University of Reading United Kingdom

BA Museum and Classical Studies

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

Embark on the BA Museum and Classical Studies at the University of Reading, a unique undergraduate degree designed for those fascinated by the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations and the dynamic world of museum practice. This course addresses the critical need to interpret, preserve, and present historical artefacts and classical narratives to contemporary audiences. You will explore the intricate connections between ancient Greek and Roman cultures, their literature, material culture, and history, while simultaneously developing the skills essential for a career in museum studies, including object handling, curation, and audience engagement. This programme is ideal for students seeking a rich interdisciplinary foundation.

You will study this full-time, on-campus degree over three years, immersing yourself in a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. Your learning journey will involve exploring ancient texts, understanding Greek and Roman history, and delving into the principles of museum studies, including curatorship and collections management. A distinctive feature of this course is the direct, hands-on experience you will gain within the University's own museums, culminating in your final year with a project to research, design, and install a public exhibition. You will graduate with a comprehensive understanding of classical antiquity and the professional competencies to pursue diverse career paths in heritage, cultural institutions, and academia.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA program in Museum and Classical Studies offers a comprehensive exploration of ancient civilizations and the principles of museum studies. Across three years, students will engage with compulsory modules covering foundational texts, Greek and Roman history, and museum practices, alongside a wide array of optional courses. These optional subjects delve into diverse areas such as ancient languages, art, philosophy, and specific historical periods, culminating in a major project or dissertation in the final year.

1 YEAR 1

Texts, Readers and Writers Compulsory
Greek History: War, Society and Change in the Archaic Age Compulsory
The Past in the Present Compulsory
Presenting the Past: An Introduction to Museum Studies Compulsory
Ancient Song Optional
Roman History: The Rise and Fall of the Republic Optional
Latin 1-3 Optional
Ancient Greek 1-3 Optional
Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death Optional

2 YEAR 2

Museum Learning and Engagement Compulsory
Ancient Epic Optional
Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander Optional
Greek Sculpture and Architecture Optional
My Mother's Sin and Other Stories Optional
Latin 1-4 Optional
Ancient Greek 1-4 Optional
Careers for Classicists and Ancient Historians Optional
Careers for Classicists and Ancient Historians with Placement Optional
Ancient Drama Optional
Roman History: From Republic to Empire Optional
Curatorship and Collections Management Optional
Entertainment and Leisure in Roman Society Optional
Roman Satire Optional
Greek Religion and Philosophy Optional
Ancient Egyptian Language and Hieroglyphs Optional
Celts and Romans: Northern Europe and Britain Optional

3 YEAR 3

Display Design, Planning and Creation: Project Module Compulsory
Dissertation in Classics Optional
Independent Project in Classics Optional
Latin 1-6 Optional
Ancient Greek 1-6 Optional
Greek and Roman Painting Optional
‘Race’ and Ethnicity in the Ancient Greek and Roman Worlds Optional
From Classroom to Courtroom: Mastering the Art of Persuasion in the Ancient World Optional
History, Culture, and Society in the Time of Nero Optional
Gender in Classical Antiquity Optional
Romans and the Natural World Optional
Aristotle: Philology, Philosophy, Politics Optional
Ancient Biography Optional
Xenophon's Anabasis Optional
Ancient Ethiopia: The Aksumite Kingdom Optional
Objects and Identities in the Roman Empire Optional
Emergence of Civilisation in Mesopotamia Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 104,824.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 467.00 - USD 1,787.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 8,200.00
Transport USD 903.00 - USD 935.00
Utilities & Bills USD 2,093.00 - USD 2,616.00
Estimated Total USD 6,218.00 - USD 11,228.00

Living cost estimates are based on London Road Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising Finance & OperationsAerospace ManufacturingAirport Infrastructure & Aviation SecurityCreative & ContentDefense & Military AviationMedia Planning & BuyingMedia Research & AnalyticsMuseums & Cultural HeritagePerformance & Growth MarketingSocial Media & Community Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Kings College London

Manchester City Council

Sky Group

Why Study BA Museum and Classical Studies at University of Reading

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Reading in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA Museum and Classical Studies at University of Reading

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed for this degree course.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For the BA Museum and Classical Studies, you need to meet specific English test scores: For IELTS, an overall score of 7.0 with no component below 6.0 is required. Other accepted tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, and PTE, each with their own specific scoring requirements.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as museum curators, exhibition designers, conservators, and archivists.

What will I actually study in this course?

This unique degree combines contemporary museum studies with the classical world, including literature and material culture. You will gain hands-on experience at the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology and other university museums.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Museum and Classical Studies program starts in September each year. Make sure to apply in advance to secure your place.
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