Ancient Visual and Material Culture (MA)

Course Overview

The taught MA courses provide an overview of the scope of the visual and material culture of the ancient world, the ways in which it might be studied, and the questions that can be asked of it. The core module gives students an awareness of historiography and methodological issues affecting the study of the material culture of the ancient world as well as inviting them to consider the ways in which its study can contribute to our picture of antiquity. Optional modules allow students to develop their interests in particular aspects of the subject (art, epigraphy, numismatics, or an approved external option) in more depth, while a core language component provides the linguistic skills necessary to conduct further research.

This MA provides a thorough preparation in research techniques if you are considering further research in the fields of art, numismatics or epigraphy, or are working on an historical topic that involves the consideration of material evidence. It will also provide a detailed understanding of ancient visual and material culture to prepare you if you are aiming to enter a career in museums and curatorial work, or in education. This MA also provides a solid basis for independent research, and often leads students to engage in MPhil/PhD studies in Ancient Visual and Material Culture.

Teaching

• Taught modules are taught through 10 two-hour seminars held weekly or fortnightly in terms one and/or two
• Seminars will comprise student-led presentations and discussion; others will take place in museums
• Teaching methods used

Assessment

Assessed by a 5,000 word essay on a topic of your choice, decided upon by negotiation with a member of academic staff. The dissertation will be a piece of work 15,000 – 20,000 words and built on the research carried out whilst on the programme.

Skills from this degree

The degree is designed to introduce students to major issues in the study of ancient material culture, and to key methodologies and approaches. It will help to develop students’ intellectual skills in the following areas:

• Ability to select and respond to particular methodological approaches when dealing with material culture
• Understanding of the ways in which material culture has been studied since antiquity
• Ability to present a structured chain of argument drawing together evidence into a cohesive whole
• Ability to select and apply appropriate problem-solving methodologies
• Ability to conduct independent research and analysis

It will also help to develop the following key transferable skills:

• Written and oral communication skills
• Organisational Skills
• Ability to evaluate intellectual progress
• IT skills – word processing

Careers

Typical career paths chosen by our graduates include jobs in museums and the heritage sector, education, the art market, the civil service and further research.

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

• What can you do with a Classics and Ancient History degree?
• Careers in the Creative Industries
• Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
• Next steps after your classics degree…hear from alumni
• Networking for Classics students

Students will need to have achieved or be expecting to achieve a high 2:i undergraduate degree in Classics/Ancient History/Archaeology or a relevant subject to be considered for entry.