Course summary

BA Classical Studies allows you to explore the culture, history, archaeology, philosophy and literature of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Choosing from a range of options, you can study Greek and Roman societies across the Mediterranean and Near East, from the Archaic period to the Roman imperial period and Late Antiquity, and the reception of classical culture in later periods of history. You will be encouraged to engage in wider debate on how we interpret the classical world and why this matters. You will investigate both the admirable and the disturbing facets of Greek and Roman cultures, as we delve into:

• democracy

• slavery

• sexuality

• empire.

• 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, with their specialist libraries, training facilities and seminars; the British Museum and other world-class galleries and museums; and the British Library, the largest national library in the world.

• 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 teaching and research in this area through the wide range of free online and in-person seminars, workshops and tasters; check out our Discover the Past and taster courses as well as events at the Raphael Samuel History Centre, a leading centre for public history which the department co-directs.

• archivist

• editorial assistant

• higher education lecturer

• museum/gallery curator.