Classics, BA (Hons)

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Swansea University students at Messene Odeon

Classics is Ranked 14th

Guardian University Guide 2021

Key Course Details

UK
International

3 Year Full Time

UCAS Code: Q800
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): BBB
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 9,000
Sep 2022	£ 9,000

4 Year Full Time With a Year Abroad

UCAS Code: Q801
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): BBB
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 9,000
Sep 2022	£ 9,000

3 Year Full Time

UCAS Code: Q800
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: BBB - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 18,300
Sep 2022	£ 18,850

4 Year Full Time With a Year Abroad

UCAS Code: Q801
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: BBB - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 18,300
Sep 2022	£ 18,850

Course Overview

Classics focuses on the languages of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, as well as their literature and culture. In this 3-year BA degree, you’ll study both ancient Greek and Latin, each at the level appropriate for you: we offer four levels—Beginner’s, Intermediate, Further, and Advanced—and by the end of the degree you will be reading unabridged works in the original language. Recently, texts taught at the Further and Advanced level have included letters by Cicero and Pliny the younger, Plutarch’s How to Study Poetry, Plato’s Phaedrus, extracts from epic poetry such as Ovid’s Metamorphoses and Virgil’s Aeneid, Euripides’ tragedy Helen, Aristophanes’ comedy Thesmophoriazusae, and Herodotus’ and Tacitus’ Histories.

Your Classics degree will be attractive to employers who can see that you have applied yourself to mastering challenging languages that require logical thinking, intellectual rigour, and creative adaptability. Your English grammar and syntax are likely to improve, making your written work more accurate, confident, and persuasive. And nothing compares to the thrill of being able to read texts in an originally unfamiliar language or deciphering artfully constructed arguments for yourself without the filter of a translation.

Why Classics at Swansea?

Based at our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, a Classics degree at Swansea University will be highly regarded:

Classics is ranked 14^th in the Guardian University Guide 2021

We give you the opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience in local schools through our Schools Placement module in your second or third year; if you are considering a career as a teacher this might be attractive to you, as instructing others in the basics of the ancient languages is also a good method to consolidate your own learning.

If you so desire, you will have the option to study a semester abroad in a location such as the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, or Singapore, during your second year, or to spend a full year abroad after your second year.

Your Classics Experience

Through the three years of the degree, you’ll be taking Latin and Greek modules at the appropriate level out of Beginner’s, Intermediate, Further, and Advanced, depending on your prior experience. Further and Advanced levels read increasing amounts of prose and verse literature in the original languages.

In the first year, you’ll be doing two modules each of Latin and Greek, unless you’ve done neither before, in which case you’ll take 2 modules of either one at Beginner’s level and start the other in your second year. At Further and Advanced level, you’ll be reading texts with scholars who research their language and meaning: for instance, you might be reading a speech by Cicero or a comedy by Aristophanes with a staff member who published an article about it. You could also study either Greek or Latin in a Joint Honours degree with Ancient History or Classical Civilisation.

Swansea is an established centre for the study of narrative, especially the ancient novel, under the auspices of our research group KYKNOS. As part of that, we have a guest speaker programme and a reading group, as well as a dedicated MA.

Through the course of your Classics degree, in our close-knit community, you will each have an academic mentor from among the teaching staff to lend academic support. The Society for Ancient Studies organises social and cultural events, including museum trips.

To enhance your career prospects, we offer the opportunity to sign up for various employability and engagement-related placements, such as the Week of Work.

Classics Employment Opportunities

Students on this course typically develop excellent writing skills, as well as strong abilities in problem solving. You’ll learn how to manage your time effectively in your preparation and how to respond effectively when asked questions in public settings.

Our Classics graduates enter careers in a wide variety of sectors including:

Education (secondary and tertiary)
Archives
Heritage and museums
Business
Media and public relations
Public service

Modules

In your first year you will typically explore Greek and Latin language.

Your early studies will introduce you to ancient philosophy and rhetoric, ancient art and architecture as well as developing your Greek language skills, optional modules include: Roman Love Poetry and Archaic Greece.

You will then choose your pathway with modules to suit your own interests, before focusing in depth on your final research project to produce your final dissertation.

Year 1 (Level 4)

FHEQ 4 Undergraduate / HECert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules

Greek Compulsory Modules - Selective

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students must select a pair of modules (40cr) of Greek at the appropriate level. Staff can advise on the appropriate level of Greek modules on request. Students should not take modules in more than one beginning ancient language in the year.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Beginning Greek Language I	20	September-January	CLG101
Intermediate Greek Language (post-GCSE or equivalent) I	20	September-January	CLG105
Further Greek 1 (Level 1)	20	September-January	CLG125	Post A Level or equivalent
Beginning Greek Language II	20	January-June	CLG102	If you wish to pursue this module you MUST also select CLG101.
Intermediate Greek Language (post-GCSE or equivalent) II	20	January-June	CLG106	If you wish to pursue this module you MUST also select CLG105.
Further Greek 2 (Level 1)	20	January-June	CLG126	Post A Level or equivalent. If you wish to pursue this module you MUST also select

