Classics

The BA in Classics at Durham University offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. This programme provides students with a solid foundation in the languages, literature, history, philosophy, and archaeology of the classical world. Through a combination of language acquisition and in-depth study of cultural and historical contexts, students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper understanding of the origins of Western civilization. The course structure includes options to study Latin and Greek languages from beginners to advanced levels, along with modules on classical literature, philosophy, art, and archaeology. Students have the opportunity to engage with ancient texts in their original languages, enhancing their linguistic proficiency, while also exploring the historical and cultural significance of classical societies. The programme emphasizes research skills, encouraging students to undertake independent study and critical analysis of primary and secondary sources. Field trips and practical archaeological experience are integral components, offering hands-on learning opportunities. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests, whether focusing more on language, literature, history, or archaeology. Graduates of the Classics programme gain valuable skills applicable to careers in education, research, museums, cultural heritage, publishing, and other fields where an understanding of the classical world is advantageous. Durham’s distinguished faculty are committed to providing personalized support and fostering a vibrant academic community. The programme aims to cultivate a lifelong appreciation of classical antiquity and its relevance to contemporary issues, encouraging students to think critically and communicate effectively. Ultimately, the BA in Classics at Durham University offers an enriching and challenging education that prepares students for a wide range of professional and academic pathways.

Content

The MA in Classics is our core research training degree, suitable for anyone wishing to pursue doctoral work in a branch of Classics. The programme places a strong emphasis on language training, on theoretically informed approaches to Classical texts, and on practical engagement with your chosen specialism. The course is composed of a core research training module, a module in a relevant language (ancient or modern), a 15,000 word dissertation, and two elective modules, which are offered in the areas of current research interests of members of staff.

Course Structure

For information on the structure of the course, please see our department web pages.

Core Modules

• Dissertation
• Classical Research Methods and Resources
• Compulsory language module (Latin for research/Ancient Greek for research/another ancient language/modern language).

Optional Modules

In previous years, optional modules available included:

• Forms After Plato
• Latin Text Seminar
• Greek Text Seminar
• Akkadian
• Latin Love Elegy
• Religious Life in The Roman Near East
• Monumental Architecture of The Roman East
• Vitruvius, On Architecture: The First Treatise On Architecture, Its Significance and Legacy
• Greek Sacred Regulations
• Ancient Philosophers On Necessity, Fate and Free Will
• The Classical Tradition: Art, Literature, Thought
• Comparative Approaches to Homeric Epic
• Greek Text Seminar On Homeric Epic
• Latin Text Seminar On Roman Epic
• Life and Death On Roman Sarcophagi
• Juvenal's Satires in Context
• Ancient Philosophers On Origins
• Animals in Graeco-roman Antiquity
• The Queen of The Desert: Rise and Decline of Palmyra's Civilization
• The Roman Republic: Debates and Approaches.
• Rewriting empire: Eusebius of Caesarea and the First Christian History

Not all modules will be offered every year, and new modules (both elective and core) are added regularly. Students may also substitute modules offered in other departments, such as Theology, Philosophy, English, Archaeology, or History

Subject requirements, level and grade

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• A good second class honours degree in a relevant subject (typically 2:1 Honours) or international equivalent (e.g. USA 3.3 g.p.a.; Greek 6.5 / Lian Kalos).
• Since all postgraduate degrees are meant to build on your undergraduate work, we ask for a previous degree in a 'relevant' subject. Note that this need not be 'Classics' (so named). If your plan is to specialise in ancient history, literature, or philosophy, for example, it might be perfectly natural to apply with a first degree in History, or English, or Philosophy; or you might just have taken a substantial range of Classical options along the course of your previous studies.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

The Classics program at Durham University offers a comprehensive educational experience supported by a range of financing options designed to assist students in managing the costs associated with their studies. Undergraduate students pursuing Classics can benefit from various sources of funding, including government-funded grants and loans, university-specific scholarships, bursaries, and external financial aid opportunities. The UK government provides maintenance loans and tuition fee loans to eligible undergraduate students, which can significantly alleviate the financial burden during their studies. Durham University itself offers numerous scholarships and bursaries tailored to Classics students, recognizing academic excellence and encouraging diversity within the student body. These scholarships may be awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific criteria such as nationality or background. Furthermore, the university frequently promotes funding competitions, external sponsorships, and partnership programs that support study abroad opportunities, research projects, or interdisciplinary initiatives within the Classics discipline. Students are encouraged to explore local, national, and international funding sources to supplement university support. Durham University also provides guidance and advice through its dedicated financial aid office, assisting students in identifying appropriate funding options and completing application processes. Additionally, students engaging in specialized research or international exchanges might access specific grants or fellowships aimed at promoting academic excellence and cultural exchange. Financial planning is integrated into student support services to ensure that students can focus on their academic pursuits without undue worry about expenses. The university’s commitment to accessible education underscores its efforts to provide equitable financing solutions for all students, including those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. Overall, the financing landscape of the Classics program at Durham University aims to offer robust support channels to enable students to pursue their passion for classical studies without financial constraints, fostering an inclusive academic environment.

Classics at Durham University offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of the ancient Greek and Latin languages, as well as the history, literature, philosophy, and archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean world. The program is designed to develop students' skills in critical analysis, historical understanding, and linguistic proficiency, providing a solid foundation for careers in academia, education, archaeology, museum work, and related fields. Students have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including Greek and Latin language and literature, ancient history, classical archaeology, and philosophy, benefiting from Durham’s renowned expertise and extensive resources. The course structure typically combines language tuition with modules on classical civilization, allowing students to engage with original texts, archaeological finds, and historical sources in depth.

The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, with opportunities for fieldwork, archaeological excavations, and participation in study abroad programs. Students are encouraged to develop their research skills through independent projects and dissertations, often guided by leading experts in the field. The department fosters a vibrant academic community, promoting intellectual exchange through seminars, conferences, and collaborations with museums and archaeological sites. Durham’s historic campus and close proximity to museums and archaeological sites enrich the student experience. Upon graduation, students receive a BA (Hons) degree in Classics, which can serve as a stepping stone to postgraduate study or careers in education, research, heritage management, and cultural preservation. The program aims to cultivate a deep understanding of ancient civilizations and their enduring influence on contemporary society, supporting students in developing analytical, linguistic, and interpretative skills that are highly valued across many professional domains.