Classical Studies

The Diploma is appropriate for you if you are a graduate in a subject not closely related to Ancient History or Classics; it provides a bridge to further study at MA level or beyond, or you can take it as a self-contained programme.

The Graduate Diploma can be taken either as a self-contained programme, or as a bridge to an MA in Classics, Ancient History, Classical Art & Archaeology, or Late Antique & Byzantine Studies.

You will take modules from the second and third years of our undergraduate (BA) programmes, and where appropriate from the MA programmes. Over 40 modules are available, ranging over Greek and Roman Literature, Greek and Roman History, Classical Art and Archaeology and Late Antique and Byzantine Studies, including Greek and Latin language at beginners and intermediate level.

If you have a particular interest in acquiring or developing knowledge of Greek or Latin you may take a further language-based course in place of the dissertation. Except in language courses, which are taken with MA students, teaching is shared with our undergraduate students, but you will be assessed through course-work essays, over which you will receive individual tutorial advice. The dissertation is also individually supervised.

Libraries
As well as the extensive library resources at King's, you will have access to the world-leading Classics library at the Institute of Classical Studies, as well as other University of London libraries.

Research seminars
In the Department of Classics we run a research seminar series (which Graduate Diploma students are encouraged to attend), where you will learn about the current research of our academic staff and PhD students. There are also University of London research seminars organized through the Institute of Classical Studies, for example in Literature, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, where you will be able to listen to and meet leading scholars from around the world. There is also the Late Antique & Byzantine Studies seminar, which is organized by the Centre for Hellenic Studies.

Personal tutor
You will be assigned a personal tutor in the Department of Classics, who will advise you and help you decide which modules to take, and can answer any questions or concerns you may have whilst at King's.

Dissertation supervision
During your first term at King's you will need to decide on your Graduate Diploma dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing for a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area. On the basis of your chosen subject area you will be assigned a supervisor within the Department of Classics who will discuss the topic with you, and oversee your work on it.

Greek Play
Every year (since 1953), students in the Department of Classics have produced and performed a Greek play - the only production in the UK to be performed annually in the original Greek. Read more about the Greek Play (and its history) at King's: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/classics/about/greek/index.aspx