Overview

The study of antiquity provides a foundational lens through which to understand the origins of contemporary thought, language, political structures, and artistic expression. Enrolling in the BA (Hons) Classics at the University of Exeter allows students to delve deeply into the languages, literature, history, and material culture of ancient Greece and Rome. The program unites traditional values of linguistic rigor with modern critical perspectives, enabling learners to analyze classical texts in their original Ancient Greek and Latin. Students benefit from research-led instruction alongside a proactive Classics Society featuring a dedicated peer tutoring scheme that supports language acquisition. Flexible module selections spanning ancient philosophy, epic narrative, drama, and historical inquiry allow tailored pathways aligned with personal interests. This degree is well suited for motivated thinkers who desire an immersive engagement with classical antiquity and its enduring legacy. Graduates cultivate exceptional analytical acumen, refined communication capabilities, and versatile research methodologies applicable across a wide range of professional fields.

What You'll Learn

• Greek and Latin linguistic structures, syntax, and unadapted translation

• Greek and Roman narrative traditions including epic poetry from Homer, Virgil, and Ovid

• Ancient Athenian and Roman dramatic literature across tragic and comic genres

• Historical, social, and political contexts of the classical Mediterranean world

• Classical philosophy, religion, ritual practices, and material culture

• Methods of textual criticism, literary analysis, and historical source evaluation

• Independent research design and long-form dissertation writing in classical studies

Learning Outcomes

By completing this degree, students will gain a comprehensive, highly nuanced knowledge of ancient Mediterranean civilizations, mastering both fundamental linguistic frameworks and complex literary traditions in Ancient Greek and Latin. Learners will cultivate the ability to critically evaluate unadapted historical sources, deconstruct sophisticated narrative structures, and analyze how ancient political and social dynamics continue to influence modern rhetoric and cultural debates. Through rigorous language exercises, textual criticism, and source appraisal, students build valuable hands-on skills in meticulous research, structural reasoning, and precise written communication. The flexible structure of the curriculum provides extensive scope for specialization, empowering students to direct their expertise toward specific periods, thematic subjects, or an extended independent dissertation. Ultimately, graduates emerge with advanced problem-solving capabilities and a flexible intellectual toolkit that allows them to articulate compelling, evidence-based arguments across diverse academic and professional contexts.