Modules
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- You’ll start Stage 1 with a broad introduction to the arts and humanities followed by up to two modules chosen from a variety of subjects.
- Next, in Stage 2, you’ll have the option of combining your study of the Classical world with a module in either philosophy, literature, religious studies or history.
- Finally, in Stage 3, you’ll complete your degree with two further modules – the first explores Classical mythology, and the second examines the development, maintenance and culture of the imperial Roman world.
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Compulsory module – 60 credits from the following:
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules AA100, A102, A103, A105, AZX103, A150 + A151.
Optional module(s) – 60 credits from the following:
A maximum of 60 credits from free choice at OU level 1, 2, 3 or postgraduate, including not more than 30 credits from Openings modules or short courses.
Visit our search page to find out more information about each of the modules you could study.
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Optional modules – 60 credits from the following:
Or subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules A209, A219, A251, A275, A295, A296, A297.
Optional modules – 60 credits from the following:
Title |
Credits |
Next start |
- Art and visual cultures in the modern world (A236)
This module introduces you to the art and visual cultures of the modern period from the second half of the eighteenth century to the present day.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Art and life before 1800 (A237) NEW
This module explores the dynamic roles that art, architecture and other artefacts played in human life from prehistory up to around 1800.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Early modern Europe: c. 1500–1780 (A223)
This module explores the history of life in Europe between 1500 and 1780 through the study of people, groups, and states.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- The British Isles and the modern world, 1789–1914 (A225)
This module explores the history of Britain and Ireland between the French Revolution and the First World War, examining the social, economic and political changes associated with modernity.
See full description
|
60 |
Sep 2024 |
- Investigating philosophy (DA223) NEW
This module introduces six topics central to philosophy, giving you the opportunity to investigate some of fundamental questions posed by philosophers past and present.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Exploring religion: places, practices, texts and experiences (A227)
This module explores the place of religion in the modern world, asking core questions aboutwhat religion is and how and why we study religion.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Classical Latin: language of ancient Rome (A276)
You'll be introduced to the literature, culture, and language of the ancient Roman world, reading texts in translation and studying Latin language.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Literature matters (A240) NEW
Explore the relations between literature, representation and identity; literature and the environment; literature and politics; and literature, escape and the imagination.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
Or subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules A200, A207, A209, A210, A211, A216, A217, A218, A219, A220, A221, A222, A226, A230, A251, A275, A295, A296, A297, AD281.
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Compulsory modules – 120 credits from the following:
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules A330, A396, A397, AA309, A428.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BA (Honours) Classical Studies uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
- finding external/third party material online
- working in a group with other students
- working with specialist reading material such as works of art and musical manuscripts
All qualifications require you to complete learning and assessment activities within a required timescale and according to pre-determined deadlines. You will therefore need to manage your time effectively during your studies and the University will help you to develop this skill throughout your degree. Information on assessment will be available to you at the start of each module.
If you feel you may need additional support with any of the elements above, visit our disability page to find more about what we offer. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your individual requirements, so we can put arrangements in place before you start.
Credit transfer
If you have already had an award of credit transfer for university level study, you may still be able to count it towards another Open University qualification – to allow you to continue your studies and achieve your goal.
Your credit will need to be reassessed and you may need to resubmit evidence of your previous study. If you want to transfer additional credit that hasn’t already been assessed, we will need to see original evidence of this additional study.
To discuss your study choice and for more details of how to reapply for credit transfer, please contact your SST.
Classification of your degree
On successfully completing this undergraduate course, you'll be awarded the BA (Honours) Classical Studies degree. You'll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
The class of degree (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) depends on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.
Skills for career development
This Classical Studies degree will develop your understanding of human activities in diverse cultural environments and historical contexts, and equip you with an adaptable set of skills greatly valued by employers. Broadly summarised these are skills of analysis, criticism and communication – you’ll sharpen your IT, writing and independent thinking, and learn to assimilate and evaluate relevant information when constructing an argument. These are key skills in complex organisations, and are greatly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering, or changing career.
Career relevance
Studying arts and humanities can give entry to a vast range of occupations leading in a number of career directions, including:
- public administration, local government, the civil service, art institutions, and social services
- advertising, journalism, publishing, creative industries and public relations
- education
- legal work
- business, banking and retail
- human resources
- charities and campaigning.
Other careers
Other relevant careers include:
- banking
- politics
- journalism and broadcasting
- teaching
- social work
- policing and criminal justice
- planning and environmental management
- accountancy
- business and commerce
- public relations, media and market research
- advertising and marketing.
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. Some may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
Exploring your options
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that most careers will require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):
- teacher/lecturer
- archaeologist
- museum curator
- heritage management
- tourism officer
- civil servant
- local government and NHS management
- advertising account manager
- marketing officer
- journalist
- publisher
- public relations manager
- media researcher
- lawyer
- charity campaigner
- retail manager
- business and human resources management
- politician
- librarian
- information archivist.