Classics
An introduction to the literature and civilisation of the ancient world.
Ancient History and Classical Culture are studied entirely in translation.
If you want to learn (or improve your understanding of) Latin and Greek, we provide language modules at beginners and intermediate levels.
Classics is offered by the School of History, Classics and Archaeology
Pre-requisites
There are no pre-requisites for studying the subject and the options you can choose from, including ancient history, classical world culture or Greek.
Latin or Greek may be studied at beginners’ level, or you may begin studying at a higher level if you already have a qualification in the language like an A-level.
If you do have any qualifications in Latin or Greek, you'll take a diagnostic test in induction week so you select the most suitable modules.
If opting to study Greek or Latin language you must do at least one 20 credit module in the chosen language and have met all pre-requisite requirements. Those doing 60 credits or 80 credits in Classics can then make up the total (if they wish) by doing any selection of the non-language modules.
Modules
Further Information for those wishing to study classical languages: Those doing 60 credits or 80 credits in Classics can then make up the total (if they wish) by doing any selection of the non-language modules.
Find out about our typical modules. Modules are subject to change and could differ on an annual basis.
Stage 1
Students study either 40 or 60 credits from the list below in Stage 1.
Select the module code for specific module information including the module summary and aims, knowledge and skills you'll gain, and the module leader.
| Module Code | Module Title | Credit Value | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAC1012 | Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology | 20 | 1 |
| CAC1013 | The World of Latin Literature | 20 | 2 |
| CAC1014 | Tragedy, Comedy & History: The World of Greek Literature | 20 | 1 |
| CAC1015 | How Should I Live? Introduction to Ancient Philosophy | 20 | 2 |
| CAH1012 | West meets East: Greek History and Society, 776-200 BC | 20 | 1 |
| CAH1015 | The Roman World from Romulus to Trajan | 20 | 2 |
Stage 2
Students study either 40, 60 or 80 credits from the list below in Stage 2.
Select the module code for specific module information including the module summary and aims, knowledge and skills you'll gain, and the module leader.
| Module Code | Module Title | Credit Value | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAC2001 | Researching the Classics (Note: this is a recommended module for students who plan to take the Dissertation at Stage 3 (CAC3000) and cannot be taken alongside CAH2009) | 20 | 1&2 |
| CAC2038 | Food for Thought: Greco-Roman Dining and Sympotic Culture | 20 | 1 |
| CAC2054 | Epic Journeys: The Odyssey and Homeric Epic (stage 2) | 20 | 2 |
| CAC2069 | Ancient Biography | 20 | 1 |
| CAC2073 | Warlike women, one-eyed warriors and gold-guarding griffins: The World of Herodotus | 20 | 2 |
| CAH2006 | Hellenistic Empires from Alexander to Cleopatra | 20 | 2 |
| CAH2009 | Portfolio in Ancient History: Commentaries (Note: this is a recommended module for students who plan to take the Dissertation at Stage 3 (CAC3000) and cannot be taken alongside CAC2001) | 20 | 1 |
| CAH2017 | The Roman World from Hadrian to Heraclius | 20 | 1 |
| CAH2020 | Greek and Roman Religions | 20 | 2 |
| CAH2061 | Slavery in Greco-Roman antiquity | 20 | 1 |
| CAH2208 | Issues in Ancient History | 20 | 2 |
Stage 3
Students study either 40, 60 or 80 credits from the list below in Stage 3.
Select the module code for specific module information including the module summary and aims, knowledge and skills you'll gain, and the module leader.