AND

Latin Compulsory Modules - Selective

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students must take 40 credits of Latin Modules at the appropriate level. Staff can advise on the appropriate level of Latin modules on request. Students should not take modules in more than one beginning ancient language in the year.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Beginning Latin Language I	20	September-January	CLL101
Intermediate Latin Language (post-GCSE or equivalent) I	20	September-January	CLL105
Further Latin 1 (Level 1)	20	September-January	CLL125	Post A Level or equivalent.
Beginning Latin Language II	20	January-June	CLL102	If you wish to pursue this module you MUST also select CLL101.
Intermediate Latin Language (post-GCSE or equivalent) II	20	January-June	CLL106	If you wish to pursue this module you MUST also select CLL105.
Further Latin 2 (Level 1)	20	January-June	CLL126	Post A Level or equivalent. If you wish to pursue this module you MUST also select CLL125.

AND

Optional Modules

Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select modules to make a total of 120 credits for the year. You must take 60 credits in each teaching block.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Of Gods and Heroes - Greek Mythology	20	September-January	CLC101
Greek History and Society	20	September-January	CLH100
Ovid's Metamorphoses. The Transformations of Mythology	20	January-June	CLC102
Introduction to Ancient Philosophy and Rhetoric	20	January-June	CLC103
Rome from Village to Empire: An Introduction to Roman History	20	January-June	CLH150

Year 2 (Level 5)

FHEQ 5 Undergraduate / HEDip

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules

Compulsory Selective - Latin

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select a module from each teaching block at the appropriate level. Staff can advise on the appropriate level of Latin modules on request.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Intermediate Latin Language I(post-Beginning Latin Language)	20	September-January	CLL203
Beginning Latin Language I	20	September-January	CLL221
Further Latin 1 (Level 2)	20	September-January	CLL225
Advanced Latin 1 (Level 2)	20	September-January	CLL227
Intermediate Latin Language II(post-Beginning Latin Language)	20	January-June	CLL204
Beginning Latin Language II	20	January-June	CLL222
Further Latin 2 (Level 2)	20	January-June	CLL226
Advanced Latin 2	20	January-June	CLL228

AND

Compulsory Selective - Greek

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select a module from each teaching block at the appropriate level. Staff can advise on the appropriate level of Greek modules on request.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Intermediate Greek Language I (post-Beginning Greek Language)	20	September-January	CLG203
Beginning Greek Language I	20	September-January	CLG221
Further Greek 1 (Level 2)	20	September-January	CLG225
Advanced Greek 1 (Level 2)	20	September-January	CLG227
Intermediate Greek Language II (post-Beginning Greek Language)	20	January-June	CLG204
Beginning Greek Language II	20	January-June	CLG222
Further Greek 2 (Level 2)	20	January-June	CLG226
Advanced Greek 2 (Level 2)	20	January-June	CLG228

AND

Optional Module Choices

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select 40 credits, one module in TB1 and one module in TB2.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
The Roman Comic Novel: Excrement and Sacrament	20	September-January	CLC204
Marbles, Slaves and Mines, Oils Grains and Wine: Roman Economy and Society	20	September-January	CLH2007
The Heirs of Rome: The Making of Christendom, Byzantium, and Islam in the Early Middle Ages, 400-800	20	September-January	CLH230
Greek City States (Level 2)	20	September-January	CLH264
Gender in the Roman World	20	September-January	CLH267
Ancient Macedonia	20	September-January	CLH291
Roman Satire: Ranting and Bantering	20	January-June	CLC207
Decision and Responsibility: The Tragic Predicament	20	January-June	CLC209
Myths and Society in the Greek World	20	January-June	CLH2008
Armies and Enemies of Imperial Rome	20	January-June	CLH216
Being Greek: Identity in the Ancient Greek World	20	January-June	CLH270
Schools work placement: Teaching ancient history and ancient languages	20	January-June	CLP202

Year 3 (Level 6)

FHEQ 6 Undergraduate / Honours

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Classics, Ancient History, Egyptology Dissertation	September-June	40	CLD300

Optional Modules

Greek Modules

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select a module from each teaching block at the appropriate level. Staff can advise on the appropriate level of Latin modules on request.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Intermediate Greek Language I	20	September-January	CLG321
Further Greek 1 (Level 3)	20	September-January	CLG325
Advanced Greek 1 (Level 3)	20	September-January	CLG327
Advanced Greek 3	20	September-January	CLG329
Intermediate Greek Language II	20	January-June	CLG322
Further Greek 2 (Level 3)	20	January-June	CLG326
Advanced Greek 2 (Level 3)	20	January-June	CLG328
Advanced Greek 4	20	January-June	CLG330

AND

Latin Modules

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select a module from each teaching block at the appropriate level. Staff can advise on the appropriate level of Greek modules on request.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Intermediate Latin Language I	20	September-January	CLL321
Further Latin 1 (Level 3)	20	September-January	CLL325
Advanced Latin 1 (Level 3)	20	September-January	CLL327
Advanced Latin 3	20	September-January	CLL329
Intermediate Latin Language II	20	January-June	CLL322
Further Latin 2 (Level 3)	20	January-June	CLL326
Advanced Latin 2 (Level 3)	20	January-June	CLL328
Advanced Latin 4	20	January-June	CLL330

Entry Requirements

Our standard entry requirement is BBB (UCAS tariff points 120) or equivalent. All offers are made following a review of the application form, predicted/achieved grades and subjects, the reference and personal statement. We also accept a range of advanced level qualifications including: International Baccalaureate 32; Welsh Baccalaureate - grade equivalent to A-level; Access to Higher Education and Open University qualifications, and Extended Project.

