BA Classics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA Classics at the University of Exeter offers students the opportunity to explore the ancient Greek and Roman worlds through the study of languages, literature, history, culture, and society. Designed for students with an interest in ancient civilisations and their influence on the modern world, this course helps develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills while encouraging a deeper understanding of classical texts, ideas, and traditions.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students develop a strong foundation in Classical Studies by exploring ancient languages, texts, and cultures. Modules such as Classical Language and Texts: Greek I, Classical Language and Texts: Greek II, Classical Language and Texts: Latin I, and Classical Language and Texts: Latin II help students build essential skills in reading, translating, and interpreting ancient sources. Students also have opportunities to explore introductory topics related to ancient history, literature, mythology, and society.

Year 2:
In the second year, students expand their knowledge of the Greek and Roman worlds through more specialised study areas and advanced analysis of classical sources. Modules such as Ancient World: Racecraft, Text and Context: Women in Homer, Roman Death and Commemoration, Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Tyranny, Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus, Text and Context: Roman Laughter, and Ancient World: Roman Philosophy allow students to examine classical societies through historical, literary, political, and cultural perspectives.

Year 3 (Optional Placement or Study Abroad Year):
Students can choose to enhance their degree with a four-year pathway through options such as Study Abroad or Employment Experience. This additional year provides the opportunity to experience another academic environment or gain professional workplace experience, helping students develop independence, intercultural awareness, and valuable career skills.

Final Year:
In the final year, students engage with advanced areas of Classical Studies and develop their independent research abilities. They can study specialist modules including The Age of Cicero, Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds, The World of Late Antiquity, Critical Classics and the Contemporary World, Classical Language and Texts: Greek V, and Classical Language and Texts: Latin V, alongside a Dissertation that allows them to investigate a topic of personal interest in depth.

Focus Areas

Ancient Greek and Roman languages, classical literature, mythology, ancient history, archaeology, political and social structures of antiquity, interpretation of historical sources, Latin and Greek texts, cultural analysis, independent research, and the influence of classical civilisation on contemporary society.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to analyse historical and literary sources, evaluate evidence, build strong arguments, and communicate complex ideas clearly. The programme strengthens research skills, critical thinking, cultural awareness, problem-solving abilities, and written and verbal communication skills that are highly valued across a range of careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The BA Classics develops a broad range of transferable skills including research, critical analysis, independent thinking, communication, and problem-solving. These skills support career opportunities in areas such as museums, heritage organisations, education, publishing, journalism, business, law, research, and cultural sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter is a member of the Russell Group and is recognised for its research excellence and high-quality teaching. Students benefit from research-led learning, specialist academic expertise, access to humanities resources, and opportunities such as Study Abroad and Employment Experience pathways that support both academic growth and career development.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA Classics at the University of Exeter offers students an engaging learning experience that combines the study of ancient languages, literature, history, and culture with practical research and analytical activities. Students develop valuable skills in critical thinking, translation, interpretation, communication, and independent research through interactive seminars, academic discussions, specialist teaching, and research-led learning. The programme also encourages students to extend their learning beyond the classroom through academic events, student societies, publications, study abroad opportunities, and professional experience pathways.

Students gain practical academic and professional skills through a range of learning opportunities:

