| UCAS code | V110 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Classics and Ancient History |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | V112 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Classics and Ancient History |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | V113 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Classics and Ancient History |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | V114 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Classics and Ancient History |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
Overview
- Develop in-depth, wide-ranging understanding of the history, societies and political ideas of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
- Study key texts in translation.
- Learn a classical language in your first year, which you can choose to continue in your second or third years.
- Final year specialist subjects are taught in small-group seminars and relate to the research interest of staff.
Top 10 in the UK for Classics and Ancient History
7th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Proactive Classics Society with successful student tutor scheme
We are 4th in the UK for world-leading Classics research
Based on 4* research in the Research Excellence Framework 2021
Top 50 in the world for Classics and Ancient History
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Top 10 in the UK for Classics and Ancient History
7th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Proactive Classics Society with successful student tutor scheme
We are 4th in the UK for world-leading Classics research
Based on 4* research in the Research Excellence Framework 2021
Top 50 in the world for Classics and Ancient History
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
As someone who’d never studied Ancient History before, but came from a place of grassroots interest, studying the course at Exeter was undoubtedly a big jump – but one that has immeasurably changed my life for the better.
Both the sense of community and common interest within the department, as well as the sheer number of available opportunities and student support through the university have ensured that my three years at the university have been some of my best, and have given me the tools and skills I need to make the most of the professional world beyond university.
Patrick
BA Ancient History
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAB | n/a |
| IB | 34/665 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDD | n/a |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBB |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
90-105 credits of compulsory modules, 15-30 credits of optional modules
The first year gives you a foundational knowledge of ancient history, methods and concepts. You will also gain important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.
Compulsory modules
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
a - select either CLA1001 or CLA1002; the modules run in alternate years so you must select the one which is running in this academic year.
b - select 30-60 credits of Classical Language and Texts module at the appropriate level from this list. If you select CLA1025 Classical Language and Texts Greek I (A), you must also select CLA1026 Classical Language and Texts Greek I (B); if you select CLA1027 Classical Language and Texts Latin I (A), you must also select CLA1028 Classical Language and Texts Latin I (B).
c - select 15-30 credits of Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) modules from this list.
d - select Ancient World: Roman Philosophy (CLA1508/CLA2508) or Ancient World: Greek Philosophy (CLA1507/CLA2507) in either stage 1 or 2; the modules run in alternate years so you must select the one which is running in this academic year. If you do not take one of these modules in stage 1, you must take one in stage 2.
e - select 15-30 credits of Text and Context modules from CLA1408/CLA1410.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CLA1001 | Greek History: Problems and Sources [See note a above] | 30 |
| CLA1002 | Roman History: Problems and Sources [See note a above] | 30 |
| Classics Stage 1 Classical Language and Texts 2024-5 [See note b above] | ||
| CLA1027 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin I (A) | 15 |
| CLA1028 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin I (B) | 15 |
| CLA1252 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 |
| CLA1254 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin III | 30 |
| CLA1025 | Classical Language and Texts Greek I (A) | 15 |
| CLA1026 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek I (B) | 15 |
| CLA1202 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 |
| CLA1204 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek III | 30 |
| Classics Stage 1 Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) modules 2024-5 [See note c above] | ||
| CLA1516 | Ancient World (Written Evidence): Persuasion in Ancient Greece | 15 |
| CLA1301 | Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) - Tyranny | 15 |
| CLA1507 | Ancient World: Greek Philosophy [See note d above] | 15 |
| CLA1508 | Ancient World: Roman Philosophy [See note d above] | 15 |
| Classics Stage 1 Text and Context modules 2024-5 [See note e above] | ||
| CLA1031 | Text and Context: Women in Homer | 15 |
| CLA1405 | Text and Context: Roman Laughter | 15 |
Optional modules
f select 0-30 credits from this list of Classics and Ancient History optional modules.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient History and Classical Studies Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above] | ||
| CLA1029 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic-Roman Syria | 15 |
| CLA1354 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus | 15 |
| CLA1031 | Text and Context: Women in Homer | 15 |
| CLA1405 | Text and Context: Roman Laughter | 15 |
| CLA1516 | Ancient World (Written Evidence): Persuasion in Ancient Greece | 15 |
| CLA1301 | Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) - Tyranny | 15 |
| CLA1030 | Ancient World: Racecraft | 15 |
60-75 credits of compulsory modules, 45-60 credits of optional modules
In the second year you will advance your grasp of ancient history knowledge and methods through a set of compulsory modules. Optional modules enable you to develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics.
