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Photo: AKG / Roman mosaic 'Autumn' / Classical Studies / Open University

Curious about the people, cultures, civilizations and languages of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds? If your interests lie in ancient literature, language, history, philosophy, art or archaeology, then Classical Studies is for you: it covers the wide-ranging study of multiple aspects of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. But Classical Studies will also help you understand the modern world, by giving you a deep perspective on the origins and development of contemporary societies and cultures. As well as studying past culture and creativity you can also start, or continue, to learn ancient Greek or Latin.

You will develop skills of analysis and interpretation that employers value highly: Classical Studies graduates are employed throughout the public and private sectors in a wide range of occupations.

Where to start in Classical Studies

We strongly recommend that you choose your course level with care, and consider taking a Level 1 Arts course if you are at the start of your studies.

Worried about your ability? Or the time it will take? If you're a UK resident you can start with one of our Openings courses: short courses with lots of support and no exams, giving you a gradual introduction to your subject and the world of studying.

Don't forget that if you need help considering options you can talk to an adviser. And if you have some previous study experience you may qualify for credit transfer.

Degrees

  • Humanities
    This degree allows you to combine courses on different aspects of the arts – what people thought, made and practised – and their meaning and values in the past and today.
  • Humanities with Classical Studies
    This degree allows you to combine courses on classical studies and different aspects of the arts – what people thought, made and practised – and their meaning and values in the past and today.
  • Open degree
    The BA/BSc Open Degree provides a flexible way to combine a range of courses from different subjects either to suit your particular career or personal interests, or to complete studies you have started elsewhere.

Courses in Classical Studies

See the list of all our individual courses in Classical Studies.

Postgraduate options

If you already have a degree, you may want to see postgraduate courses and qualifications in Arts and Humanities.

Spotlight on Classical Studies

Seven good reasons to do Classical Studies

It’s accessible, rewarding, useful; it enlightens, offers insights; it’s glamorous and it’s fun. 

The classical world is everywhere

The classical world pervades modern Western culture, surfacing in mainstream history, philosophy and theatre. And ancient Greek and Latin form the roots of many European languages.

The OU is the place to be!

5736 students took Classical Studies courses with the Open University in 2006–7. Thats more than a third of all the 15,032 Classical Studies students in the UK.

 

Got a question?

Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90

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