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Classical Studies, BA (Hons)

Develop your Interest and Passion for Antiquity and Ancient Culture

Swansea University students at Messene Odeon

Course Overview

Classical Studies offers you the opportunity to study Ancient Greek and Roman literature, culture, and optionally, languages.

Studying this BA degree will allow you to read all kinds of texts in translation from around the ancient Mediterranean, while developing a deep understanding of Greek and Roman culture from the archaic period through to the fall of the Roman Empire and beyond.

You will explore the fascinating myths and stories, history and culture, thoughts and beliefs of the Greeks and Romans through the study of texts that may be familiar, such as epics and tragedies, and the less well-known, such as love poems and ancient novels.

The programme will include the option of studying ancient Greek and/or Latin, although neither is compulsory if this doesn’t align with your interests or ambitions.

In addition to Greek and Roman literature modules, there are also options primarily taught in Ancient History, Egyptology, and Philosophy that are available for you to study. Classical Studies is innovative in its range of assessments, and in its inclusion of teaching-placement and creative project modules. The analytical and interpersonal skills that you will acquire throughout your degree will open up a range of exciting career opportunities in a broad range of professions.

Why Classical Studies at Swansea?

We are based on our stunning Singleton Park Campus, overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula.

You will be joining a leading Classics programme at Swansea, which is currently ranked:

  • 2nd in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • 3rd in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • 5th in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 8th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • 9th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • Top 51-150 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025) 

Your Classical Studies Experience

This degree offers you the opportunity to undertake a rich and detailed exploration into the complex histories of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, studying their literature, history, philosophy, art, and cultural significance. You can dive into the ancient world, examining how Greek and Roman societies intersected with neighbouring cultures, getting to grips with issues of identity, power, and communication, both within ancient contexts and considering how they have been received over time.

The programme challenges existing beliefs, inviting you to articulate your own points of view. The combination of compulsory and optional 20-credit modules allows you to shape your own learning, and decide what to focus on with your selection of modules, with themes including classical literature, Ancient History, Egyptology, Philosophy, classical art, and ancient languages.

Your studies will culminate in a 40-credit extended research project, giving you the opportunity to explore a relevant topic of personal interest in great detail.

We are a close-knit community who enjoy exploring the ancient world beyond the classroom. Our student-run Ancient World Society organises a variety of social and cultural events. You will be encouraged to engage with our established research groups, and we regularly welcome expert guest speakers.

The programme includes opportunities to undertake a Semester or Year Abroad, spent in locations such as the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, or Singapore, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience.

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, giving valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for only paid placements which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Although securing a placement is your responsibility, we work with a number of organisations who provide a range of placement opportunities. You will also be supported throughout your application journey with advice, guidance and additional resources. If you are unable to secure a placement by the end of the second year of your studies, you will transfer onto the equivalent degree programme.

Classical Studies Employment Opportunities

By undertaking the BA Classical Studies, you will have the opportunity to gain excellent communication skills, learning to present your ideas in a range of formats.

As a graduate, we expect you to be a critically agile, analytical thinker, adept at research, and with a strong problem-solving skillset, including the ability to make informed decisions.

The programme includes various forms of assessment, and you will be encouraged to develop team-working and communication skills through seminars, as well as project management and independent research skills as part of the dissertation. These skills will ensure that you can compete successfully in the employment market.

Our vision is to shape you into a graduate who not only understands the ancient world, but who can apply its lessons to contemporary challenges with equity, insight, and integrity, and to ensure that you are well-equipped with the knowledge, skills and intellectual flexibility required in the 21st century.

We have close contacts to the heritage sector, and you can gain valuable experience volunteering at a number of local museums, including our own Egypt Centre, which houses over 5,000 genuine Egyptian artefacts on our Singleton Campus.

We also have close links with local schools, in part via the Welsh Classics Hwb, as well as the school placement module, where you can gain valuable classroom experience by teaching students about the ancient world, should you be considering a career in teaching.

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

  • Heritage and Tourism
  • Teaching and Education
  • Media and Public Relations
  • Marketing
  • Business and Management
  • Politics and Civil Service

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.

Typical A level Offer

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Classical Studies, BA (Hons)

Classical Studies with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)

Classical Studies with a Year in Industry, BA (Hons)