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BA CLASSICS WITH FOUNDATION

  • UCAS code
    Q801
  • Typical offer
    CCD
  • Year of entry
    2022/23
    See 2021/22 entry
  • Course duration
     4 years
  • Year of entry
    2022/23
    See 2021/22 entry
  • Course duration
     4 years
View all

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Find out how we're adapting during COVID-19.

Explore the fascinating cultures of ancient Greece and Rome, and develop core academic skills, with our BA Classics with Foundation course.

This four-year programme includes a foundation year that leads directly into the three-year course. It provides an excellent route to a degree in classics if you do not have the typical entry qualifications.

Immerse yourself in ancient cultures which lie at the very heart of western civilisation, and resonate throughout our modern world. Explore the classical world from political, social and cultural perspectives, and study ancient texts in their original languages.

Taught by experts from the Department of Classics, your studies will be enriched by:

  • focused language learning. We offer Latin and Greek at all levels, allowing you to gain advanced language knowledge. Each week, you'll receive an impressive three to four hours of language teaching in small groups, working on grammar, vocabulary and translation.
  • hands-on learning experiences. Unique artefacts of the classical world are available from the Ure Museum, our internationally important collection of Greek and Egyptian antiquities.
  • our research-rich environment. 100% of our research impact has been recognised as world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2014). Our leading academics — who have won teaching awards — use this research to enrich your learning, ensuring you will know the latest developments in the field.

Our BA Classics with Foundation is flexible, allowing you to follow your interests and choose modules from other departments.

Your learning structure

The aim of the foundation year is to prepare you for your classics degree. As you progress, each stage builds on your prior learning:

  • Foundation year: gain a thorough grounding in study at degree level. Core modules will develop key skills to support your learning.

You will complete two skills-based modules: Foundation in Academic Skills develops your academic writing, research, referencing, critical thinking, teamwork, study techniques and study management; and Persuasive Writing explores how writing shapes our lives, and how it's used for social media, journalistic and political persuasion.

Two additional modules develop skills specific to your degree: Identities explores identity in relation to national/race identity, gender, changing identities, and sense of self, examining everything from texts and objects to film and cultural documents; and Perspectives enhances your ability to study and understand problems, events, objects and texts from a variety of perspectives.

  • First year: begin your study of Latin and Greek language and explore Greek and Roman culture. You will examine primary sources and explore specific topics in these civilisations.
  • Second year: continue your language study and develop an awareness of classical literature, and the role of classics in shaping modern western culture. Optional modules will allow you to study topics of interest in greater depth.
  • Third year: deepen your knowledge of Latin and Greek and choose a specialist aspect of classics to explore in greater depth.

Placement opportunities with BA Classics with Foundation

You will be encouraged to undertake a placement as part of your course, a fantastic opportunity to apply your newly acquired skills and knowledge to real-world practice.

Professional training is available to help you secure a top-quality placement and prepare you for the experience.

Previous students have gained work experience in a range of workplaces. These include:

  • the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
  • Oxford Archaeology
  • the University of Reading's own museums.

Our Department is home to the Ure Museum. A number of voluntary work experience placements are on offer in the museum, ranging from helping with school visits to preparing displays and exhibitions.

Summer school and Study Abroad

As well as popular departmental trips, the British School at Athens and the British School at Rome both offer summer school opportunities.

In your second or final year, you can spend a term studying abroad at one of our partner institutions in Europe, Canada, the USA or Australia. This is a great way to enhance your studies, make new friends and experience life in a different country.

To find out more, visit our Study Abroad site.

Overview

Explore the fascinating cultures of ancient Greece and Rome, and develop core academic skills, with our BA Classics with Foundation course.

This four-year programme includes a foundation year that leads directly into the three-year course. It provides an excellent route to a degree in classics if you do not have the typical entry qualifications.