Discussion-Based Seminars and Collaborative Learning: Students take part in seminar discussions where they analyse ancient texts, explore Greek and Roman culture, and debate different interpretations of historical and literary sources. These sessions help students develop confidence in presenting ideas, building arguments, and engaging with diverse viewpoints.
Research-Led Teaching: Students learn from academics with specialist research expertise in areas such as ancient Greek mythology, Latin literature, Greek inscriptions, ancient politics, social history, religion, and cultural studies. This allows students to explore current research and gain insights from experts in Classical Studies.
Ancient Language Development: Students develop skills in Ancient Greek and Latin through dedicated language modules. Studying these languages enables students to work directly with original classical texts, improve translation abilities, and gain a deeper understanding of ancient literature and history.
Independent Research Projects: Through coursework, assignments, and final-year dissertation work, students develop strong research and analytical abilities. They learn how to investigate classical topics, evaluate evidence, organise information, and present well-supported academic arguments.
Academic Events and Research Seminars: Students can participate in mini conferences, research seminars, and Classical Association lectures featuring academics and guest speakers. These activities provide experience in academic discussion, presenting ideas, and engaging with wider research communities.
Classics Society Activities: Students can join the Classics Society, which organises lectures, debates, film evenings, plays, trips, social events, and peer mentoring activities. These opportunities help students develop teamwork, leadership skills, and connections with other students interested in Classical Studies.
Student Publication Opportunities: Students can contribute to Pegasus, the department’s journal, gaining experience in academic writing, editing, and communicating research-based ideas to a wider audience.
Digital Learning Resources: Students use online learning platforms, digital academic resources, electronic journals, and research databases to support their studies. These tools help students improve their digital research skills and access a wide range of academic materials.
Library and Humanities Research Facilities: Students have access to the University of Exeter’s library resources, including specialist books, journals, online collections, and research materials that support studies in classical languages, ancient history, literature, and culture.
Study Abroad Opportunities: Students can choose a Study Abroad pathway, allowing them to spend time at a partner university and experience a different academic environment. This helps students gain international exposure, independence, cultural awareness, and valuable transferable skills.
Employment Experience Opportunities: Students can choose an Employment Experience pathway, which provides the opportunity to complete professional work experience before graduation. This allows students to apply their academic knowledge in a workplace setting, develop professional skills, and improve their career readiness.
Personal Academic Support: Students receive guidance from a Personal Tutor throughout their degree, helping them with academic development, progression planning, and making the most of available learning opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA Classics at the University of Exeter prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities by developing strong skills in critical thinking, independent research, communication, cultural awareness, and the analysis of historical and literary sources. The programme helps graduates build flexible career pathways across sectors such as museums and heritage, education, journalism, publishing, business, law, research, and cultural organisations. Potential career roles include Archives Assistant, Business Development Associate, Freelance Journalist, Marketing Manager, Publishing Assistant, Investment Analyst, Research Culture Administrator, Media Producer, Trainee Chartered Accountant, and Heritage Professional.

The combination of knowledge about the ancient world and highly transferable skills allows graduates to succeed in different professional environments, supported by Exeter’s career development services and employability opportunities:

Careers Service Support: Students have access to the University of Exeter’s dedicated Careers Service, which provides careers advice, mentoring, employability workshops, job search support, and guidance on applications and interviews. Through the Career Zone, students can access resources and opportunities to help them plan their career journey and prepare for employment.
Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award: These programmes help students develop professional skills through workshops, volunteering, leadership activities, and personal development opportunities. Students can build confidence, gain experience, and demonstrate their skills to future employers.
Employment Experience Opportunities: Students can choose the BA Classics with Employment Experience pathway, which includes a year of professional work experience. This opportunity allows students to apply their academic skills in a workplace environment, gain practical experience, improve their CV, and develop skills that support future career goals.
Study Abroad Opportunities: Students can choose a Study Abroad pathway to spend time studying at an international partner university. This experience helps students develop independence, adaptability, cultural understanding, and global awareness, which are valuable qualities in today’s employment market.
Employment Statistics and Graduate Outcomes: The University of Exeter highlights strong graduate outcomes, with Classics and Ancient History graduates progressing into a variety of professional roles across education, heritage, publishing, business, journalism, and research sectors. The university’s reputation and employer connections support graduates in achieving successful career outcomes.
Graduate Career Pathways: Graduates from Classics and Ancient History programmes have progressed into roles such as Archives Assistant, Business Development Associate, Freelance Journalist, Grants and Partnerships Assistant, Investment Analyst, Marketing Manager, Publishing Assistant, Research Culture Administrator, Trainee Chartered Accountant, and Media Producer.
University and Professional Connections: Students benefit from Exeter’s research communities, academic networks, and connections with cultural, educational, and professional sectors. The programme’s focus on analysis, interpretation, and communication prepares graduates for roles where research, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential.
Long-Term Career Value: The degree develops skills that remain valuable throughout a graduate’s career, including critical analysis, independent thinking, research ability, evaluating evidence, and presenting ideas clearly. These transferable skills allow graduates to adapt to a wide range of industries and professional opportunities.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are prepared for careers in museums, heritage organisations, education, publishing, journalism, business, law, public service, research, and cultural industries. The broad academic foundation of the BA Classics enables students to pursue both specialist careers and diverse professional pathways.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA Classics, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes in areas such as Classical Studies, Ancient History, Archaeology, Heritage Studies, History, Law, International Relations, Management, or other humanities and social science disciplines. Further study allows graduates to develop specialist expertise, pursue academic research, or gain advanced qualifications that support professional careers in areas such as education, heritage, research, and cultural organisations.