What A-levels do you need to study 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 civilisation

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

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

• Latin/Greek

• Ancient history

• History

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.