Immerse yourself in ancient cultures which lie at the very heart of western civilisation, and resonate throughout our modern world. Explore the classical world from political, social and cultural perspectives, and study ancient texts in their original languages.

Taught by experts from the Department of Classics, your studies will be enriched by:

  • focused language learning. We offer Latin and Greek at all levels, allowing you to gain advanced language knowledge. Each week, you'll receive an impressive three to four hours of language teaching in small groups, working on grammar, vocabulary and translation.
  • hands-on learning experiences. Unique artefacts of the classical world are available from the Ure Museum, our internationally important collection of Greek and Egyptian antiquities.
  • our research-rich environment. 100% of our research impact has been recognised as world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2014). Our leading academics — who have won teaching awards — use this research to enrich your learning, ensuring you will know the latest developments in the field.

Our BA Classics with Foundation is flexible, allowing you to follow your interests and choose modules from other departments.

Your learning structure

The aim of the foundation year is to prepare you for your classics degree. As you progress, each stage builds on your prior learning:

  • Foundation year: gain a thorough grounding in study at degree level. Core modules will develop key skills to support your learning.

You will complete two skills-based modules: Foundation in Academic Skills develops your academic writing, research, referencing, critical thinking, teamwork, study techniques and study management; and Persuasive Writing explores how writing shapes our lives, and how it's used for social media, journalistic and political persuasion.

Two additional modules develop skills specific to your degree: Identities explores identity in relation to national/race identity, gender, changing identities, and sense of self, examining everything from texts and objects to film and cultural documents; and Perspectives enhances your ability to study and understand problems, events, objects and texts from a variety of perspectives.

  • First year: begin your study of Latin and Greek language and explore Greek and Roman culture. You will examine primary sources and explore specific topics in these civilisations.
  • Second year: continue your language study and develop an awareness of classical literature, and the role of classics in shaping modern western culture. Optional modules will allow you to study topics of interest in greater depth.
  • Third year: deepen your knowledge of Latin and Greek and choose a specialist aspect of classics to explore in greater depth.

Placement opportunities with BA Classics with Foundation

You will be encouraged to undertake a placement as part of your course, a fantastic opportunity to apply your newly acquired skills and knowledge to real-world practice.

Professional training is available to help you secure a top-quality placement and prepare you for the experience.

Previous students have gained work experience in a range of workplaces. These include:

  • the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
  • Oxford Archaeology
  • the University of Reading's own museums.

Our Department is home to the Ure Museum. A number of voluntary work experience placements are on offer in the museum, ranging from helping with school visits to preparing displays and exhibitions.

Summer school and Study Abroad

As well as popular departmental trips, the British School at Athens and the British School at Rome both offer summer school opportunities.

In your second or final year, you can spend a term studying abroad at one of our partner institutions in Europe, Canada, the USA or Australia. This is a great way to enhance your studies, make new friends and experience life in a different country.

To find out more, visit our Study Abroad site.

Entry requirements A Level CCD | IB 24 pts overall

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Typical offer

CCD

We welcome applicants from non-traditional educational backgrounds (for example, mature students, students who study part-time or those who have studied at International Schools in the UK or elsewhere) and will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis.

International Baccalaureate

24 points overall

BTEC Extended Diploma

DMM

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0, with no component below 6.0

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

  • Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Structure

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3
  • Year 4

Core modules include:

  • Foundation in Academic Skills
  • Persuasive Writing
  • Identities
  • Perspectives

Please note all modules are subject to change.

