Classical Studies with a Foundation Year, BA (Hons)

Classical Studies with a foundation year focuses on the literature of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, along with the cultures that created it. Studying this three-year BA degree will allow you to read all kinds of texts in translation from around the ancient Mediterranean and develop an understanding of Greek and Roman culture from the archaic period to the fall of the Roman Empire and beyond. You will explore the stories and mythology of Greece and Rome and learn how to perform close analysis with an eye for detail. You may investigate familiar texts, such as epics and tragedies, as well as often overlooked genres from the ancient world, including novels and satire. The Foundation Year gives you an exciting introduction to Higher Education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful on your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after Further Education or are returning to education after a gap. While the ancient materials you will study might appear distant from the present day, they have influenced and interacted with western and global cultures right up to now. You will be able to access cultural artefacts which illuminate Greek and Roman history and society, architecture and archaeology, warfare and empire, gender and religion, philosophy, politics and economics–or learn about ancient Egypt (as ancient to the Greeks as those peoples are to us). You can also learn how to develop new, cutting-edge research on marvellous old things. As part of single honours Classical Studies, you could also opt to pursue one of six more specific dedicated pathways: Greek, Latin, Classics (which is both Greek and Latin), Egyptology, English Literature, and Philosophy.

Our standard entry requirement for Foundation Year Degree Courses is CDD (UCAS tariff points 80) or equivalent. All offers are made following a review of the application form, predicted/achieved grades and subjects, the reference and personal statement. We also accept a range of advanced level qualifications including: International Baccalaureate; Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales- grade equivalent to A-level; BTEC, Access to Higher Education and Open University qualifications, and Extended Project.

Here are the requirements for International students.

For applicants whose first language is not English, we require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0.

All students must demonstrate that they have achieved a certain level of English before starting their programme. You will need to provide a recognised English language test or qualification before you can be accepted to Swansea University

Specific English requirements are listed on each course page under the 'entry requirements' section. Our English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we accept the wide range of other English language tests shown below.

Please note that some research scholarship, funded positions, may require a higher English Language test score than standard to be obtained prior to enrolment or held at the point of application. Details of possible bespoke English Language entry requirements are listed on each separate scholarship advert. Our current active research scholarships can be found here.

If your English scores do not exactly meet our requirements, you could still be accepted if you successfully complete an English Language Pre-sessional Programme at Swansea’s English Language Training Services (ELTS) at the required level before starting your academic programme.

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