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An image to illustrate the MA in Classical Studies
This masters degree provides the opportunity to discover what it means to do Classical Studies in the twenty-first century. You’ll investigate a range of ancient and contemporary ideas about the Greek and Roman worlds through encounters with literary texts, languages, classical mythology, archaeological remains, and their ongoing significance for later periods, places, cultures and creative practices. By exploring rich and dynamic perspectives and resources, you’ll address diverse sets of questions about the ancient world. These will enable you to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to produce an independent, extended research project on a topic of your choice.
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits. You'll study two compulsory 90-credit modules. You must pass part 1 before progressing to part 2.

ModulesCreditsNext start
You'll study the following:
MA Classical Studies part 1 (A868)
You'll explore an interdisciplinary and changing field, discover new materials, and develop original ways of studying ancient evidence.
Next start date: 05 Sep 2026
See full description
9005 Sep 2026
MA Classical Studies part 2 (A869)
The MA Classical Studies part 2 allows you to apply the research skills gained from part 1 to your own independent research project.
Next start date: 05 Sep 2026
See full description
9005 Sep 2026

By studying this MA in Classical Studies, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by expert tutors and high-quality online study materials.
You’ll be awarded a Master of Arts in Classical Studies upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters MA (Class Stud) (Open) after your name.
Your masters degree may be awarded with a distinction or a merit. The qualification regulations explain the criteria you’ll need to meet to earn one of these classifications.
You’ll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You’ll study the MA in Classical Studies part-time, completing 90 credits per year over a two-year period. Typically, this translates to 20–25 hours of study per week.

The recommended hours include time to work through that week’s online study planner, complete recommended reading, and attend tutorials.

You must complete the MA in Classical Studies within 10 years.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
You must hold a UK honours degree (or equivalent), preferably with at least a 2:1 classification, to study our MA in Classical Studies. Although your degree does not need to be in Classical Studies, you will need some knowledge of the subject to successfully complete this qualification.
If your degree is not in Ancient History, Ancient World Studies, Archaeology, Art History, Classics, Classical Archaeology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Greek & Roman Studies, Greek, History, Latin, Literature (of any kind), Arts & Humanities with a specialism in one of these areas or a joint honours degree combining any of these subject areas, we strongly recommend that you refer to the 'Preparatory work' listed in the Entry requirements for MA Classical Studies part 1. This module brings you up to date with the latest ideas and approaches, but does not offer remedial undergraduate training if your qualifications and/or experience are inappropriate.
To study successfully for this MA, you need to be able to:
If you’re in any doubt about the suitability of your qualifications or previous experience, please contact us before you enrol.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
You’ll pay for your qualification one module at a time, rather than the full cost upfront. The fee for each module is listed in its description.

£8,400*
Your module materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in our module fees.
There are some additional costs that aren’t included.
Further information is available in the module descriptions.
*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.
Learn more about postgraduate loans and our other funding options below.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
We’ll show you how you can pay by bank transfer or combine payment methods.
You may be eligible for:
As well as giving you the means to continue your study of the ancient world and the opportunity to explore a topic in that world which particularly interests you, the MA in Classical Studies develops intellectual flexibility and analytical thinking skills, and so can help develop your career in a number of ways.
Employers recognise the unique qualities of a Classical Studies degree, valuing the skills and abilities that graduates display because of the high level of critical and independent thinking involved, the close work with sources of evidence and attention to detail, as well as the proven ability graduates have to conduct research, evaluate a range of types of evidence, and complete projects to deadlines and within word limits. Classical Studies graduates often go on to careers in museums, heritage, law, research, the Civil Service, journalism and teaching.
An MA in Classical Studies is also an essential step towards studying for a higher research degree, a PhD, which, in turn, is essential for a career in academic research or teaching in higher education.
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you'll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice, including: online forums, a website, interview simulation and vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.
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