Classical Civilisation and Beginners' German BA

Course overview

This course offers you the opportunity to take up German from scratch and combine it with studies in the culture and society of ancient Greece and Rome. Study of Greek or Latin is not required, but may be undertaken as part of the course (in any year if you have A level; in year two and/or year four if you don't). An intensive beginners' course in German will enable you to capitalise on your proven language-learning ability and develop German to degree level. We offer a wide choice of modules in German studies in literature, linguistics, history, politics, culture and film, so that you will be able to tailor the course to match your interests. Additional modules are selected in a variety of topics reflecting the specialisms of each department. Year three is spent abroad.

Year one 

In German, you will begin a structured course in the language to take you from beginners' to degree level and are also introduced to aspects of German culture and history. For classical civilisation, you will study two core survey modules introducing the history and culture of Greece and Rome and their reception, and two more in-depth explorations of themes, topics and approaches. If you have A-level Greek or Latin you may develop the language concerned.

Year two

Classical civilisation combines a range of optional modules exploring ancient literature, art and history, with an extended source study, to prepare you for third-year dissertation work. Study of Greek or Latin is optional. In German, your language studies will be consolidated and developed to prepare you for the year abroad. You will take modules in literature, history, linguistics, politics and society from a wide choice of modules in German studies.

Year three

The year is spent in Germany or Austria as an English language assistant in a school, studying at a higher education institution, or on a work placement.

Year four

In classical civilisation, you will either develop and pursue your own interests through a 10,000-word dissertation, or take a special subject module which involves detailed, in-depth study of a particular topic, or take Greek or Latin. You will develop your command of German and its use in increasingly sophisticated contexts, and study optional modules drawn from the areas of literature, history, politics, society, media and linguistics. You may choose to write a dissertation on an area of German studies.

More information 

See also the Department of German Studies.

Entry requirements

A levels: ABB, normally a good A2 or AS level in a language

English language requirements 

IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

TOEFL iBT 100 (minimum 19 with 20 in Speaking).

Alternative qualfications 

For details please see alternative qualifications page

Flexible admissions policy

We may make some applicants an offer lower than advertised, depending on their personal and educational circumstances.

Modules

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer. 

Typical year-one modules

• Studying the Greek World
• German Language I 
• Studying the Roman World
• Interpreting ancient literature

Typical year-two modules

• German Language II
• Extended Source Study in Classical Civilisation
• Classics and Popular Culture

Typical year-three modules

Year-three is spent abroad.

Please see the Department of German Introduction to the Year Abroad page or contact the Department of Classics for more information.

Typical year-four special subjects

• Democracy, Freedom and Oppression
• Augustus
• Sparta in comparative perspective
• Epic Endings
• Masculinity and Citizenship
• Religion, Magic and the Greeks

Typical optional modules

• Interpreting Ancient Art
• Culture and Society of the Low Countries
• Sex, Lies and Violence: Battles of the Athenian Lawcourts
• Slavery in Roman Society
• History of the Germanic Languages
• Media, Parties and Politics in Modern Democracies
• Euripides: Experiments in Tragedy
• Love in Augustan Rome
• Culture and Society in the Weimar Republic

Careers

You will have acquired a broad knowledge of the ancient world and classical civilisation, and undertaken in-depth study in areas of your own interest. You will also have a high level of expertise in spoken and written German, and a broad knowledge German history, literature and culture. The experience of the year abroad will demonstrate to potential employers that you are adaptable, resourceful, and independent.

Average starting salary 

The average starting salary for 2010/11 full-time graduates of the Department of Classics was £19,928 and for the graduates of the Department of German it was £22,454.*

*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2010/11.

Careers Support and Advice

Studying for a degree at The University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take. Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our Careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.  

KIS