BA Classical Studies with Foundation Year (Part-Time)

The BA Classical Studies with Foundation Year (Part-Time) is a unique and exciting programme that offers students the opportunity to explore the ancient cultures of Greece and Rome, while also developing their critical thinking and research skills. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical workshops, students will gain a deep understanding of classical civilizations, including their history, literature, philosophy, art, and archaeology. The foundation year provides an introduction to key concepts and methods in Classical Studies, while also offering the flexibility to explore other areas of interest. This course is ideal for students who are passionate about ancient cultures and want to pursue a career in academia, museums, or heritage management.

Additional Information

The programme is designed to be flexible, allowing students to take modules in a range of subjects, including Greek and Roman civilization, literature, philosophy, art, and archaeology. Students will also have the opportunity to study ancient languages, such as Greek or Latin, and to engage with the latest research and debates in the field. The course is taught by expert academics who are actively involved in research and are passionate about sharing their knowledge with students.

Discover the rich cultural heritage of ancient Greece and Rome at Birkbeck University of London, a world-renowned institution for Classical Studies.

Birkbeck University of London is a world-renowned institution for Classical Studies, with a long history of excellence in teaching and research. Our faculty members are experts in their fields and have an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality teaching and supervision. The university offers state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including the Birkbeck Library, which holds an extensive collection of classical texts and other materials. Additionally, Birkbeck has strong links with cultural institutions in London, providing students with valuable opportunities for networking and internships.

BA Classical Studies with Foundation Year allows you to explore and critically analyze Classical culture, history, archaeology, philosophy, and literature. Choosing from a wide range of options, you can study the culture and history of 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 also be encouraged to engage in the wider debate on how we interpret the Classical world and why this matters - a debate that is at the forefront of current research in all disciplines of Classical antiquity. In doing so, you will confront both the admirable and the disturbing facets of Greek and Roman cultures, as we delve into democracy, slavery, sexuality, and empire. This is a structured program of taught modules, designed to develop understanding and critical skills and deep knowledge of Classical history and culture. It involves examining the nature of our knowledge about the past and the way in which histories and texts are written. We encourage you to assess ancient source material (textual and archaeological) and to question accepted histories and traditions about the past so that you will develop the ability to construct and present a convincing argument. Our part-time Foundation Year degrees allow you to spread out your Foundation Year studies over two years. As the 'Foundation Year' is made up of 120 credits, as a part-time student you can take 60 credits in each of your first and second years before starting the main four-year BA Classical Studies. This means that you can take six years to complete the part-time degree with Foundation Year.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge, and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on the judgment of academic potential.