Compulsory modules
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
g - select either CLA2001 or CLA2002; the modules run in alternate years so you must select the one which is running in this academic year.
h - select 15-45 credits of Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) modules from this list.
i - select Ancient World: Roman Philosophy (CLA1508/CLA2508) or Ancient World: Greek Philosophy (CLA1507/CLA2507) in either stage 1 or 2; the modules run in alternate years so you must select the one which is running in this academic year. If you do not take one of these modules in stage 1, you must take one in stage 2.
j - select 15-45 credits of Ancient Sources (Material Evidence) modules from this list.
k - select 0-30 credits from this list of Classics and Ancient History optional modules.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CLA2001 | Greek History: Problems and Sources [See note g above] | 30 |
| CLA2002 | Roman History: Problems and Sources [See note g above] | 30 |
| Classics Stage 2 Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) modules 2024-5 [See note h above] | ||
| CLA2516 | Ancient World (Written Evidence): Persuasion in Ancient Greece | 15 |
| CLA2301 | Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Tyranny | 15 |
| CLA2507 | Ancient World: Greek Philosophy [See note i above] | 15 |
| CLA2508 | Ancient World: Roman Philosophy [See note i above] | 15 |
| Classics Stage 2 Ancient Sources (Material Evidence) modules 2024-5 [See note j above] | ||
| CLA2029 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic-Roman Syria | 15 |
| CLA2354 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus | 15 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient History Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note k above] | ||
| CLA2029 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic-Roman Syria | 15 |
| CLA2354 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus | 15 |
| CLA2031 | Text and Context: Women in Homer | 15 |
| CLA2405 | Text and Context: Roman Laughter | 15 |
| CLA2516 | Ancient World (Written Evidence): Persuasion in Ancient Greece | 15 |
| CLA2301 | Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Tyranny | 15 |
| CLA2030 | Ancient World: Racecraft | 15 |
| CLA2252 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 |
| CLA2254 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV | 30 |
| CLA2202 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 |
| CLA2205 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV | 30 |
Typically, any placement year will take place in Year 3. If you are not taking a placement year please see the Final Year modules for year 3.
120 credits of optional modules
You will have the choice of a range of specialist modules, including the opportunity to take our dissertation module, to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests and providing you with the opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree.
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CLA3009 | Dissertation | 30 |
| CLA Final Stage BA Ancient History-Classical Studies CH options 2023-4 | ||
| CLA3008 | The Age of Cicero | 30 |
| CLA3033 | Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds | 30 |
| CLA3045 | Thucydides and the Idea of History | 30 |
| CLA3056 | Ovid and the Erotic Passions | 15 |
| CLA3059 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek V: Imperial Greek Prose | 30 |
| CLA3113 | Art in Greek Society | 15 |
| CLA3123 | Applied Classics | 15 |
| CLA3124 | Receptions of the Classical Body | 30 |
| CLA3125 | Reading and Writing Greek Literature in the Hellenistic World | 30 |
| CLA3202 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 |
| CLA3204 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek III | 30 |
| CLA3205 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV | 30 |
| CLA3206 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV | 30 |
| CLA3251 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin V: Epic | 30 |
| CLA3252 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 |
| CLA3254 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin III | 30 |
| CLA3255 | Greek Political Thought | 15 |
| CLA3257 | Living in the Roman World: Society and Culture | 30 |
| CLA3263 | Being and Not-Being in Greek Philosophy: from Parmenides to Aristotle | 15 |
| CLA3267 | Dialogues with the Past: Creative Interpretative Project | 15 |
| CLA3274 | The Persians in a Near Eastern Context | 30 |
| CLA3275 | Women Writing Classics | 15 |
| CLA3277 | Lost Works and Fragments | 15 |
| CLA3278 | Roman Political Thought | 15 |
| CLA3279 | Knowledge, Wealth and Power in the Ancient World | 30 |
Course variants
UCAS code: V112
Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.
