BA (Honours) Classical Studies
The worlds of ancient Greece and Rome were extraordinarily rich and diverse. This accessible and rewarding course explores the literature, language, history, societies, cultures, art, archaeology, and global reception of the ancient world. It focuses on key sites and periods including Pompeii, Roman Britain, Classical Athens, Delphi, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire. Studying the ancient world will change and nuance the way you think about the modern world, as you develop new perspectives from ancient cultures and societies so different from, and yet in some ways similar to, your own.
Key features of the course
- Covers the key concepts, theories, methods and debates in classical studies
- Explores themes such as Greek myth and Roman imperialism through a broad range of ancient sources as well as modern interpretations
- Provides valuable perspectives on the origins and development of ancient Greek and Roman societies, and their afterlife in the modern world
- Relevant to careers in teaching, museums and libraries, business, the creative industries and many other sectors
Course summary
- Course code
- Q85
- Credits
- 360
- How long it takes
- Part-time study – 6 years
- Full-time study – 3 years
- Time limit – 16 years
Degree
Course details
This classical studies degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- You’ll start Stage 1 with a broad introduction to the arts and humanities followed by a choice of two modules.
- Next, in Stage 2, you can deepen your understanding of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, learn Latin and explore Latin literature. You can also choose a module in art history, philosophy, literature, history or religious studies.
- Finally, in Stage 3, you’ll complete your degree with two advanced modules – one explores Greek and Roman mythology, and the other examines the development and culture of the imperial Roman world.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.
Accessibility
Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our BA (Honours) Classical Studies uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:
- Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
- Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
- Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations
- Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
- Finding external/third-party material online
- Accessing online catalogues and databases
- Specialist material
- Online tutorials
- Group-work
Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
Educational aims
Your studies will:
- provide you with a detailed understanding of the political, social and cultural history of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds
- develop your skills of analysis and interpretation of primary evidence, and your awareness of a range of critical and theoretical approaches to the study of that evidence
- enable you to develop skills in the evaluation, synthesis and communication of information, and a capacity for critical and independent thinking.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this degree, you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- the political, social and cultural history of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds
- the different types of evidence and sources (literary, artistic and archaeological) utilised in the study of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds
- key critical and theoretical approaches appropriate for the interpretation of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds and their surviving evidence
- the basic logic, structure and vocabulary of the Latin language, where these have been studied.
Cognitive skills
On completion of this degree, you will be able to:
- analyse a wide range of sources
- synthesise a wide range of different primary evidence and draw appropriate conclusions on the basis of this evidence
- evaluate, challenge, and debate information and arguments presented in academic scholarship and construct and communicate an independent argument and conclusion
- employ knowledge and understanding of the Latin language to translate simple texts into English and to evaluate primary sources in the original language, where these skills have been studied.
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of this degree, you will be able to:
- consider and evaluate different sources of information, extract key points and present findings appropriately
- plan and write essays and longer projects, following the conventions of scholarship in this subject area, and acknowledging the work of others
- adapt working methods and monitor progress as a consequence of reflecting on the views of others and formal feedback.
Key skills
On completion of this degree, you will be able to:
- communicate complex ideas and arguments clearly and in varied ways that are appropriate to the subject, purpose and audience
- use information literacy skills in finding, evaluating and using data
- demonstrate competence in the use of appropriate ICT tools
- work independently, and develop your own learning strategies.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
You will acquire your knowledge and understanding through a mix of published distance-learning materials, study guides, a range of multimedia material, online tuition, primary sources and scholarship, and feedback on your assignments. The assessment of your knowledge and understanding will be through a mix of essay questions, short-answer questions and formal examinations. In some instances, particularly at OU level 3, you will also be assessed through extended assignments, allowing you to develop your skills in independent study. The precise nature of this mix will depend on your choice of modules. As you progress through the degree you will find that you are cumulatively increasing your level of knowledge and understanding and you can expect a significant portion of your progress to be assessed at OU level 3.
Cognitive skills are taught cumulatively and in ways that will vary according to which modules you choose to study. They will include the use of written materials, in-text questions, audio, visual and/or interactive material, carefully monitored feedback on assignments, as well as online tutorials and conferencing. The essay is an important form of assessment, though you may also work on short-answer questions and a range of reflective and creative assignments.
You will be responsible for choosing your own modules through the degree, but support is available: you will have a designated tutor for each module; access to learner support staff who can give you information, advice and guidance on your programme; and you can also refer to a range of online information resources.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.