Classical Civilisation and German BA

Course overview

This course offers you the opportunity to combine studies in German and the culture and society of ancient Greece and Rome. You will normally devote half your time to each discipline. Study of Greek or Latin is not required, but may be undertaken as part of the course.

In years one, two and four, core language modules are followed in German. Additional modules are selected in a variety of topics including literature of all periods, German linguistics, history, politics, culture and film, reflecting the specialisms of each department. Year three is spent abroad.

Year one 

For classical civilisation, you will study two core survey modules introducing the history and culture of Greece and Rome and their reception and two more in-depth explorations of themes, topics and approaches. Beginners' Latin or Greek are optional. In German you will take the German language modules and choose one or two of the remaining core modules as appropriate.

Year two

Classical civilisation combines a range of optional modules exploring ancient literature, art and history, with an extended source study, to prepare you for third-year dissertation work. In German, you will continue to study the German language and choose further optional modules.

Year three

The year is spent abroad as an English language assistant in a school or studying at a higher education institution.

Year four

In classical civilisation, you will either develop and pursue your own interests through a 10,000-word dissertation or take a special subject module which involves detailed, in-depth study of a particular topic. In German you take further language modules and choose from a range of options.

More information

See also the Department of German Studies.

Entry requirements

A levels: ABB, including A in German at A level

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.

Typical year-one modules

• Studying the Greek World
• German Language I
• Studying the Roman World
• Interpreting ancient literature  

Typical year-two modules

• German Language II
• Extended Source Study in Classical Civilisation
• Classics and Popular Culture

Typical year-three modules

Year- three is spent abroad.

Please see the Department of German Studies Introduction to the Year Abroad page or contact the Department of Classics for more information.

Typical year-four special subjects

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

Typical optional modules

• Interpreting Ancient Art
• Culture and Society of the Low Countries
• Sex, Lies and Violence: Battles of the Athenian Lawcourts
• Slavery in Roman Society
• History of the Germanic Languages
• Media, Parties and Politics in Modern Democracies
• Euripides: Experiments in Tragedy
• Love in Augustan Rome
• Culture and Society in the Weimar Republic

Careers

You will have acquired a broad knowledge of the ancient world and classical civilisation and undertaken in-depth study in areas of your own interest. You will also have a command of German that will enable you to work comfortably in professional and other language contexts and you will have acquired a broad knowledge of French history, literature and culture. The experience of the year abroad will demonstrate to potential employers that you are adaptable, resourceful and independent.

Average starting salary 

The average starting salary for 2010/11 full-time graduates of the Department of Classics was £19,928 and for graduates of the Department of German it was £22,454.*

*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