Classical Studies and Modern Languages BA

Program Overview

This BA in Classical Studies and Modern Languages combines the study of ancient Greek and Roman culture with the study of a modern language. Students explore ancient literature, history, and culture and develop language proficiency. The program culminates in a final year where students choose from a range of specializations and typically spend a year studying abroad, enhancing their cultural understanding and language skills. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in various fields and postgraduate study in related disciplines.

Program Outline

BA Classical Studies and Modern Languages - University of Exeter

Degree Overview:

This program combines the study of ancient Greek and Roman culture with the study of a modern language. Students will explore ancient literature, history, and culture through translated texts. The program culminates in a final year where students can choose from a range of "special subjects" that offer different perspectives on the ancient world. The third year is typically spent studying abroad in a country where students can develop their chosen language.

Objectives:

• Develop a deep understanding of ancient Greek and Roman culture and thought.
• Gain proficiency in a modern language.
• Develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Enhance communication and research skills.
• Gain intercultural understanding and experience.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• 30 credits of Classical Studies modules (CLA1005 or CLA1006)
• 30 credits of compulsory modules in the chosen language (MLF1001, MLG1001, MLI1001, MLM1052, MLP1052, MLR1001, MLR1030, MLS1001, MLS1056)
• Optional Modules:
• 30 credits of optional Classical Studies modules (CLA1302, CLA1307, CLA1514, CLA1517, CLA1406, CLA1410, CLA1507)
• 30 credits of optional modules related to the chosen language (MLM1010, MLM1013, MLF1017, MLF1103, MLF1105, MLF1121, MLF1018, MLG1014, MLG1017, MLG1021, MLI1016, MLI1121, MLP1002, MLR1023, MLR1006, MLS1067, SML1067, MLS1068, MLS1064, MLS1066, MLS1164, SML1207, SML1208, SML1002, SML1018)

Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• 30 credits of Classical Studies modules (CLA2005 or CLA2006)
• 30 credits of compulsory modules in the chosen language (MLF2001, MLF2152, MLG2001, MLG2052, MLI2001, MLI2051, MLM2052, MLP2052, MLR2001, MLR2030, MLS2001, MLS2156)
• Optional Modules:
• 30 credits of optional Classical Studies modules (CLA2302, CLA2307, CLA2406, CLA2410, CLA2514, CLA2517, CLA2202, CLA2205, CLA2252, CLA2254, CLA3204, CLA3254, CLA2507)
• 30 credits of optional modules related to the chosen language (MLM2002, MLM2003, MLF2076, MLF2005, MLF2069, SML2209, MLF2070, MLF2074, MLF2029, MLF2056, MLG2003, MLG2019, MLG2018, AHV2208, MLI2019, MLI2018, SML2004, SML2002, MLP2002, MLR2021, MLR2024, MLS2070, MLS2158, MLS2072, SML2004, MLS2061, MLS2045, MLS2073, HUM2005, SML2246, SML2244, SML2003)

Year 3:

• International Placement (Work or Study):
• 120 credits of compulsory modules (SML3010, SML3020, SML3025)

Final Year:

• Compulsory Modules:
• 30 credits of compulsory modules in the chosen language (MLM3111, MLF3111, MLG3111, MLI3111, MLP3111, MLR3111, MLS3111)
• Optional Modules:
• 60 credits of optional Classical Studies modules (CLA3008, CLA3033, CLA3045, CLA3056, CLA3059, CLA3113, CLA3123, CLA3124, CLA3125, CLA3202, CLA3204, CLA3205, CLA3206, CLA3251, CLA3252, CLA3254, CLA3255, CLA3257, CLA3263, CLA3267, CLA3274, CLA3275, CLA3277, CLA3278, CLA3279)
• 30 credits of optional modules related to the chosen language (MLM3009, MLM3008, MLM3011, HUM3002, HUM3015, MLF3034, MLF3078, MLF3050, MLF3079, MLF3080, MLF3046, MLF3075, MLF3081, EAF3520, MLG3036, MLG3037, MLG3040, MLI3199, AHV3002, MLI3033, HUM3002, EAF3520, MLP3009, SML3014, MLR3027, MLR3026, HUM3002, MLS3037, MLS3057, MLS3112, MLS3071, MLS3067, SML3031, MLS3066, SML3014, HUM3002, SML3013, SML3015, SML3043, SML3041, SML3042, SML3009, SML3030)

Assessment:

• Assessment is through coursework and exams throughout the program.
• Students must pass first-year modules to proceed.
• Second year, year abroad (if applicable), and final year assessments contribute to the final degree classification.
• Assessment breakdown:
• Year 1: 70% exams, 30% coursework
• Year 2: 60% exams, 40% coursework
• Final Year: 50% exams, 50% coursework

Teaching:

• Teaching methods include seminars, study groups, web-based learning, lectures, and discussion-based seminar groups.
• All final year teaching is through discussion-based seminar groups.
• Students receive 10 contact hours per week with staff, including teaching time and personal tutor meetings.
• Students are expected to invest time in independent study and contact with their study group.
• The department holds mini conferences, research seminars, and monthly Classical Association lectures.
• The Classics Society organizes events throughout the year.
• The department publishes its own journal, Pegasus, where students can participate.

Careers:

• The program develops skills valuable to employers across various sectors.
• Graduates are equipped with advanced knowledge of other cultures, logical and independent thinking, source interpretation and critique, information assessment and evaluation, and sophisticated communication skills.
• The University's Careers Service provides support for finding employment.
• Graduates have secured positions in:
• Archives Assistant
• Business Development Associate
• Freelance Journalist
• Grants and Partnerships Assistant
• Investment Analyst
• Marketing Manager
• Publishing Assistant
• Research Culture Administrator
• Trainee Chartered Accountant
• Media Producer
• The program prepares graduates for postgraduate study in fields such as:
• MA History
• MA International Relations
• MSc Bioarchaeology
• MSc International Management
• Graduate Diploma in Law
• MSc Library and Information Studies

Other:

• The program is ranked in the top 150 in the world for Modern Languages and Cultures (QS World University Subject Rankings 2024).
• The program is ranked in the top 10 in the UK for Classics and Ancient History (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).
• The program has a proactive Classics Society with a successful student tutor scheme.
• The program offers a year abroad spent studying at a partner university or in employment.
• Students can choose to study any of the following languages from beginners: Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish.
• Students can study French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish from either A level or beginner's level.
• Portuguese and Chinese can normally only be studied from beginner's level.
• Students can choose to study a new language at beginner level alongside their other subject.
• Students can study their A level (or equivalent) language at advanced level alongside their other subject.
• Students can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of their course each year.
• Students can achieve proficiency in a second subject, such as a foreign language, data science, entrepreneurship, innovation, law, leadership, or social data science.
• The International Placement is an assessed year and the marks obtained count towards the final degree classification.
• Students can choose to study, work, or split their year abroad on two or more placements.
• Students going to China or Russia can currently only study abroad (work abroad is not available).
• Students studying Portuguese can only choose to study or work abroad (not a British Council assistantship).
• The International Placement is a reduced tuition fee year.
• Students continue to receive Student Finance support during their International Placement.
• The University offers scholarships for international students and students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• The program is research-inspired, ensuring lectures are up-to-date and relevant.
• All staff teach third year options linked to their own research interests.
• The Students' Guild Advice Unit provides additional support.

UK students: £9,250 per year International students: £23,700 per year