| Module Code | Module Title | Credit Value | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAC3000 | Dissertation in Classics and Ancient History (There are no pre-requisites for combined honours students who wish to take this module, though it is recommended that they take either CAC2001 or CAH2009) | 40 | 1&2 |
| CAC3038* | Food for Thought: Greco-Roman Dining and Sympotic Culture | 20 | 1 |
| CAC3054* | Epic Journeys: The Odyssey and Homeric Epic (stage 3) | 20 | 2 |
| CAC3069* | Ancient Biography | 20 | 1 |
| CAC3072 | Sex, bodies and identities in Classical Greece | 20 | 2 |
| CAC3073* | Warlike women, one-eyed warriors and gold-guarding griffins: The World of Herodotus | 20 | 2 |
| CAH3005 | City of Athens: Power, Society and Culture | 20 | 1 |
| CAH3033 | The Fall of the Roman Republic | 20 | 1 |
| CAH3041 | Gods in the Material World: Religion and Material Culture in Greece, Egypt and Mesopotamia 2000BC-338BC | 20 | 2 |
| CAH3043 | Businesswomen in the ancient world: Challenging Prejudices and Inequality | 20 | 1 |
| HSS3500** | Combined Honours Final Year Project | 20 | 1&2 |
| HSS3099** | Combined Honours Final Year Project | 40 | 1&2 |
* Must not be taken at Stage 3 if already completed at Stage 2.
**Undertake an in-depth, independent research project with flexibility to select a topic related to one or all your subject areas, and the option to deliver a written or creative output. Supervisors are assigned from the Combined Honours academic team, and you can choose which subject(s) you want the credits to go towards.
Greek and Latin
Students may choose to take Greek or Latin modules as part of the Classics component of their Combined Honours degree. Depending on their level of previous study students will either start at Beginners or Intermediate level.
Students must take the Semester 1 Part 1 module before proceeding to the Semester 2 Part 2 module. Pre-requisite modules are set out in the Module Catalogue and are also indicated below.
An exemption from the University's Qualification and Credit Framework has been granted to allow the study of Beginners’ and Intermediate Latin and Greek at any stage.
The Greek and Latin modules are as follows:
| Module Code | Module Title | Credit Value | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAG1001 | Beginners’ Greek in Action 1 | 20 | 1 |
| CAG1002 | Beginners’ Greek in Action 2 (pre-requisite CAG1001 taken in same or previous year) | 20 | 2 |
| CAG1011 | Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 1 (pre-requisite CAG1002 taken in previous year unless DPD approval given due to prior study) | 20 | 1 |
| CAG1012 | Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 2 (pre-requisite CAG1011 taken in same or previous year) | 20 | 2 |
| CAG2001 | Level 2 Greek: Interpretation of Texts (pre-requisite CAG1012 taken in a previous year) | 20 | 1 |
| CAG2002 | Level 2 Greek: Special Study (pre-requisite CAG2001 taken in same or a previous year) | 20 | 2 |
| CAG3001 | Level 3 Greek: Interpretation of Texts (pre-requisite CAG2002 needs to have been taken in a previous academic year) | 20 | 1 |
| CAG3002 | Level 3 Greek: Special Study (pre-requisite CAG3001 needs to have been taken in the same or a previous academic year) | 20 | 2 |
| Module Code | Module Title | Credit Value | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLA1001 | Beginners’ Latin in Action 1 | 20 | 1 |
| CLA1002 | Beginners’ Latin in Action 2 (pre-requisite CLA1001 taken in the same or a previous year) | 20 | 2 |
| CLA1011 | Intermediate Latin Language and Literature 1 (pre-requisite CLA1002 taken in a previous year unless DPD approval given due to prior learning) | 20 | 1 |
| CLA1012 | Intermediate Latin Language and Literature 2 (pre-requisite CLA1011 taken in the same or a previous year) | 20 | 2 |
| CLA2001 | Level 2 Latin: Interpretation of Texts (pre-requisite CLA1012 taken in a previous year) | 20 | 1 |
| CLA2002 | Level 2 Latin: Special Study (pre-requisite CLA2001 taken in the same or a previous year) | 20 | 2 |
| CLA3001 | Level 3 Latin: Interpretation of Texts (pre-requisite CLA2002 taken in a previous year) | 20 | 1 |
| CLA3002 | Level 3 Latin: Special Study (pre-requisite CLA3001 taken in the same or a previous year) | 20 | 2 |
Get in touch
If you have any questions about choosing this subject as part of your Combined Honours degree, contact us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Subject advisers
Don Miller, School of History, Classics and Archaeology