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Classics (Full-time) (MA)

Distance Learning
2 Years Full-time

Classics (MA) concentrates on the literature and culture of the Greco-Roman world in the original language. If you wish to develop both Classical languages, then an MA in Classics is the degree for you. Classics degrees concentrate on the Greek and Latin languages at advanced level, as well as the literature of the ancient world.

Existing knowledge of either Greek or Latin at advanced level is an entrance requirement for the MA in Classics. Applicants are further expected to have a good knowledge of the second language. This will allow students on the MA Classics to focus on the analysis of the literature of the Greco-Roman world in its historical and cultural contexts.

For students without prior or sufficient knowledge of Greek and/or Latin there is the possibility to study one or both languages on our Postgraduate Certificates/Diplomas (PG Dip/Cert) in Greek and Latin, in preparation for entering the Classics MA at a later stage.

Course details

Start date:
Study modes:
  • Online
  • Full-time
Language:
  • English
Course length:
2 Years Full-time

Why choose this course?

01
A rich and stimulating learning environment fosters academic growth and curiosity among students.
02
Our staff are research-active, ensuring that they stay updated with the latest developments in their respective fields and bring valuable insights.
03
With small class sizes, students benefit from more personalised attention, creating an environment conducive to meaningful interactions and effective learning experiences.

What you will learn

The MA Classics offers you the opportunity to concentrate on the ancient Greek and Latin languages at an advanced level, as well as the literature of the ancient world. You can continue your study of ancient Greek and Latin through in-depth study of authors and genres, primarily in the original language, but also in translation.  

Classics have been taught at our Lampeter campus since the opening of St David’s College in 1822, and have been offered via distance study since 2001. The Roderic Bowen Library and Archives on the Lampeter campus provides access to an excellent range of electronic academic resources, including more than 1,000 Classics e-books, 70 Classics e-journals, and a number of specialised Classics databases.

In Part One, each module is worth 30 credits and, in addition to the compulsory module ‘HPAH7011 Theory and Methodology for the Study of the Ancient World’, students have a choice from the list of optional modules noted below. Students must complete 120 credits in Part One.

In Part Two, students are given the opportunity to research in detail a topic that has particularly appealed to them and write an extended dissertation (for 60 credits). They will be allocated a supervisor to help guide them through their dissertations.

We operate a Year A/Year B system which means that some modules are only offered every other year, while others are offered in every year.

The assessment is on the student’s own subject of choice in relation to each module, always in consultation with the relevant tutor. Most modules are assessed by long essays, but some modules are assessed by alternative means, such as conference-style presentations. It is essential that distance learners have a good internet access, as well as use of computer facilities; the university offers all distance students individual support in accessing material from home.

Compulsory

Theory and Methodology for the Study of the Ancient World

(30 credits)

MA Dissertation (Ancient)

(60 credits)

Optional

Intensive Latin I
Intensive Latin II
Intensive Greek I

(30 credits)

Intensive Greek II

(30 credits)

Short Poetic Forms (Advanced Greek)

(30 credits)

Short Poetic Forms (Further Advanced Greek)

(30 credits)

Greek historiography (Advanced Greek)

(30 credits)

Greek historiography (Further Advanced Greek)

(30 credits)

Republican Prose (Advanced Latin)
Republican Prose (Further Advanced Latin)
Latin Epic (Advanced Latin)
Latin Epic (Further Advanced Latin)
Augustan love poetry (Advanced Latin)

(30 credits)

Greek oratory (Advanced Greek)

(30 credits)

Greek oratory (Further Advanced Greek)

(30 credits)

Neronian Prose (Advanced Latin)

(30 credits)

The Medea Stories (Advanced Greek)

(30 credits)

Disclaimer

  • We listen to student feedback and insights from industry and from professionals to ensure that course content is high-quality and up-to-date, and that it offers the best possible preparation for your future career or study goals. 

    For this reason, there might be modifications to the content of your course over time, to keep up to date with changes in the subject area or in the sector. If a module is no longer running, we’ll make sure to keep you informed, and work with you to choose a different suitable module.

Staff

Our People

You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses. 

Ratings and Rankings

Further information

  • This programme is available to Home and International applicants.

    Home applicants:

    Normally, the possession of a minimum of a 2:2 UK first degree or an equivalent international qualification recognised by UK ENIC or work experience of five years at a senior managerial level in lieu of first degree.

    International applicants:

    Normally, the possession of a minimum of a 2:2 UK first degree or an equivalent international qualification recognised by UK ENIC or work experience of five years at a senior managerial level in lieu of first degree.

    Normally, English language proficiency at or exceeding an average IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent in any other approved test), with no score less than 5.5 in any components of the test.

  • Modules are assessed by coursework. This may take various forms, work-based projects, small research projects, presentations, case study analysis and the final research project/dissertation. Students who are not currently in employment may be able to base their projects on case studies.

  • There will be no mandatory additional costs to study beyond the payment of tuition. Students should be prepared to incur the basic costs associated with study such as transport and may wish to purchase coffees, snacks or other sundry items on campus.

    Many students also choose to invest in study support tools such as laptops over the course of their study, though this is not a programme requirement. Any activities related to study or student life which bear a cost beyond tuition will be optional, and the expense shall be clearly communicated to students at the time of registration.

  • You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.

  • Potential careers and advancement opportunities include management roles in banking, corporate finance, financial trading, analyst and international business contexts.

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