Classical Studies

You will investigate the different disciplinary within Classical Studies at The Open University and you will come into direct contact with a wide range of evidence from classical antiquity including literary texts and material artefacts, which you’ll examine from multiple theoretical and methodological perspectives.

You will also acquire and develop research skills that will enhance your knowledge of the ancient Graeco-Roman world and prepare you for independent study, culminating in a dissertation.

Key features of the course

– Explores the question of ‘how we know what we know’ about the ancient civilisations of Greece and Rome
– Takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of ‘the ancient body’, including birth, death, ancient medicine, dress and beauty
– Draws on cutting-edge research by members of the Classical Studies department
– Concludes with a substantial piece of independent research on a topic of your choice.
Career relevance

From an academic point of view, an MA in Classical Studies is the final step towards a PhD and an academic career, but it also has a much wider relevance in terms of employability. As well as giving you the means to continue your study of the ancient world and the opportunity to explore an area of that world which particularly interests you, the MA in Classical Studies can help benefit your career in a number of ways.

Classical Studies graduates often go on to careers in museums, journalism and teaching, but other employers recognise the unique qualities of a Classical Studies degree as well: they have long valued the skills and abilities that Classical Studies graduates display because of the high level of critical and independent thinking involved, the close work with sources of evidence and attention to detail, as well as the proven ability graduates have to conduct independent research, evaluate a range of types of evidence, and complete projects to deadlines and within word limits.

Above all, an MA in Classical Studies leads to a better understanding of where we come from and who we are today, and employers often recognize the value of such a unique perspective on human culture and society.