Classical Civilisation

Course details
Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in the ancient world? Are you fascinated by what the civilisations of the past can teach us about the present?
The BA (Hons) Classical Civilisation offers you a broad and varied exploration of the society and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, and their importance for us today. You can also tailor the course to focus on particular areas that interest you.
There is no requirement to study Greek or Latin, but if you are keen or if you think you might like to try it, the course includes that option.
You will also have a wide choice of other content to study embracing the literature, art, history, philosophy and archaeology of the Greeks and Romans.

Why Durham University?
When you study at the Department of Classics and Ancient History you will join a large, forward-looking department.
We consistently rank highly for teaching, graduate employability and research and offer an intellectually stimulating learning environment in a welcoming community.
Our degrees offer both academic rigour and an outstanding student experience, taught by a team of academic staff who between them specialise in the languages, literature, history, and culture of the Greco-Roman world, as well as its impact on later centuries up to the present day.
The Department is housed in eighteenth-century buildings which include dedicated study space and a library with an extensive collection of ancient texts and reference works.

Rankings
3rd in the UK Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
5th in the Guardian University Guide 2026
5th in the UK Complete University Guide 2026
Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026

Career Opportunities
Our students acquire many skills which are readily transferable to a whole range of professions.
You will learn to search for, gather, and process information, to evaluate evidence and to express yourself clearly and succinctly, both verbally and in writing.
Classics graduates have progressed to careers as diverse as computing, the Civil Service, gold dealing, teaching, journalism, law, accountancy, public relations and the theatre.

Course Modules

Durham Education 2027

The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.

For current module information please visit our course page.

https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/courses/classical-civilisation-q820/september-2027/

We use various types of assessment, designed to test the different skills you have gained through your studies: essays, commentaries, translations, presentations, and projects.

In your final year, you will write a dissertation of up to 12,000 words on a subject of your choice, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in independent learning and research and your ability to bring together areas of learning from across the entire course.

In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/