Classical Studies with a Foundation Year

Classical studies is the scholarly engagement with the civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome, examining their literature, history, philosophy, art, archaeology, religion, and political thought across a period spanning roughly a thousand years of remarkable cultural productivity. The ancient Mediterranean world laid the foundations for much of Western thought, law, art, and political theory, and engaging seriously with it requires crossing disciplinary boundaries and developing skills in textual analysis, historical reasoning, and cultural interpretation that transfer widely.

At Swansea University, this four-year full-time Classical Studies degree with a foundation year allows you to read a wide range of texts in translation from across the ancient Mediterranean world, developing a deep understanding of Greek and Roman culture from the archaic period through to the fall of the Roman Empire and beyond. The foundation year provides a supported entry point for students who may not have studied the ancient world formally before, building the contextual knowledge and academic skills needed to engage with the main degree at the level it requires. You will explore literature, history, myth, religion, philosophy, and material culture, developing analytical and interpretive skills across a range of types of evidence.

Classical studies graduates are consistently well regarded by employers across many sectors because the degree develops a distinctive combination of close reading, critical thinking, historical awareness, and written communication that is applicable far beyond the ancient world. Careers in law, the civil service, journalism, education, publishing, heritage, and public affairs are all common destinations. The ability to engage seriously with foundational ideas and complex texts is an asset in many roles that require rigorous analysis and persuasive communication.

Postgraduate study in classical studies, ancient history, archaeology, or related humanities is a natural next step for those who wish to develop specialist expertise or pursue an academic career.