Why Study Abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I Study Abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. Please refer to your Study Abroad co-ordinator for further details.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your Study Abroad year.
UCAS code: V113
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience?
Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Find out more
Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities.
UCAS code: V114
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience Abroad?
Spending up to a year living and working in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. By carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements abroad you can demonstrate to employers your adaptability, cultural awareness, independence and resourcefulness and, depending on where you stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector and country you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fee?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Is the placement paid?
You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.
Find out more
Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £24,700 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
Our teaching makes full use of seminars, study groups and web-based learning, and there are many other opportunities for you to add to your overall experience in the department. We integrate the latest approaches with traditional lectures, to give you a varied and challenging programme. In the first two years, the teaching is via both formal lectures (usually 50-70 students) and discussion-based seminar groups of around 12-18 students. All final year teaching is through discussion-based seminar groups.
Teaching hours
You’ll receive 10 contact hours per week with staff, both teaching time and with your personal tutor. You’re also expected to invest plenty of time in independent study and contact with your study-group (for example, in preparation for seminars). The exact amount of time spent working independently varies from module to module.
Extra opportunities
We hold mini conferences for some modules, where students can present papers to fellow students and staff, along with weekly research seminars and monthly Classical Association lectures, with talks from leading internal and external speakers. We have a lively and engaged student-led Classics Society which organises events throughout the year. Recently they have organised a trip abroad, plays, balls, debates, film nights, and loads more, on top of running lectures and a peer-mentoring scheme for the ancient languages. The department also publishes its own journal, Pegasus, and our students take an active role in writing and editing this publication.
Research-inspired teaching
Teaching that is inspired by research, ensures that lectures are up-to-date and relevant to your studies. You will benefit from access to the latest thinking, equipment and resources. All staff teach third year options linked to their own interests, which include the study of ancient Greek Mythology, moral concepts in Latin literature, Greek inscriptions and ancient ideas of character, food, sex, politics and religion.
Academic support
All students have a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies. There are also several services on campus where you can get advice and information, including the Students’ Guild Advice Unit.
Assessment
You will be assessed by coursework and exams throughout your study. You must pass your first-year modules in order to proceed: this level does not count towards your final degree classification. To be eligible for ‘Study Abroad’ you will need to attain an average of 60% or more in your first year. The assessments in the second year, year abroad (if applicable) and final year will contribute to your final degree classification. In most modules, your assessment will be: in the first year 70% exams and 30% coursework; in the second year 60% exams and 40% coursework; and in the final year 50% exams and 50% coursework.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law (Penryn Campus only)
- Leadership
- Management
- Social Data Science
Your future
Employer-valued skills this course develops
A degree in Classics and Ancient History, will provide you with skills which are highly valuable to employers across many sectors. You will develop an advanced knowledge of other cultures, learn how to think logically and independently, to interpret and critique sources, to assess and evaluate information and to communicate (verbally and in writing) in a sophisticated way.
Career support
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. The Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market. Our graduates compete very successfully in the employment market, with many employers targeting the University when recruiting new graduates.
Career paths
As a Classics and Ancient History graduate, you will have an array of different industries open to you, such as museum and heritage work, education, journalism, business, and law. Our recent graduates have since secured a variety of positions, such as:
- Archives Assistant
- Business Development Associate
- Freelance Journalist
- Grants and Partnerships Assistant
- Investment Analyst
- Marketing Manager
- Publishing Assistant
- Research Culture Administrator
- Trainee Chartered Accountant
- Media Producer
Further study
A degree in Classics and Ancient History will put you in an excellent position to pursue postgraduate study after you have graduated. Our recent graduates have since enrolled on courses such as:
- MA History
- MA International Relations
- MSc Bioarchaeology
- MSc International Management
- Graduate Diploma in Law
- MSc Library and Information Studies
