Classics BA Honours

Course overview

This degree explores how the ancients thought about and presented their world in literary texts and material culture, and the impact of this on Western civilisation.

You'll develop core skills in reading, translating, analysing and interpreting a diverse range of Greek and Latin texts. You'll also learn how to relate them to their historical and literary context.

Each year, you'll spend one-third of your time studying Latin, and a third studying Greek. Alongside this, you can pursue areas of personal interest to you in the literary field and beyond – including history, philosophy, and material culture.

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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

• 12th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2023 (Classics and Ancient History category)
• 20th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 (Classics and Ancient History category)
• 1st in the UK and 8th in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 125 University - QS World University Rankings 2023
• Global Top 140 University - THE World University Rankings 2023

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

You'll gain a thorough grounding in the essential knowledge and skills required to read Greek and Latin texts, taking four modules at a level appropriate to your qualifications and abilities, which may include starting as an absolute beginner. Translation and textual study classes will enable you to improve your fluency in reading while developing your literary analysis skills.

You'll also have the opportunity to take two modules in ancient history, philosophy, Greek and Roman culture and archaeology.

Modules

Optional Modules	Credits
The Archaeology of Britain from the Romans to the 20th Century	20
Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology	20
The World of Latin Literature	20
Tragedy, Comedy, History: The World of Greek Literature	20
How Should I Live? An Introduction to Ancient Philosophy	20
Beginners' Greek in Action 1	20
Beginners' Greek in Action 2	20
Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 1	20
Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 2	20
West meets East: Greek History and Society	20
The Roman World from Romulus to Trajan	20
Beginners' Latin in Action 1	20
Beginners' Latin in Action 2	20
Intermediate Latin Language and Literature 1	20
Intermediate Latin Language and Literature 2	20
Slavery	20
Stuff: living in a material world	20
Global Ancient Histories	20

You take a pair of Greek language modules and a pair of Latin language modules, at a level which best suits your ability in both languages.

You'll continue to build on the language skills you developed in Stage 1 depending on the level at which you studied Greek and Latin. Increased emphasis will be placed on analysis of texts and independent study.

Two modules will be taken from a wide selection of topics relating to literature, ancient history and archaeology.

Modules

Optional Modules	Credits
Aegean Prehistory	20
Archaeologies of the Roman Empire: The Roman World from Augustus to Justinian	20
Researching the Classics	20
The Classical Inheritance in Western Culture	20
Approaches to Greek Mythology	20
Love, Death, and Longing	20
Exploring the Ancient Greek Underworld	20
Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 1	20
Level 2 Greek: Interpretation of Texts	20
Level 2 Greek: Special Study	20
Hellenistic Empires from Alexander to Cleopatra	20
The Roman World from Hadrian to Heraclius	20
Greek and Roman Religions	20
Slavery in Greco-Roman antiquity	20
Level 2 Latin: Interpretation of Texts	20
Level 2 Latin: Special Study	20
Greece from ancient times to the 21st century: Interdisciplinary approaches to the study of the past	20
Communication in the Medieval World, from Europe to Asia: Prayer, Poetry, Pictures, and Travel	20
Diversities of Sexuality and Gender in History	20
HaSS Study Abroad Semester 1 60 Credits	60
HaSS Study Abroad Semester 2 60 credits	60
Career Development for second year students	20

You choose a pair of Greek language modules and a pair of Latin language modules, following on from the modules studied in Stage 1.

You only take one of the following modules if you undertake the Study Abroad exchange programme:

HaSS Study Abroad Semester 1 (60 credits)

HaSS Study Abroad Semester 2 (60 credits)

You'll further build your language and analytical skills in Greek and Latin with four modules at the level appropriate for you. You'll also have the option of pursuing an independent research project.

You can also choose up to two modules from a range of topics on offer in Greek and Roman culture and history.

Modules

Optional Modules	Credits
Early Medieval Britain	20
The Archaeology of Byzantium and its Neighbours	20
Archaeologies of the Middle Sea: An Armchair Voyage Across the Prehistoric Mediterranean	20
Regionality and the Fall of Rome	20
Sex, bodies and identities in Classical Greece	20
Dissertation	40
Independent Study Module for Q800 students	20
The Classical Inheritance in Western Culture	20
Approaches to Greek Mythology	20
Poetry and Literary Culture in Late Antiquity	20
Love, Death, and Longing	20
Exploring the Ancient Greek Underworld	20
Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 1	20
Level 2 Greek: Interpretation of Texts	20
Level 2 Greek: Special Study	20
Level 3 Greek: Interpretation of Texts	20
Level 3 Greek: Special Study	20
City of Athens: Power, Society and Culture	20
Celluloid History (Stage 3)	20
'Like ants or frogs around the pond': Mobility and Identity in the Greek Mediterranean	20
The New Empire of Diocletian and Constantine	20
Rome: the Enemy	20
Level 2 Latin: Interpretation of Texts	20
Level 2 Latin: Special Study	20
Level 3 Latin: Interpretation of Texts	20
Level 3 Latin: Special Study	20
Career Development for final year students	20

You also choose one Greek language and one Latin language module following on from the modules studied in Stage 2.

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.

Teaching time is made up of:

• scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present
• structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

You'll be taught through a dynamic range of methods and activities, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practical activities, site visits, fieldwork training and independent study. These activities take place in the classroom, library, field, museum and laboratory.

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Assignments – written or fieldwork

• 

  Coursework

• 

  Essays

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Presentations

Skills and experience

Practical skills

During your degree, you'll have the chance to take part in extracurricular field trips that take advantage of the North East's rich history such as:

• the nearby World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall
• the classically inspired Belsay Hall
• Wallington Hall

You'll be able to take advantage of the resources of the Great North Museum, with its extensive ancient collections.

These practical experiences complement your understanding of the topics you are studying, allowing you to analyse and interpret artefacts, and carry out research using a wide range of archives.

Research skills

You’ll have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to spend the summer following Stage 2 working alongside academic staff on your research project.

In your final year, using the skills developed during your degree, you’ll write a dissertation on a topic of your choosing. During this, you’ll hone your investigative skills as you undertake independent research with access to extensive print and electronic resources, as well as archives and special collections.

Opportunities

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You have the opportunity to study abroad in either Stage 2 or 3. You can study in an EU country as part of a study abroad exchange or further afield.

Find out more about study abroad.

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year, and your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. A work placement is not available if you're spending a year studying abroad. Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Facilities and environment

Facilities

You'll be based in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology, located at the heart of campus in the historic Armstrong Building. Here you'll have access to excellent study resources including:

• the Philip Robinson University Library, which houses over 800,000 books and provides access to ca. 1.8m e-books
• the Library of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle

You'll also have access to our on-campus Great North Museum. This houses an extensive collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artefacts, including:

• the Shefton collection of Greek Art and Archaeology
• an impressive coin collection
• material from Late Period Egypt

Support

You'll be welcomed into a vibrant and supportive community. We will ensure you are well placed to achieve your highest potential and are equipped for career success.

You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.

Your future

You'll develop a mix of practical, intellectual and transferable skills desirable to employers. This will give you an excellent choice of further study and career opportunities open to you on completion of your studies.

Classics graduates find themselves in a diverse range of careers, including:

• research, information work and IT
• law and legal services
• journalism and marketing
• retail
• social work

Make a difference

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Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2023 entry (per year)

Home Fee Students

£9250

International Fee Students

£21000

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Read more about fees and funding

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

• different tuition fees
• additional costs

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages