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What A-levels do you need to study classics?

Do you love ancient languages, culture and history? Then classical studies could be your ideal degree. Find out what A-levels you need for a ticket into the Greco-Roman world of classics

If you want to study a classics degree, most universities expect you to have an A-level in Latin or ancient Greek, although there are some courses which allow you to start Latin and / or classical Greek from scratch. For classical studies or classical civilisations, however, most courses will be open to you with any A-level subjects.

Whether you plan to study classics or classical studies, a language would be a useful addition to your A-level line up. 


A-level subjects for classics

What A-level subjects are needed or essential for classics?  

  • Latin or ancient Greek for a classics degree
  • none for a classical studies/civilisation degree

Find out more about university entry requirements
 

What A-levels are useful for classics?

  • a modern foreign language
  • English literature
  • history
  • classical civilisations

Take a look at individual classical studies courses on The Uni Guide to find out the most popular subjects students studied before attending.


Watch now: How to choose your A-levels


Choosing your A-levels? See where different combinations can lead with our Explorer tool.


 

Examples of classical studies degree requirements

Below are a few courses offered by different universities and the A-level entry requirements they ask for (as of 26 April 2018):

University of St Andrews: 'A,A,A: To include English. Subjects excluded: Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking, Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and General Studies.'

University of Exeter: 'A,A,A,A-A,B,B. Excluding General Studies. Latin or Classical Greek grade B required.'

University of Lincoln: ‘B,B,C.’ 


A-levels and AS-levels, explained



 

Other similar degree subjects


Even similar subjects may have slightly different A-level requirements to classics; so if you want to keep your degree options open, be sure to check the entry requirements of specific courses before you finalise your choices.

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