Classics BA

Course overview

This course offers the opportunity to study both Greek and Latin language at an advanced level. As well as reading some of the greatest achievements in Western literature, from Homer to Lucian, Horace to Apuleius and engaging with these texts in the complexity and richness of their original form, you will use your language skills to think about the ancient world, its culture and history.

Year one 

You begin a programme of intensive language study designed to bring your proficiency up to degree level and allow you to engage on all levels with texts in the original Latin or Greek. You also study two core survey modules which give you an integrated introduction to the history and culture of Greece and Rome and their reception. Other modules are chosen from a range of first-year introductory modules going into more depth in the areas of history, literature or art.

Year two

You will normally continue with both Greek and Latin, though you may start the second language in this year. You also choose from a wide range of optional modules on the literature, art, history and society of the ancient world, including an innovative independent second year project ISYP.

Year three

You would normally expect to continue with both languages into your third year, including a Latin special subject module which involves detailed, in-depth study of a particular topic (taught in seminars), but some students may choose rather to take a dissertation. A choice of further optional modules completes the year.

Entry requirements

A levels: AAB

English language requirements 

IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

TOEFL iBT 100 (minimum 19 with 20 in Speaking).

Alternative qualifications

For details please see the alternative qualifications page 

Flexible admissions policy

We may make some applicants an offer lower than advertised, depending on their personal and educational circumstances.

Modules

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.

Year one

Latin and/or Greek at an appropriate level depending on language learning experience.

• Studying the Greek World
• Studying the Roman World
• Interpreting Ancient Art
• Interpreting Ancient Literature

Year two 

Continue with Latin and Greek at an appropriate level.

• Extended Source Study in Classics
• Classics and Popular Culture 

Year three

Latin and/or Greek at advanced level; a dissertation or special subject may be substituted.

Typical Special Subjects:

• Democracy, Freedom and Oppression
• Augustus
• Sparta in comparative perspective 
• Epic Endings
• Masculinity and Citizenship
• Religion, Magic and the Greeks

Typical optional modules 

• Sex, Lies and Violence: Battles of the Athenian Lawcourts
• Understanding Ancient Sculpture
• Colour and Culture in the Mediterranean World
• Virgil and the Epic Tradition
• Jason and the Argonauts
• The Fall of the Roman Republic
• Plutarch

Careers

You will have developed your language skills to advanced level (those without prior knowledge of either language will aim to reach advanced level in at least one) and gained a broad knowledge of ancient literature and culture. You will also have developed transferable skills including the ability to think independently, communicate effectively, and construct a logical argument.

Average starting salaries 

The average starting salary for 2010/11 full-time graduates of the Department of Classics was £19,928*

*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2010/11.

Careers Support and Advice

Studying for a degree at The University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take. Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our Careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.  

KIS