Caesar and Augustus - 15 Credits
- The Symposium: Ancient Greek Drinking Culture - 15 Credits
- The Culture of Neoclassicism - 15 Credits
- The Greek World - 15 Credits
- Introduction to the Classical Languages (Greek or Latin) - 15 Credits
Other Optional Modules:
- The Investiture Contest - 15 Credits
- The Archaeology and Anthropology of Death and Burial - 15 Credits
- The Vikings and the Frankish World - 15 Credits
- The Renaissance Court: Power Politics and Patronage - 15 Credits
- Climate, Culture and Catastrophe in the Modern World - 15 Credits
- Field Trip - 15 Credits
- Work Placement - 15 Credits
- Exploring Teaching as a Career - 15 Credits
Year 3 (Level 6)
- Dissertation 30
- Writing History 15
- History and the Public Sphere 15
Classical Studies Optional Modules:
- Depth Study: Pax Romana: Dynastic Stories - 30 Credits
- Depth Study: Herodotus: Tall Tales and Epic Histories - 30 Credits
- Depth Study: Gender and Sexuality in Ancient Literature - 30 Credits
- Games & Gladiators - 15 Credits
- Murder in the Ancient City - 15 Credits
- Summer Studies in Athens or Rome - 15 Credits
- Classical World in Film - 15 Credits
- Plutarch and his Great Lives - 15 Credits
- The Fall of the Ancient City - 15 Credits
- Greco-Roman Egypt 331-31 BC - 15 Credits
- Minoans and Mycenaeans: the Greek Bronze Age - 15 Credits
Other Optional Modules:
- Medieval Hostageships - 15 Credits
- Apocalypse Then and Now! Disasters in World History - 15 Credits
- The Celts - 15 Credits
- Work Placement - 15 Credits
Career Opportunities
Graduates work in a wide range of careers within the civil service, local government and social services, business and retail management, law enforcement and the armed forces.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment and further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Master's
If you study for a Bachelor's Honours Degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Master's degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Master's degree.