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MA in Classical Studies part 2

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 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. The module equips you with valuable transferable skills in research, analysis and extended scholarly writing that are highly valued across academic and heritage sectors.

Vocational relevance

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.

Qualifications

A869 is a compulsory module in our:

Module

Module code
A869
Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
90
Study level
Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU postgraduate modules correspond to these frameworks.
OU Postgraduate
SCQF 11
FHEQ 7
Study method
Distance learning
Module cost
See Module registration
Entry requirements

Find out more about entry requirements.

Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

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
In unit 5, we’ll 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 this 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.

You will learn

By studying this module, you’ll:

  • build upon and develop your existing knowledge of and interest in the subject of classical studies
  • gain advanced academic training in classical studies at postgraduate level, enhancing your research and analytical skills
  • develop your independent research skills and provide experience presenting research findings in extended scholarly writing.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.

They’ll help by:

  • marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
  • providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
  • guiding you to additional learning resources
  • facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.

Course work includes

3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment

Future availability

MA Classical Studies part 2 starts once a year, in September. This page describes the module that will start in September 2025. We expect it to start for the last time in September 2036.

Regulations

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.

Entry requirements

To study this module, you must have completed MA Classical Studies part 1 (A868). Knowledge of the Greek or Latin language is not required.

Register

Start End Fee Register
06 Sep 2025 Jun 2026 Not yet available

Registration closes 14/08/25 (places subject to availability)

Register
05 Sep 2026 Jun 2027 Not yet available

Registration opens on 19/03/26
This module is expected to start for the last time in September 2036.

Future availability

MA Classical Studies part 2 starts once a year, in September. This page describes the module that will start in September 2025. We expect it to start for the last time in September 2036.

Additional costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

Ways to pay for this module

We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing to study, not least how much it’s going to cost and how you can pay.

That’s why we keep our fees as low as possible and offer a range of flexible payment and funding options, including a postgraduate loan, if you study this module as part of an eligible qualification. To find out more, see Fees and funding.

Study materials

What's included

You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:

  • an interactive study calendar
  • study materials relevant to each unit
  • bespoke audio, video, and interactive resources
  • The Classical Studies Guide to Referencing, with information on using scholarly conventions in classical studies
  • resources for studying classical studies, undertaking assignments and research projects, and training in the use of these via The Open University Library
  • access to online forums.

Computing requirements

You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.

Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.

To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).

Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.

It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.

If you have a disability

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.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.

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