Classical Civilisation and Philosophy BA

Course overview

This course combines the study of the classical world with a rigorous training in analytical philosophy. You will have the opportunity to study classical history, art and visual culture, thought, religion and social life as well as some key thinkers, ideas, and movements that have shaped philosophical thought. The study of Greek or Latin is not required, but may be undertaken as part of the course.

Year one 

For classical civilisation, you will study two core modules introducing the history and culture of Greece and Rome, and an in-depth module on one topic (eg Alexander). Beginners' Language or Classics and Popular Culture are optional. In philosophy, you take five core modules, introducing you to methods and issues in philosophy, along with a further optional module.

Year two

 

 

 

 

Classical civilisation combines a wide range of optional modules exploring ancient literature, art and history, with an extended source study, to prepare you for third-year dissertation work. In philosophy, you take one core module that builds on first-year work, along with 40 credits chosen from a range of optional modules that allow you to develop and broaden your philosophical skills and knowledge.

Year three

 

 

 

 

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

More information 

See also the Department of Classics.

Entry requirements

A levels: AAB/A*AC/A*BB, C in maths at GCSE

We do not require any particular A-level subjects to study philosophy, and we are happy to accept most A-level qualifications. However, we are looking for a combination of A-level subjects that shows you are prepared to embark on degree-level study of philosophy; this requires the capacity to make sense of often difficult material, think critically about the different arguments and ideas you encounter, and communicate the results of your thinking in written and verbal form.

Certain A-levels – those sometimes called ‘academic’ or ‘traditional’ subjects – are better preparation for a philosophy degree than their vocational counterparts, because they will help you to start developing these skills. Therefore we recommend that no more than one of the following is used in applying for entry to philosophy:

• Art
• Art and Design
• Ceramics
• Citizenship Studies
• Communication and Culture
• Communication Studies
• Dance
• Design and Technology
• Economics and Business
• Home Economics
• Leisure Studies
• Music Technology
• Performance Studies
• Photography
• Physical Education
• Textiles
• Theatre Studies
• Travel and Tourism

We do accept General Studies for entry to this degree programme. However, while we do not consider it to be a 'vocational’ subject, we think it is less useful as preparation for degree-level study than other A-level subjects.

• Assessment of your application: if you apply to us with General Studies, you must also be studying at least two more 'academic' subjects at A-level, and you must be predicted at least a B in both subjects.

• Satisfying your offer: if we then make you an offer, general studies can be included as one of your grades, either with one 'academic' and one 'vocational' subject, or with two 'academic' subjects.

Please feel free to contact the departments for further advice.

English language requirements 

IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

TOEFL iBT 100 (no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking)

Alternative qualifications

For details please see the alternative qualifications page

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 modules   

Your course is split equally between philosophy and classics in year one. Your core modules include:

•  Elementary Logic
•  Locke, Appearance and Reality
•  Moral Philosophy
•  Reasoning and Argument: An Introduction to Philosophical Method
•  Self, Mind and Body
•  Studying the Greek World
•  Studying the Roman World

You will also choose from a selection of optional modules. These typically include:

• Plato
• Issues in Feminist Philosophy
• Reasons for Action
• Applied Ethics
• Philosophy of Religion
• Beginners Greek
• Beginners Latin
• Latin Texts
• Greek Texts
• Interpreting Ancient Art
• Interpreting Ancient History
• Interpreting Ancient Literature

Year-two modules

Year two is also split equally between your two subjects. In philosophy, there is one core module:

• The Nature of Meaning

In Classics, you will either conduct an extended source study, or take language modules in either Greek or Latin.

You will also take a number of optional modules in both subjects. The modules on offer typically include:

• Epistemology
• History of Philosophy
• Metaphysics
• Normative Ethics
• Philosophy of Mind
• Political Philosophy
• Greek Comedy
• Sparta
• Jason and the Argonauts
• The Roman Empire in the East
• Imperial Biography
• Classics and Popular Culture
• Greek Literature
• Constantine
• Ancient Faces

Year-three modules

It is possible to split the final year equally between both subjects, or to focus more on one discipline.  In Classics, you will either do a dissertation, or take language modules in either Greek or Latin, as well as choosing from a range of optional modules. There are no core modules in philosophy. You choose from a range of specialised modules in the subject. Modules on offer typically include:

• Advanced Logic
• Environmental Ethics
• Free Will and Action
• Issues of Indeterminism
• Marx
• Merleau-Ponty
• Metaethics
• Naming and Necessity
• Narrative, Language, and Mind
• Reality, Representation, and Truth
• Philosophy of Art
• Philosophy of Science
• Democracy, Freedom and Oppression in the Ancient Greek World
• Masculinity and Citizenship
• Visual Mythology
• Religion, Magic and the Ancient Greeks

 

Skills and careers

You will have explored culture over two millennia and have a broad knowledge of a variety of philosophical theories. You will have developed the ability to abstract, analyse and construct logical arguments and to recognise the strengths and weaknesses on both sides of a philosophical debate. You will have tailored your degree to your own interests, carried out in-depth study in specific areas and developed skills in independent thinking and study, and the ability to communicate your ideas clearly and precisely.

Average starting salary 

The average starting salary for 2009/10 full-time graduates of the Department of Philosophy was £18,359.38 and for graduates of the Department of Classics it was £16,950.*

*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2009/10.