Core modules include:

  • Latin at an appropriate level, from beginner to expert
  • Ancient Greek at an appropriate level, from beginner to expert

Optional modules include:

  • Greek History: War, Society and Change in the Archaic Age
  • Roman History: the Rise and Fall of the Republic
  • Ancient Song
  • Texts, Readers and Writers
  • One or modules from another department

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Core modules include:

  • Prospects for Classicists and Ancient Historians
  • Latin at an appropriate level
  • Ancient Greek at an appropriate level

Optional modules include:

  • Greek History: Archaic Age to Alexander
  • Roman History: from Republic to Empire
  • Ancient Epic
  • Ancient Drama
  • Work Placement for Classicists and Ancient Historians
  • Egypt and Greece
  • Greek Comedy
  • Modern Greek Literature
  • Ancient World on Film
  • Roman Satire
  • Voices from the Roman Army
  • Ancient Sport
  • Classical Mythology in the Renaissance
  • Museum History, Policy and Ethics
  • Museum Communication and Interpretation
  • A modern foreign language
  • Practice of Entrepreneurship
  • One or more modules from another department

Please note all modules are subject to change.

Core modules include:

  • Dissertation
  • Latin at an appropriate level
  • Ancient Greek at an appropriate level

Optional modules may include:

  • Anatolia and the Aegean
  • Alexander to Cleopatra: History and Culture of the Hellenistic World
  • Digital Silchester
  • Transformations of Helen
  • Ancient Biography
  • Greek Art and Drama
  • Xenophon’s Anabasis
  • Carthage – the Rise and Fall
  • Ancient Egyptian Language and Hieroglyphs
  • Athenian Political Thought
  • One or more modules from another department

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250* per year

New international students: £19,500 per year

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

Careers for BA Classics with Foundation graduates

84% of graduates from the Department of Classics are in work or further study within 15 months after the end of their course [1].

Your classics degree will help you to develop a range of transferable skills, from critical thinking and communication, to adaptability and the ability to understand different cultures. Specific careers and employability training is also built into your degree.

Studying Latin and Greek also demonstrates linguistic flair, and provides a firm foundation for learning other languages.

Graduates of our department have found careers in a wide range of sectors. These include:

  • accountancy and banking
  • the Civil Service
  • law
  • heritage and museums
  • teaching
  • publishing
  • public sector management
  • libraries and archives
  • media research and production.

Recent employers of our graduates include:

  • Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)
  • Foreign & Commonwealth Office
  • University of Oxford
  • British Museum
  • BBC
  • Museum of London Archaeology
  • Natural History Museum.

[1] Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18; First Degree, Postgraduate (Taught) and Postgraduate (Research) responders from Classics.

Contextual offers


We make contextual offers for all our courses.

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Related Courses

  • BA Classics Q800
    Full Time: 3 Years
  • BA Classical Studies Q810
    Full Time: 3 Years
  • BA Classical Studies and English Literature QQ38
    Full Time: 3 Years
  • BA Classical and Medieval Studies QV81
    Full Time: 3 Years
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Subjects A-B

  • Agriculture
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  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
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Subjects A-C

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Subjects H-P

  • Healthcare
  • History
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  • Information Technology
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Subjects A-B

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Science
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Building and Surveying
  • Business and Management, Accounting and Finance

Subjects C-E

  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Classical Studies
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
  • Creative Writing
  • Drama
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environment

Subjects F-G

  • Film & Television
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Foundation programmes
  • French
  • Geography
  • German
  • Graphic Communication and Design

Subjects H-M

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • International Development
  • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
  • International Relations
  • Italian
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Sciences
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Museum Studies

Subjects N-T

  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate Studies
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Spanish
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Surveying and Construction
  • Teaching
  • Theatre

Subjects U-Z

  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

Subjects A-C

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Sciences
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business (Post-Experience)
  • Business and Management (Pre-Experience)
  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Ancient History
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management and Engineering
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Creative Enterprise

Subjects D-G

  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Energy and Environmental Engineering
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Science
  • Film, Theatre and Television
  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Graphic Design

Subjects H-P

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • Information Management and Digital Business
  • Information Technology
  • International Development and Applied Economics
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Medieval History
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Nutritional Sciences
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

Subjects Q-Z

  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Strategic Studies
  • Teaching
  • Theatre
  • Typography and Graphic Communication
  • War and Peace Studies
  • Zoology

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