Course summary
BA Classical Studies is a particularly diverse and stimulating degree, in which you explore the culture, history, archaeology, philosophy and literature of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. You will gain valuable expertise in developing and communicating arguments based on the diverse, complex remains from the ancient world, understanding the limits of our knowledge but also how to push them further. You also focus on how studying the Classical world can radically transform debates about key contemporary issues, such as democracy, inequality and gender and sexuality. Why choose this course
- You can tailor this course to suit your interests and needs from a wide range of options.
- You will benefit from close personal tuition, mentoring and supervision from leading Classicists.
- You can study ancient Greek and/or Latin flexibly, to suit your needs.
- You will benefit from our close links with London museums and archaeological excavations across the Greco-Roman world.
- Birkbeck was ranked in the top eight universities in the UK for its History research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
- Situated in historic Bloomsbury, we are at the heart of academic London with access to unparalleled research resources. Situated very close by are: the Institute of Historical Research and the Institute of Classical Studies; the British Museum and other world-class galleries and museums; and the British Library.
- In history, classics and archaeology, Birkbeck is home to thriving student societies and a number of affiliated research centres that actively run seminars, conferences and other events where some of the world's best scholars present their latest research.
- Get a flavour of our flexible, engaging teaching and research in this area through a wide range of free online and in-person seminars, workshops and tasters.
- a sophisticated use of written and spoken English
- an advanced critical ability in understanding and applying complex theories
- facility and precision in the use of analytical tools.
- strong skills and initiative in collecting and organising complex materials and writing up clear, well-presented reports or fluent critical arguments.
- the civil service
- arts, heritage and museums
- primary and secondary schools
- libraries
- City and recruitment firms
- self-employed entrepreneurship.
Modules
For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
Assessment method
Each module is examined at the end of the academic year in which it is taken (usually by three-hour papers) and you must write a dissertation of 7000 words on a subject of your choice. Every module you take includes some form of assessment and, in addition, an attendance requirement, so you will need to attend at least 60% of classes in order to pass.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level
Access to HE Diploma - D: 15 credits M: 15 credits
We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We assess each individual application for potential and talent and admission is by a combination of application and interview. FOUNDATION YEAR DEGREES Our 'with Foundation Year' route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) or two years (part-time) of supported study. This is an ideal route if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree.
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £6935 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £6935 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £6935 | Year 1 |
Wales | £6935 | Year 1 |
International | £13545 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700