Classical Studies
UCAS code Q810
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
Classical Studies allows you to study the society and culture of the Greek and Roman worlds, including their art, religion, history, and archaeology, studying their literary and visual cultures against the backdrop of the history of the period.
Introduction
By examining a range of literary, documentary and visual evidence, you will develop critical skills of interpretation and understanding of methodological problems, plus knowledge of core theories, concepts and approaches. At the same time, you’ll learn how to read, describe and comment upon current research, promoting insights into the history of the discipline and encouraging you to tackle questions of central interest today, taking particular advantage of the research specialisms of Liverpool staff. The Classical Studies programme also invites students to explore the close relationship between the Graeco-Roman world and modern responses to it. In addition, you have the chance to further broaden your understanding of Ancient Greek and Roman society and culture while studying Ancient Greek or Latin from beginner to advanced.
What you'll learn
- A systemic understanding of the literature, history, art and archaeology of the Greek and Roman worlds
- A grounding in a wide range of contemporary theories, concepts and perspectives currently in use across a range of Humanities subjects and that are directly relevant and applicable to selected historical and cultural subjects of study
- Opportunity to undertake a work placement
- Intellectual independence and the ability to formulate arguments and present the results clearly both orally and in writing
- Option to develop skills in Greek or Latin, including the ability to undertake textual analysis
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
In year one a group of core modules provides you with a solid introduction to the breadth of Graeco-Roman society and culture, and helps to develop the skills you will require for later in-depth study. The remaining half of the programme is drawn from options in ancient history, classical archaeology, Greek, and Latin.
Students take 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in each semester.
Students cannot take both Latin and Ancient Greek. The choice of Latin or Ancient Greek language modules is dependent on level of ability. As a general rule: beginners join CLAH401/2 or CLAH501/2; students with an AS join CLAH403/4 or CLAH503/4; and those with an A level join CLAH405/6 or CLAH505/6. Students with other qualifications must seek guidance from the subject lead on the appropriate entry point for their studies.
Language modules should ideally be taken in pairs across the session.
ALGY109 and ALGY116 are pre-requisite modules for Egyptology modules in years two and three.
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| THE WORLDS OF ODYSSEUS (CLAH101) | 15 |
| VIRGIL: LITERARY CULTURES AND CONTEXTS (CLAH102) | 15 |
| VISUAL CULTURE (CLAH114) | 15 |
| CLASSICAL GREEK LITERATURE AND CULTURE (CLAH115) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
In year two you will study aspects of Greek and Roman literature, art, language, intellectual culture, and modern receptions of the ancient world more exhaustively.
Core modules cover broad and key topics in Greek and Roman culture and society and use a wide range of types of evidence. Optional modules allow you to analyse ancient texts in translation, or focus on epochal events and political actors in ancient history.
Students takes 30 credits of required modules and 30 credit of optional modules in each semester.
Students cannot take both Latin and Ancient Greek. The choice of Latin or Ancient Greek language modules is dependent on level of ability. Please contact the subject lead for guidance.
CLAH222 requires prior approval and is subject to a suitable placement being sourced. Students will not be able to register directly for this module.
CLAH263 includes a five-day research and learning experience in Rome. For further details please contact the Module Convenor.
Students wishing to take AGLY251 and ALGY252 must have completed ALGY128 and AGLY128 in year one.
Students may take 15 credits of optional cognate modules outside of their degree programme with permission from the subject lead.
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP IN ANTIQUITY (CLAH201) | 15 |
| HERODOTUS' HISTORIES (CLAH207) | 15 |
| REBUILDING TROY (CLAH211) | 15 |
| NATURE AND VIRTUE: ANCIENT ETHICS (CLAH299) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
In year three, modules are centred on key figures, genres, and themes continue to develop your skills, depth, and focus. In particular, your dissertation will give you the opportunity to undertake detailed and independent research.
Students are required to do a dissertation (CLAH450).
Students wishing to take CLAH310 must have taken either CLAH105, ALGY109 or ALGY131 in year one. Students cannot register directly for this module.
Students wishing to take ALGY342 must have taken ALGY106 in year one.
CLAH450 is a ‘year-long’ module and which represents 15 credits in each semester.
Students may only take AGLY213, ALGY288 or ALGY386 in their final year if they have not taken them before.
Students cannot take both Latin and Ancient Greek. The choice of Latin or Ancient Greek language modules is dependent on level of ability.
