BA in Classical Studies and English

UCAS code: QQ38

Summary of programme aims

This is a multi-disciplinary course which aims to provide students with subject specific knowledge and more general skills, including knowledge of a variety of different kinds of English texts and Classical literature, art, philosophy, and their reception in modern culture, as well as perspectives on different methods of critical analysis. The course also aims to foster an independent approach to formulating problems and arguments, using the close reading and analytical skills that are fundamental to both disciplines. There is provision for the development of students' specific interests through independent study for the dissertation.

Course content

The course is divided into 3 Parts (years). You must take 120 credits in each Part.

Part 1 develops a range of transferable skills including: fluency in writing and oral communication, the ability to formulate and evaluate their own arguments and those of others, to translate subject-specific knowledge and skills to new environments.

At Parts 2 and 3 the English strand of the course offers increased breadth of coverage, focusing on a variety of individual periods, topics and/or generic traditions, while Classical Studies develops students' knowledge of ancient literature and an awareness of the role of the classics in the shaping of modern Western culture.  Part 2 develops skills that help to manage time effectively, to use basic word-processing and IT, and to work cooperatively with others.  Careers Management Skills provides 5 credits at Part 2. 

Part 3 students are expected to have the abiity to find and use relevant information resources, and the ability to enhance thier skills in relationship to career management. 

For a full description of this degree course with the required compulsory and optional modules, please download the programme specification. You are advised to read the programme specification for the current year.

http://www.info.reading.ac.uk/progspecs/prog-index.asp

Career prospects

In recent years students who have gained degrees in Classical Studies and English have gone into a wide variety of jobs, including teaching, publishing, journalism, the media, management, administration, and public relations. As such, they are eagerly sought after by employers, with career prospects being extended to museums and galleries. They are given specific vocational training and orientation through a second year Career Management Scheme run by the School in conjunction with the Careers Advisory Service. Graduates have also gone on to postgraduate courses within the field of the Classics, History and related fields at Reading and elsewhere.

Opportunities for study abroad

Through the department of Classics, two students in year 2 can study for the Fall Semester at the University of Calgary's Department of Greek and Roman Studies. Applications to take part in the exchange need to be made in the Spring term of Year 1. The Department also has an ERASMUS link with the University of Crete.