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Undergraduate programmes

The University of St Andrews has been a centre for Classical studies since its foundation in 1413, and the School of Classics continues to build on its reputation for both teaching and research.

The School is located in the linked buildings of Swallowgate and Craigard, situated in a quiet part of the town centre and close to the University Library. The building also houses a good Class Library, lecture and seminar rooms and a computing classroom. Lectures and classes are typically held in buildings close to the School.

What we offer

  • We offer 5 primary degree programmes - Ancient History, Classics (studied in the ancient languages), Classical Studies (studied in translation), Greek and Latin, with a flexible structure that allows you to shape your degree to your own interests; also many options for joint degrees, including Archaeology.
  • No previous experience of our subjects is required.
  • Greek and Latin are offered both at complete beginners' level and also at advanced level for those with substantial previous experience.
  • Sixteen permanent teaching staff, experts in their fields, offer teaching based on cutting edge research. The quality and reputation of our research have been recognised by consistently high performance in the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE): in the last exercise, 60% of our research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
  • St Andrews is one of the largest and most vibrant Classics departments in the UK, offering innovative courses at all levels, and we attract students from a wide range of educational backgrounds from all over the world.

More information

  • Visits to the School may be arranged through admissions, normally on Wednesdays.
  • Admissions queries should be sent to the university admissions department; they will forward relevant questions to our admissions officer.
  • Entry requirements: typical offers are in the range of AAB for A-level students, AABB for Highers students and 36 IB points. However, the School considers all aspects of every prospective student's application closely.
  • Degree structure
  • Career opportunities
  • Student community

The School's programme specifications were written in relation to the UK wide benchmarking statement (PDF, 159 KB)  that describes what should be provided by any university degree in Classics and Ancient History.

Study abroad

Undergraduates taking classical courses at St Andrews may have the opportunity to spend a year studying in North America.

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Undergraduate enquiries

All admissions queries should be sent to the University admissions department; they will forward relevant questions to our admissions officer.