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (CLAH450) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Combined degree
Choosing this subject as a combined degree
In year one a group of four core modules provides you with a solid introduction to the breadth of Graeco-Roman society and culture, and helps you develop the skills you will require for later in-depth study. In year two you will study aspects of Greek and Roman literature, art, language, intellectual culture, and modern receptions of the ancient world more intensely. In year three, modules are centred on key figures, genres, and themes continue to develop your skills, depth, and focus. Your dissertation will give you the opportunity to undertake detailed and independent research under the guidance of an expert adviser. The subject matter itself will be your own choice.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
Modules are delivered by a mixture of lectures and seminars in year one, in year two the lecture element within modules is complemented by student led seminars. Finally, in year three, most modules are delivered by a short series of lectures with a focus on student-led seminars thereafter. Self-directed study is also expected through the course reading list and conducting research for your essays and projects. Academic staff are regularly available via their office hours for one-to-one feedback and support. Course material is available 24-hours a day on Canvas, our online learning platform, and study support is available from our dedicated student services team. Lectures combine the delivery of information and themes with discussion and demonstration of method and analysis, to address core topics and questions. These are lecturer-led, and may involve class discussion and group work. Seminars are small class discussion groups at which students have an opportunity to explore evidence and scholarship to answer questions, building on independent research or other relevant preparation. In seminars, the teachers act as a facilitator and guide, co-ordinating, guiding, and reacting to student contributions. Language classes follow a seminar format. Seminars may include oral presentations by individuals or groups of students. Independent study: students support and prepare for their in-class learning by undertaking independent study. This normally involves reviewing lecture content, follow-up reading of sources and scholarship relating to lecture topics, preparing answers to questions set for seminar discussion through prior reading of sources and scholarship.
How you're assessed
Classical Studies is assessed in a variety of ways.
Examination: learning outcomes are demonstrated in student performance through preparation for and the sitting of an examination. Such examinations may cover essay-based work (usually by selection of a set number of questions), source analysis (usually by selection of questions or a commentary on an ancient source) or language work (mostly translation and commentary of set passages).
Assessed coursework, including essays, commentaries, posters, and projects: learning outcomes are demonstrated in student performance through the preparation and delivery of a piece of work as an act of self-directed learning with full access to all the relevant learning and research tools and supports.
Seminar portfolio: a critical summary of seminars presented by students reflecting on the material discussed in seminars and subsequently researched and presented as a discussion of the topic or theme.
Class tests, primarily in language modules: learning outcomes are demonstrated with regards to understanding, analysing and applying structures and concepts of grammar and syntax.
Oral presentations: modules summatively (and formatively) assess presentation skills and in several modules require the use of Microsoft PowerPoint.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBC |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
DDM. |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Diploma DM plus B at A level; BTEC National Extended Certificate M plus BB at A level |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
C in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BB at A level |
| Access |
Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Semester abroad
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Combine this subject
With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.
- Choose from 30 subjects and over 300 combinations
- Choose joint or major minor subjects
- Adjust the weight of your subjects at the end of your first year
- Same number of credits as single honours students
- Same classes as single honours students
- Appeal to a wide range of employers
Explore combined degrees for Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology courses
Your experience
The Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures. Teaching takes place across campus, including in specialist facilities in the Central Teaching Hub.
Explore where you'll study
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology at University of Liverpool?
- Fantastic on-campus facilities such as the Garstang Museum with its outstanding archaeological collections and GIS suite for archaeological drawing
- Our extensive laboratories used for conservation, lithics, geomagnetism, stable isotope, trace elements, finds processing and sample preparation
- An enviable library which has been built up since the Ancient World and Archaeology has been studied at Liverpool since the 1880s
- Opportunities to learn ancient languages such as Greek, Latin, Akkadian, Sumerian, Egyptian and Coptic
- Archaeological projects based internationally, in Egypt, Greece, Bulgaria, Jordan, Turkey, Italy, Zambia, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa, as well as in the British Isles
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Careers and employability
The skills learnt on a Classical Studies degree offer a wide range of possibilities. Graduates of this programme which combines a range of analytical skills can expect to have good access to careers in industry, commerce, finance, education and public service. The programme will also prepare students for postgraduate study or further training
Graduates of this programme have good access to careers in the following industries:
- commerce
- finance
- education
- public service.
Recent employers include:
- The National Trust
- English Heritage
- Civil Service
- Archaeology South East
- Police Service
- Apple