1. Handbook
  2. Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
  3. Informal Specialisation
  4. PD-ARTS Ancient World Studies

PD-ARTS Ancient World Studies

Postgraduate Diploma in ArtsInformal specialisationYear: 2018

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Overview

Please note that PD-ARTS Postgraduate Diploma in Arts will no longer be accepting new applications as of the 1st January 2015, the program from 2015 will be offered as GDA-ARTS Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced). Please refer to the correct handbook entry for program information for commencing students from 2015.

Ancient World Studies embraces the broad study of Classical Greece and Rome, as well as Egypt and the Near East from 3000 BCE to the 4th century CE. Students can choose a variety of subject streams, which combine the study of ancient languages and/or texts in translation such as myth, literature, history, and philosophy with the study of archaeology, art, and architectural monuments. In addition, students can focus on a particular time period, geographic region, technical specialisation such as myth or ceramics, or thematic area of study. Students will gain insight into and understanding of contemporary society by exploring how ancient cultures have contributed to the development of our modern world, with regard to gender and ethnic identity, warfare, colonialism and imperialism, the propagandistic power of literary and visual imagery, and technology and economy. They will develop skills in research, writing, analysis, and communication that promote career flexibility.


The Postgraduate Diploma program is an advanced level of study designed to allow students to specialise their knowledge across one area of study. Students accepted into the program undertake fourth-year level subjects and a short research thesis. The opportunity to specialise provides a strong foundation for the future direction of graduates, whether as a means of progressing to higher degree research in Arts at the Masters or PhD level, or improving the scope of employment options and professional advancement.

Intended learning outcomes

Students who complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in this area of specialisation should:

  • gain knowledge of the literary and material culture in ancient Mediterranean civilisations, including Egypt, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, the Bronze Age, Greece, and Rome;
  • acquire critical skills and methodologies (including historical, literary, and archaeological) for the analysis of ancient cultures;
  • be able to communicate their own ideas and interpretations of ancient texts and artefacts, both orally and in writing;
  • receive advanced training in archaeological theory and practice;
  • understand modern critical frameworks for the study of the ancient world;
  • develop and sustain an argument based on research.

Last updated: 18 December 2020