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Classical Studies programme requirements

Undergraduate admission

You are not required to have any previous knowledge of Classical Studies before signing up for our first year Classical Studies modules. Second year modules build on the experience gained in first year. After that, you will need to qualify for admissions to Honours programmes, taught in years 3 and 4, as set out below.

You are not required to study either Latin or Greek, though you may do so if you wish. Classical Studies texts are read in English translation.

Undergraduate entry requirements

Classical Studies

Because Classical Studies cover a wide range of historical periods, from Bronze Age to Byzantine, and many facets of the Classical world, including the literature, history, art, archaeology, philosophy, politics, religion, ethics and (optionally) the languages of Greece and Rome, the student wishing to qualify for entry to the Honours course is not compelled to follow a set pattern of study during the first two years. Honours entry demands a broad experience of matters classical, while allowing the student to concentrate most on those areas which he or she finds most interesting.

Normally a student intending Honours in Classical Studies will take two or more modules in Classical Studies and/or Ancient History in his or her first year; but those wishing to start or continue a classical language can do so in their first year, enter Classical Studies or Ancient History in their second or third semester and still proceed to Honours. It is also possible for a student who has taken totally non-classical subjects in his or her first year to convert to Classical Studies in the second year, and enter Honours in the third year.

Entry to the Single Honours and Joint Honours degrees in Classical Studies is very flexible. The commonest route is to take all four first-year and second-year level modules in Classical Studies, but other options are possible.

To enter Honours, the following conditions must be met

  • a minimum of 80 credits from 4 subhonours modules in the classical subjects (Ancient History, Classical Studies, Greek and Latin)
  • inclusion of  EITHER both first-year level Classical studies modules, OR  both second-year level Classical studies modules
  • a minimum of  40 credits (2 subhonours modules) at second-year level in the classical subjects
  • grades of at least 11 in both second year modules

At Honours level, all students must write a dissertation in their final year. Seven other modules chosen from a wide selection in Classical Studies and Ancient History enable students to tailor the degree to their interests.

Classical Studies element of Joint degrees

Entry to Honours is the same as for Classical studies.

Classical studies

What the students say

"The Classics staff are very friendly and always accessible to students."

"The lectures are generally well delivered, and unlike many subjects the reading is a pleasure."

"All in all, if you are interested in gaining a good grounding in ancient thought and society, this course is extremely useful."

Undergraduate enquiries

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