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.
Find out more about university entry requirements
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