Here are the requirements for International students.

For applicants whose first language is not English, we require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0.

How You're Taught

Covid 19 Update - Please see the 'Covid Update for Learning and Teaching' expander below.

In the first year of study, you will be taught through lectures and tutorials. Assessment will be coursework, essay and examination.

In the second year, you will learn through seminars and group-work. Assessment will be varied including coursework, essays, group presentations and examination.

In the final year, you will undertake independent study through research methods, a dissertation or practice portfolio and also be taught through seminars and group-work. Assessment includes independent research dissertation, independent presentation, coursework and examination.

Our learning and teaching enhances your key skills that employers look for in graduates as follows:

Self-Management (attending classes, meeting deadlines, preparing for seminars, dissertation)
Teamworking (group presentations, group seminars, study trips and projects)
Customer awareness (study abroad, internships, work placements, student experience)
Problem solving (essay writing, research, examinations)
Communication and literacy (essays, examinations, presentations, project work, dissertation)
Numeracy skills (data analysis, statistics, graphs, datasets)
Information technology (Blackboard, essays, examinations, presentations, social media)

This course offers some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.

Welsh Provision

At least 80 credits

You can study 80 credits or more of this course through the medium of Welsh. Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
Access to modules taught wholly or partly in Welsh.
Access to the Arwain app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
The option to write and submit your coursework or exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be marked in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Academic Mentor.
One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
Opportunity to be a member of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' rights to use the Welsh Language.

Continuing to study through the medium of Welsh once you leave school or college will be a natural step for you and a way of ensuring your chances of getting the best education possible. The smaller class sizes will provide you with a great opportunity for support. It will also be a valuable addition to your CV and career development. Opportunities are available for students who are fluent and confident in the language as well as for those who are less confident or who are learners. It is also possible to choose Welsh-medium seminar and tutorial classes for modules taught primarily through the medium of English.

Meet Your Lecturers

Tuition Fees

3 Year Full Time

Start Date	UK	International
September 2021	£ 9,000	£ 18,300
September 2022	£ 9,000	£ 18,850

4 Year Full Time With a Year Abroad

Start Date	UK	International
September 2021	£ 9,000	£ 18,300
September 2022	£ 9,000	£ 18,850

Fees for full time Undergraduate UK students may be increased in subsequent years of study by an inflationary amount determined by Welsh Government.

Fees for full time Undergraduate EU/International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.

During a sandwich year (e.g. year in industry, year abroad or placement year) a lower fee will apply. For more information visit our tuition fees page.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Advice and guidance on postgraduate study and funding
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal academic mentor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

To learn more about study abroad, visit our Go Global webpages. Enrolment on a programme with a semester/year abroad does not guarantee you a semester/year abroad placement. Spaces are limited and subject to a competitive selection process. In the event you do not secure a semester/year abroad placement, you will be transferred to the standard variant of your degree scheme without a semester or year abroad.

International summer programmes are open to students from all colleges. Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as China, Zambia, South Korea, Japan, Canada and across Europe. For more information about programmes and eligibility visit our Summer Abroad webpages.

How to Apply

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Covid Update for Learning and Teaching

Covid Update for Learning and Teaching

We have made some changes to the way that we teach this year, with more activities taking place online than usual.

The University calendar runs in teaching blocks. Teaching block one (TB1) runs from September until January and during this block, for this year, you will be taught in a ‘blended’ way. This means that some of your teaching will be delivered online and some will be on campus. The online teaching, where you will be physically apart from your lecturer, can be ‘live’ with your lecturer present and where you’ll be able to interact. Some of it may be self-directed which means that you can access the learning materials at a time to suit you.

Your face-to-face, on campus sessions will be a mixture of:

Programme study groups and workshops

Subject seminars

Study skills workshops

Induction and orientation events

Individual Academic Mentoring meetings

Staff consultation and office hours

Dissertation supervision (Final year and PGT)

Your online learning and teaching may include:

Live streamed lectures

Module seminars, workshops and tutorials

Individual Academic Mentoring meetings

Staff consultation and office hours

Student and staff community events

Dissertation supervision (Final year and PGT)

Self-directed learning will be:

Organised Study Materials

Self-guided study activities

Preparatory and further reading

Recorded lectures

Formative tests and quizzes

Self-study in library

Self-study in PC Labs

Design Group Meetings

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