Classical Studies

This fascinating course examines many different aspects of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds – their literature, history, philosophy, archaeology, language and material cultures – through a scholarly tradition that is both fast-moving and long-standing. You will investigate the different disciplinary fields of classical studies, bringing you into direct contact with a wide range of fragmentary evidence from classical antiquity such as surviving texts and artefacts, which you'll examine from multiple theoretical and methodological perspectives. You will also acquire and develop research skills that will enhance your knowledge of the ancient Graeco-Roman world and prepare you for independent study, culminating in a dissertation.

Key features of the course
• Explores the question of 'how we know what we know' about the ancient civilisations of Greece and Rome

• Takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of 'the ancient body', including birth, death, ancient medicine, dress and beauty

• Draws on cutting-edge research by members of the Classical Studies department

• Concludes with a substantial piece of independent research on a topic of your choice.

Modules
To gain the 180 credits you require for this qualification, you must study the modules in the order shown below and pass part 1 before progressing to part 2.

Compulsory modules, credits

MA Classical Studies part 1 (A863) 60
MA Classical Studies part 2 (A864) 120

Or from the discontinued modules A860, A861 if you started before 2014.

Please note that MA Classical Studies part 2 (A864) is worth 120 credits. Module fees for postgraduate modules are based on the number of credits you study. Therefore the fee for this 120-credit postgraduate module will be double that for the 60-credit module MA Classical Studies part 1 (A863).

You should note that the University's unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

You must hold a UK honours degree (or equivalent), preferably with at least a 2:1 classification to study our MA in Classical Studies. Although your degree does not need to be in Classical Studies, you will need some knowledge of the subject to successfully complete this qualification.

If your degree is not in Ancient History, Ancient World Studies, Archaeology, Art History, Classics, Classical Archaeology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Greek & Roman Studies, Greek, History, Latin, Literature (of any kind), Arts & Humanities with a specialism in one of these areas or a joint honours degree combining any of these subject areas, we strongly recommend that you refer to the 'Preparatory work' listed in the Entry requirements for MA Classical Studies part 1. This module brings you up to date with the latest ideas and approaches but does not offer remedial undergraduate training if your qualifications and/or experience are inappropriate. If you're in any doubt, please contact us before you enrol.

To study successfully for this MA, you need to be able to:

• write clear, concise, accurate prose
• read large quantities of text quickly, accurately and critically
• classify evidence precisely and assess its value and reliability
• argue logically, consistently and sceptically
• marshal various sorts of evidence to support a logical argument.

180 credits

2 years

How long it takes
You will be able to complete this masters qualification within two years by studying one module each year.

Career relevance
From an academic point of view, an MA in Classical Studies is the final step towards a PhD and an academic career, but it also has a much wider relevance in terms of employability. As well as giving you the means to continue your study of the ancient world and the opportunity to explore an area of that world which particularly interests you, the MA in Classical Studies can help benefit your career in a number of ways.

Classical Studies graduates often go on to careers in museums, journalism and teaching, but other employers recognise the unique qualities of a Classical Studies degree as well: they have long valued the skills and abilities that Classical Studies graduates display because of the high level of critical and independent thinking involved, the close work with sources of evidence and attention to detail, as well as the proven ability graduates have to conduct independent research, evaluate a range of types of evidence, and complete projects to deadlines and within word limits.

Above all, an MA in Classical Studies leads to a better understanding of where we come from and who we are today, and employers often recognise the value of such a unique perspective on human culture and society.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.