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Classics programme requirements

Undergraduate admission

You are not required to have any previous knowledge of Classics before signing up for our first year 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.

Undergraduate entry requirements

First level - in each language

Either

Advanced (Post A-Level/Higher or equivalent): one module each semester, forming a year-long course, designed to build students’ skill and confidence at reading extended Greek and Latin texts independently, and to broaden their knowledge of classical literature and culture.

Or

Beginners/Intermediate: one module each semester, forming a year-long course, designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of Greek or Latin. By the end of the year, all students will have studied some Greek or Latin literature in the original and will have the basic skills to translate real Greek or Latin texts.

Second level - in each language

Either

Advanced (Post A-Level/Higher or equivalent): one module each semester, forming a year-long course, designed to increase further students’ ability to read and appreciate Greek and Latin texts for themselves. At the end of these courses, students will be familiar with Greek and Latin literature of a wide range of genres and periods.

Or

Ex-Beginners: one module each semester, forming a year-long course, designed to enable students to read and appreciate Greek and Latin at a comparable level to students who have studied Greek and Latin before University. A selection of classic works of Greek and Latin literature is studied.

Honours

To enter Honours, the following conditions must be met

  • First level: a minimum of 80 credits from 4 first level modules in Greek and Latin
  • Second level:  a minimum of 80 credits from 4 second level modules in Greek and Latin
  • grades of at least 11 in second year modules

At Honours level, all students must write a dissertation in their final year. Students choose seven other modules from a wide selection of courses covering major genres, such as Epic, Comedy, or Historiography, and more technical skills, such as Prose Composition or Historical Linguistics. Students may also write a dissertation on a topic of special interest. At all levels students may combine Greek and Latin with courses in Classical Studies and Ancient History.

Classics element of joint degrees

Entry to Honours is the same as for Classics.

Classics

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.