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A image to illustrate MA in Classical Studies part 2 module
This second module in the MA Classical Studies builds on your part 1 experience, developing your research skills as you work towards a 12,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice. Through structured guidance, you'll learn how to find and analyse sources, engage with scholarly work, refine your research question, and plan and structure your work effectively. Supported by your tutor, you'll move from guided study to independent research, gaining advanced skills in critical analysis and academic writing. You'll be equipped with valuable skills in research, analysis and extended scholarly writing that are highly valued across academic and heritage sectors.
The first seven units of study guide you through the fundamental steps of dissertation research and planning.
Unit 1: Introduction and finding a topic – You'll be introduced to the dissertation's marking criteria and the steps involved in finding a suitable topic.
Unit 2: Finding, selecting and analysing sources – In this unit, you’ll develop your research focus further by working through the process of finding, selecting and starting to analyse the sources that will provide the evidence on which you’ll base your dissertation.
Unit 3: How to find and use scholarship – This unit is designed to help you develop your skills in locating, reading and analysing the key scholarly works you’ll use in your dissertation.
Unit 4: Refining your research question – Next, we’ll take you through the steps to turn your research topic into a specific research question. It will help you focus on constructing a convincing argument in your dissertation.
Unit 5: Planning and structure – This unit will help you organise your material into a coherent research plan and dissertation proposal, which you will then submit as your first tutor-marked assignment. While you await feedback on your proposal from your tutor, you’ll continue with the final two units of directed study.
Unit 6: Studying independently – You’ll assess the skills and resources you already have for studying independently and think about where you could develop more ways to maintain your study skills, motivation, and self-belief throughout your independent dissertation work.
Unit 7: Setting out on the dissertation journey – In the final unit, you’ll think more deeply about project planning and how to make the most of the feedback you will receive on your draft material over the course of the independent study time to follow.
Overall, the directed study units will provide a solid foundation for you to proceed with the sustained period of self-directed study. This will be your dissertation preparation, supported by supervision from your tutor and additional learning events. By requiring you to develop and answer a research question of your own choice, the MA dissertation is also intended to prepare you to progress to further research, for example, in the form of a PhD.
By studying this module, you’ll:
This module will be particularly relevant if you wish to pursue a career in classical studies, teaching, or work in academic institutions, museums, galleries, the heritage and wider arts sector. In addition to this, classical studies graduates are highly valued by employers for their very broad skill sets developed through working with a wide range of source materials that, in turn, require high levels of intellectual flexibility. Linguistic aptitude, critical analysis, creativity, and skills in researching, organising, and presenting material are useful in a variety of jobs.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.
Course work includes:
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
You can only study this module as part of specific Open University qualifications.
A869 is a compulsory module in our:
MA Classical Studies part 2 starts once a year, in September.
This page describes the module that will start in September 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in September 2036.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
To study this module, you must have completed MA Classical Studies part 1 (A868). Knowledge of the Greek or Latin language is not required.
Written transcripts of any audio components, image descriptions, and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of online material are available. However, some Adobe PDF components and electronic journals may not be available or fully accessible using a screen. Other alternative formats of the study materials may also be available.
If you have particular study requirements, please let us know as soon as possible. Some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange.
StartEndRegister byEngland fee
05 Sep 202630 Jun 202713 Aug 2026£4,200
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
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