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Classics courses

If you have an aptitude for studying languages you may be interested in Classics. Classics degrees combine learning Greek and Latin, translating and analysing texts and learning about the art, culture, philosophy and history of Ancient Greece and Rome. Classics graduates go on to work in research, museums, art galleries and heritage management as well as the full range of traditional graduate careers such as law, media, accountancy, management and teaching.

Studying classics at university

Example course modules

  • Latin language
  • Greek language
  • History of thought
  • Comedy
  • The ancient novel
  • Receptions of Greek tragedy
  • Emotions in the ancient world
  • Metamorphosis in Greece and Rome
  • Sex and the symposium: Athenian painted pottery
  • Greeks on being good (and evil)

Teaching hours / week

Average for this subject

10
Hours
5
14
Hours

Average for all subjects

The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.

More on studying and contact hours at uni

Who studies this subject

  • Female : 62%
    Male : 38%
  • Mature : 27%
    School leaver : 73%
  • Full-time : 76%
    Part-time : 24%

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

  • Latin or ancient Greek

Useful to have

  • history
  • English literature
  • Modern foreign language
  • Classical civilisation

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

  • January application
  • October application
  • Personal statement
  • Portfolio
  • Interview
  • Entry test
  • Work experience
  • Audition

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Career prospects

Sources: HECSU & KIS
Around 1,150 graduates received classics degrees in 2012 and more than a quarter of those went on to further study, usually a Masters, and often in a different subject such as law, history or archaeology. Those who did go into work tended to find jobs in London or the South East, and be working in education, marketing and advertising or the finance industry. Personal contacts were particularly important for these graduates in finding their first job, so good networks may help your job search when the time comes.
Professional and accrediting bodies:

Six months after graduating

Typical graduate job areas
  • Sales, marketing and related associate professionals

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful

  • Marketing executive
  • Management consultant
  • Secondary teacher

Other real-life job examples

  • Museum archivist or curator
  • Paralegal
  • Fundraising campaign manager

What employers like about this subject

A student studying classics will learn subject-specific skills including a knowledge of the literature, history, mythology, philosophy, civilisation and heritage of classical antiquity; an understanding of the interpretation and analysis of texts and translation skills. Transferable skills you can gain from a classics degree include communication, critical evaluation, time management and research and analysis skills. Employers who recruited classic students last year included publishers, the Civil Service, market researchers, political advisory and lobbying organisations, schools, universities, the IT industry and the arts.