A Level Classical Civilisation

About This Course

Fancy delving into the captivating cultures of ancient Greece and Rome? Then A Level Classical Civilisation is the perfect course for you!

This course isn’t just for those with a passion for history and mythology- it’s also a fantastic choice for anyone interested in pursuing a wide range of careers, from business and marketing to archaeology and education.

Our A Level Classic Civilisation course is designed for distance learning, so you can easily study from the comfort of your own home. Plus, our experienced expert tutors will be there to guide you every step of the way and ensure you’re fully prepared for your exams.

Embark on a journey through the classical world and discover where it could take you!

Course Benefits

Every module on this course is designed to build a strong foundation for learning that will enable you to gain a globally recognised A Level qualification, as well as opening doors to a range of rewarding and interesting careers.

With this course you will:

• Gain up to 56 UCAS points that can be used to secure your dream university spot.
• Be able to study on your own terms, in your own time and from the comfort of your own home.
• Develop your skills and open your doors to a range of interesting career options.
• Challenge your perspective of ancient societies.

A Level Classical Civilisation UCAS Points

• A* Grade – 56 UCAS points
• A Grade – 48 UCAS points
• B Grade – 40 UCAS points
• C Grade – 32 UCAS points
• D Grade – 24 UCAS points
• E Grade – 16 UCAS points

Course Units

Qualification Title: A Level Classical Civilisation

Qualification Number: 603/0726/2

UCAS Points: Up to 56

Unit 1: The World of the Hero

• Homer’s Odyssey: Literary Structure and Composition
• Homer’s Odyssey: The Heroic World – Characterisation and Themes
• Homer’s Odyssey: Social, Religious, and Cultural Context
• Virgil’s Aeneid: Literary Techniques and Composition
• Virgil’s Aeneid: The Heroic World – Characterisation and Themes
• Virgil’s Aeneid: The Social, Cultural and Religious Context
• Virgil’s Aeneid: Historical and Political Background

Unit 2 (option A): Culture and the Arts: Greek Theatre

• Drama and the theatre in ancient Athenian society
• Nature of tragedy
• Nature of (old) comedy
• Literary techniques, structure, and dramatic conventions
• Social, political and religious themes in tragedy
• Social, political and religious themes in comedy

Unit 2 (option B): Culture and the Arts: Arts

• Function
• Materials
• Techniques
• Stylistic features and development
• Composition
• Subject matter
• Free-standing sculpture, Architectural sculpture and Vase-painting

Unit 3: Belief and Ideas: Greek Religion

• Olympian Deities
• Relationships between Gods and Morals
• The Significance of Homer and Hesiod for Greek ideas about Gods
• Personal Experience of the Divine
• Historical and Mythical Background to Mystery Cults
• The Myth of Demeter and Persephone
• Archaeology of the Telesterion at Eleusis
• Religion and Society
• Religious Authority
• Links between Politics and Religion
• The Panathenaea and its Significance for Athens
• Places of Worship
• Rituals and Priests
• Religion and Philosophy

Assessment

To earn this A Level qualification you will first complete the assessments included in your course materials.  These will be marked by your dedicated tutor and will prepare you for your exam.

You are required to complete three standard written exams:

• Paper 1: 2 hours and 30 minutes written exam, 40% of total marks – May/June 2025
• Paper 2: 1 hour and 45 minutes written exam, 30% of total marks – May/June 2025
• Paper 3: 1 hour and 45 minutes written exam, 30% of total marks – May/June 2025

(all dates are subject to change)

There is a separate fee for the examinations, which are paid directly to the exam centre at time of booking. We’ll help you book your exams when you are ready (we advise to book well in advance to guarantee your place).

Please note: the dates shown above are the next available exam slots only (exams take place every year).

Required Knowledge

There are no entry requirements for this course.

Awarding Body

Upon completion of this course and exams you will receive an A Level in Classical Civilisation issued by OCR.

Support

We understand that embarking on a new educational journey can feel daunting. But don’t worry, we are committed to providing you with all the support you need to succeed.

Our comprehensive study guides and course materials are designed to make learning as engaging and accessible as possible. Plus, our team of personal tutors and support staff are always on hand to offer valuable advice, guidance and instruction, whenever you need it.

We also know that learning can be a challenging process, which is why we provide a range of self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked study questions. These tools are designed to help you understand and consolidate your learning, and our tutors will work tirelessly to guide and mentor you towards success.

We believe that no student should feel alone in their studies, and our team is dedicated to providing you with the support you need to reach your full potential. So, whether you have a quick question or require more detailed guidance, rest assured that our team is here to help you every step of the way.