MH101 - Classical Studies

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Overview

Explore the history, mythology, literature, philosophy, and art of the ancient world with classical studies at Maynooth University.

An interdisciplinary subject, it brings together different ways of thinking to help you understand the ancient world in all its richness.

Taught on our campus for over 200 years, this rewarding subject gives you an all-round education while pairing well with many other subjects.

What you’ll learn

You’ll discover that classical studies spans an immense range of human experience, from the mythic age of the Greek heroes to the ‘fall’ of Rome.

We consider the complexities and diversity of ancient cultures from many perspectives.

Just some of the key themes we explore include:

  • mythology and the gods
  • war and heroism
  • civilization and the ‘barbarian’
  • ideologies of power and empire
  • gender and sexuality
  • ideas of justice, law, happiness, and the divine

No prior knowledge needed

You don’t need to know anything about classical studies to take this subject, we’ll introduce you to the ancient world when you begin your degree.

All material is studied through the English translation, giving you an accessible and thorough grounding in the subject.

The Department of Ancient Classics is friendly and student-focused with an expert team ready to support you across your degree.

If you’re curious about exploring the ancient world from many angles and understanding how past cultures shape modern life, classical studies is an ideal choice.

Subject Structure

First year

  • 15 credits of Classical Studies
  • Choose 2 or 3 other subjects, which may include Critical Skills, from the available groups (maximum 1 subject per group – see groups table)

Second year and Final year

Classical Studies as a Double Major, a Major/Minor, or as a Minor from second year

  • Continue with 1 of your first year subjects
  • Optional modules in both Ancient Greek and Latin are also available
  • Optional Study Tour module available
  • Optional 10 credit Elective in second year
  • Optional Erasmus/Study Abroad after second year

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.

Timetable group: 6 (Classical Studies)

CL1F15 - Classical Studies

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Classical Studies modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GC151

7.5

1

Y

GC152

7.5

2

Y

Double Major

Timetable group: 6 (Classical Studies)

CL2DM - Classical Studies

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Classical Studies modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GC234

5

2

N

GC235

5

2

N

GC231

5

1

N

GC217

5

1

N

GC296A

5

1

N

GC296B

5

1

N

GC297A

5

2

N

GC297B

5

2

N

GC230

5

1

N

GC298A

5

1

N

GC298B

5

1

N

GC299A

5

2

N

GC299B

5

2

N

GC233

5

1

N

GC232

5

2

N

Major with Minor

Timetable group: 6 (Classical Studies)

CL2MJ - Classical Studies

Credits: 40  |  Not compulsory

Classical Studies modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GC234

5

2

N

GC235

5

2

N

GC231

5

1

N

GC217

5

1

N

GC296A

5

1

N

GC296B

5

1

N

GC297A

5

2

N

GC297B

5

2

N

GC230

5

1

N

GC298A

5

1

N

GC298B

5

1

N

GC299A

5

2

N

GC299B

5

2

N

GC233

5

1

N

GC232

5

2

N

Minor

Timetable group: 6 (Classical Studies)

CL2MI - Classical Studies

Credits: 20  |  Not compulsory

Classical Studies modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GC234

5

2

N

GC235

5

2

N

GC231

5

1

N

GC217

5

1

N

GC296A

5

1

N

GC296B

5

1

N

GC297A

5

2

N

GC297B

5

2

N

GC230

5

1

N

GC298A

5

1

N

GC298B

5

1

N

GC299A

5

2

N

GC299B

5

2

N

GC233

5

1

N

GC232

5

2

N

Entry requirements

Leaving Certificate applicants

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, third language.

HEAR and DARE

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a pathway to third level education for school-leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is an alternative entry route to third level education for school-leavers whose disability affected their second level education.

Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.

Additional information

All Applicants

Subject Minimum Requirements - in order to choose these subjects in the BA degree, the below grades, or equivalent, are required

  • Nua-Ghaeilge: H4 Irish (no beginner option)
  • Music: H5 Music
  • Mathematics (Pure): H2 Mathematics

Recommended - we recommend students have achieved the following grades at Leaving Certificate level in order to meet the demands of these subjects:

  • French, German, Spanish non-beginner level recommend H4 or better in the subject. Beginner option also available.
  • Accounting, Business (International), Business (Management), Business (Marketing), Economics, Finance: O4/H7 Mathematics
  • Computer Science, Mathematical Physics, Mathematical Studies, Music Technology, Statistics: O3/H7 Mathematics

The Maynooth Education

Learn more about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways.

Postgraduate

Graduates can also continue on to postgraduate study, with H.Dip., MA, and PhD programmes in Classical Studies also offered in Maynooth University and you can find more details on the School's website.

Careers

In a fast-changing world, employers want flexible, creative, and open-minded graduates, who can handle a variety of material and perspectives, conduct independent research, and communicate effectively. All these qualities and transferable skills are developed across the Classical Studies syllabus.

Classics alumni can be found right across the public and private sectors, pursuing careers in:

  • education
  • the civil service
  • law
  • business
  • consultancy
  • journalism and the media
  • librarianship
  • publishing
  • cultural and heritage organisations

Contact

Maynooth University School of History and Ancient Classics