Classics BA (Hons)

Are you fascinated by ancient Greece and Rome? Do you love reading and thinking for yourself? If you also have an A level in Latin and want to study both Latin and Greek language and literature, then this varied and interdisciplinary degree programme is for you.

Taught in the Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology, you will have the opportunity to explore the classical civilisations of Greece and Rome, as well as of Egypt, Ancient Western Asia and the Byzantine Empire, in a range of optional modules. You will encounter the classical world in all its diversity and explore its literature, culture, religion and history, and the many ways in which classical antiquity lives on in our world today. With our BA Classics, you will gain expertise in both Greek and Latin and, by reading in the original languages, you will be able to understand Greek and Latin texts in greater depth.

Employability

Our unique degrees are designed to provide both academic excellence and vocational development; a balance that’s highly sought after by employers in today’s competitive graduate market.

Studying Classics involves analysing the ancient world in a political, social, and cultural context. This develops skills in research and analysis of complex information, working independently and as part of a team, and articulate communication of judgments and arguments. You will also have the opportunity to carry out self-directed project work, which improves self-management, organisation and research skills. The study of Latin and Greek develops analytical and verbal reasoning skills, discipline and application, and it supports the use of a rich and varied vocabulary.

Developing your career

There is a range of opportunities through our Careers Network and beyond. For example, our innovative Cultural Internships offer graduates the opportunity for a six-month paid internship at a leading cultural institution in the West Midlands. These internships will give you professional experience to set you apart in a competitive graduate market.

Current partners include Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham REP, Birmingham Royal Ballet, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust, and the Library of Birmingham. There are also internships available at the University’s own cultural assets, such as Winterbourne House, the Lapworth Museum, and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.

Extra-curricular activities

To enhance your career prospects even further, you may want to engage in extra-curricular activities to broaden your skills and your network of contacts.

Our College of Arts and Law Undergraduate Research Scholarship Scheme enables interested students to work on a current academic research project run by one of our researchers in drama and theatre. You gain work experience over the summer after your first or second year and have the chance to develop skills in both collaborative and independent research.