This innovative degree is for those fascinated by ancient cultures. You will embrace the diversity of Greek and Roman culture, drawing together literature, drama, myth, religion, history, philosophy and art.

You will be taught in the Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology with the opportunity to explore not only the classical civilisations of Greece and Rome, but also the cultures of Egypt and Ancient Western Asia, as well as the Byzantine Empire. You will learn in a variety of different contexts, such as lectures, seminars, interactive workshops, independent research and field trips.

Work with the plays, poems, and speeches that have come down to us from antiquity, and study the monument, religion and mythology that make up classical civilisation. You may choose to learn Latin or Greek, or continue your study of either language from A Level onwards, or you may wish to focus your studies entirely on literature and sources in English translations.

In your second year, with financial support from the University, you will undertake a unique two-week Study Tour where you will develop a research project and travel with fellow students to countries such as Italy and Greece to visit sites, monuments and museums of interest to you.

 

Why Study this Course?

  • Excellent employability – 95% of our Classical Literature and Civilisation graduates enter work, or full time study, within six months of graduation .
  • Excellent student experience – Our students gave the course a 94% overall satisfaction rating in the National Student Survey 2018.
  • Taught by experts – You will study alongside some of the finest minds within the field. Times Higher Education ranked the Department in the Top 5 in the country for its performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise. We are also ranked in the Top 10 among UK universities by the Complete University Guide .
  • Study tour – Our unique two-week Study Tour gives you the opportunity to plan and undertake travel to countries such as Italy and Greece to visit sites, monuments and museums.
  • Be part of an exciting department – The Department provides a diverse range of opportunities to enrich your student experience. For example, students have been involved in the Classics in the Community project, working with teachers on developing new ways of telling ancient stories.

Institutional Accreditation 

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

BA Classical Literature and Civilisation

Course Level:

Undergraduate, Single Honours

Credits 

120

Course

CODE U444

How long it takes:

Undergraduate (3 years)

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$20,220

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

First year

Compulsory modules

  • Project A (10 credits)
  • Project B (10 credits)
  • Rethinking the Ancient World A (10 credits)
  • Rethinking the Ancient World B (10 credits)
  • Greek World (20 credits)
  • Roman World (20 credits)

Optional modules

40 credits of optional modules 

  • The Worlds of Ancient Egypt and Mesoptamia (20 credits)
  • Classics in the 20th and 21st centuries (20 credits)
  • Late Antiquity (20 credits)

Second year

   

Compulsory modules

  • CAHA Study Tour (10+10 credits)
  • Research Seminar A and B (10+10 credits)

Optional modules

80 credits of optional modules, including Greek, Latin or Egyptian Language at appropriate level

  • Athenian Drama (20 credits)
  • Classical Epic (20 credits)
  • Greece and Rome in Film and TV (20 credits)
  • Greek, Latin or Egyptian Language at appropriate level (20 or 40 credits)
  • Imperial Egypt (20 credits)
  • Imperial Rome (20 credits)
  • Roman Women (20 credits)
  • Britain in the Roman Empire (20 credits)
  • Republican Rome: From the Gracchi to Caesar (20 credits)
  • Thinking Athenian (20 credits)

Year abroad

You can apply to study abroad for a year in an approved university around the world. If you achieve a grade of 2.1 or above in your first year then you will be invited to apply for a Year Abroad in your second year. If your application is successful, you will go abroad in your third year and return to us for your final year. 

  

Final year

Compulsory modules

  • CAHA Dissertation (40 credits) or Extended Essay (20 credits)
  • Special Subject A and B (20+20 credits)

Optional modules

40-60 credits of optional modules

  • Death, burial and society (20 credits)
  • Mythology in Greek and Roman Visual Arts (20 credits)
  • Love in Greek Literature(20 credits)
  • Palace Societies (20 credits)
  • Greek Mythology (20 credits)
  • Roman Religion and its Limits (20 credits)
  • Sparta (20 credits)
  • War, Peace and Diplomacy in the Roman World (20 credits)
  • Face to Face with Egypt’s Gods (20 credits)

Entry requirements

 

Applicants should normally have one of the following:

  • A non-law bachelor’s degree (from a UK university or recognised by the BSB if you wish to study the BPTC), or
  • A ‘stale’ law degree, where five or more years have elapsed since graduation, or
  • An academic or professional qualification at degree equivalent level

If English is not your first language, you will also need to demonstrate your English Language proficiency. For example, you should have IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components.

If you intend to become a Solicitor

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has reduced its requirements for pre-authorisation this year. For details of the current arrangements, see the SRA website. You should pay special attention to the Character and Suitability section. If you think you may have a character or suitability issue, you may wish to clarify with the SRA before proceeding with the GDL.

See further details of our English Language requirement

USA,UK & EU students, 2019/20 (per year)

£8,500

International students starting 2019/20 (per year)

£13,100

 

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

Our unique degrees are designed to provide both academic excellence and vocational development – a balance that is highly sought after by employers in today’s competitive graduate market.

Studying Classics involves analysing the ancient world in a political, social, and cultural context. This develops skills in research and analysis of complex information, working independently and as part of a team, and articulate communication of judgments and arguments. You will also have the opportunity to carry out self-directed project work, which improves self-management, organisation and research skills. The study of Latin and Greek develops analytical and verbal reasoning skills, as well as discipline and application, and it supports the use of a rich and varied vocabulary.

Our Classical Literature and Civilisation graduates have excellent employment prospects with 95% of graduates entering work or further study within six months of graduation .

You will be in high demand and well placed to forge a rewarding career in a variety of areas, including:

  • Law
  • Education
  • Media
  • Publishing
  • Local government
  • Museums and charities
  • Cultural and heritage organisations

Therefore studying Classical Literature and Civilisation at the University of Newcastle opens doors to a wide range of careers. Some graduates will go onto undertake further study and research in pursuit of higher degrees. 

 

Developing your career

Employers target University of Newcastle students for their diverse skill-set and our graduate employment statistics have continued to climb at a rate well above national trends. If you make the most of our wide range of opportunities you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.

  • Careers events – we hold events covering careers in teaching, event management, marketing and working with charities to help you meet potential employers and learn more about these sectors.
  • Global Challenge – you can apply to work overseas on an expenses-paid placement during your summer vacation through our Global Challenge initiative.
  • Work experience bursary – we encourage you to apply your skills in the workplace by undertaking internships in the summer. Our work experience bursaries allow you to apply for funding to support you during unpaid internships.

There are also internships available at our own cultural assets, such as Winterbourne House, the Lapworth Museum, and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.