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2023/24
2024/25

BA Philosophy and Classical Studies

  • UCAS code
    QV85
  • Typical offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years

Examine some of our most fundamental ideas about truth, reality, right and wrong and explore the ancient civilisations of Greece and Rome. Experience these cultures first-hand through our unique collection of antiquities with our BA Philosophy and Classical Studies.

Philosophy and Classical Studies at the University of Reading will equip you with the ability to think logically, to evaluate arguments critically, and to challenge your own ideas and those of other people.

In Philosophy, you will learn about the central philosophical principles, concepts, problems, texts and figures, from leading experts whose research strengths lie especially in moral philosophy and the philosophy of the mind and language.

Small class sizes in both our Department of Philosophy and Department of Classics ensure that students receive dedicated individual attention. In the Department of Classics, we achieved a 91% satisfaction score for the teaching on our courses (National Student Survey, 2022). In the same survey we achieved a 95% satisfaction score for BA Philosophy.

In Classical Studies, you will learn about the literature, history and culture of ancient civilisations. Through the study of translated texts you can discover how the ancient world has influenced modern literature and culture. You will explore themes of poetry, tragedy and love in classical literature, art, and performance. You can also enhance your knowledge of the ancient world through Latin and Greek language modules or gain an understanding of the period through different media, for example through drama and films from Ben-Hur to Gladiator.

In the Department of Classics, 95% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Classics). Modules such as Ancient Philosophy will give you a chance to combine what you have learned in Philosophy and in Classical Studies, as you learn about the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle.

Placement

We encourage you to undertake placements as they provide you with a chance to put your newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice as well as allowing you to gain valuable real-world experience.

You can undertake a placement at any point in your degree and work in a company or charity relevant to your final year studies. For example, a previous student worked at a zoo to learn more about the ethical treatment of animals.

Other students have chosen to study abroad for one term in their second or final year. Partner institutions include universities in Europe, the USA, Canada, Japan or Australia.

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

New international students: £22,350

*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.

Throughout the degree you will have the opportunity to complete career-related modules. These enable you to think about what career you would like and what skills you will require.

Philosophy and Classical Studies will equip you with a range of transferable skills in clear thinking, logical analysis and the critical assessment of argument. Such skills are greatly valued in a variety of professional careers such as law, politics, management and marketing. Overall, 93% of graduates from the Department of Classics are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation [1]. 

We are ranked 7th in the UK for graduate prospects in Philosophy. [2] Our recent graduates have gone on to a wide variety of careers, including work in accountancy and banking, government and the civil service, law, heritage and museums, teaching, publishing, public sector management, libraries and archives, and media research and production. Recent employers include GCHQ, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the University of Oxford, the British Museum, the NHS, the Environment Agency, and Sotheby's.

Around one in four of our students continue their studies, including conversion courses, and teacher training.

[1] Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes first degree Classics responders.

[2] Complete University Guide 2023.