Classical Studies

This masters degree provides you with the opportunity to discover what it means to do Classical Studies in the twenty-first century. You’ll investigate a range of ancient and contemporary ideas about the Greek and Roman worlds through encounters with literary texts, languages, classical mythology, historical sources and archaeological remains, and their ongoing significance for later periods, places, cultures and creative practices. By exploring the rich and dynamic scholarly perspectives and resources that are currently available, you’ll address diverse sets of questions about the ancient world. These will enable you to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to produce an independent, extended research project 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 (A868) 90

MA Classical Studies part 2 (A869) 90



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

use various sorts of evidence to support a logical argument.

180 credits

2 years part-time study



How long it takes

Most students study the MA in Classical Studies part-time, completing 90 credits a year over two years. Typically, this means 20–25 study hours each week.



You must complete the MA in Classical Studies within 10 years.

See Course Web Page link for next start date.

Career relevance

As well as giving you the means to continue your study of the ancient world and the opportunity to explore a topic in that world which particularly interests you, the MA in Classical Studies develops intellectual flexibility and analytical thinking skills and so can help develop your career in a number of ways.



Employers recognise the unique qualities of a Classical Studies degree, valuing the skills and abilities that 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 research, evaluate a range of types of evidence, and complete projects to deadlines and within word limits. Classical Studies graduates often go on to careers in museums, heritage, law, research, the Civil Service, journalism and teaching.



An MA in Classical Studies is also an essential step towards studying for a higher research degree, a PhD, which, in turn, is essential for a career in academic research or teaching in Higher Education.



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