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2023/24
2024/25

BA Classics

  • UCAS code
    Q800
  • A level offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years

With BA Classics explore the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome through the study of their languages, Greek and Latin. Read ancient texts in the original and learn how languages – ancient and modern – develop and function.

Whether you have any experience of studying ancient languages or not you can develop an advanced knowledge of Latin and Greek, learning to read the words written by ancient authors. We offer core modules in both languages at all levels, from absolute beginner through to advanced, in all three years of the degree. Each week you will receive an impressive three to four hours of language teaching in small class groups, working on grammar, vocabulary and translation.

In addition to your core language learning, this course allows you to study the ancient world from a range of perspectives, including political, social and cultural. The wide range of expertise within the Department of Classics also gives you the option of studying other cultures such as ancient Egypt; we can even teach you hieroglyphics. In the National Student Survey 2023, 96% of our students said that teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (96.43% of respondents studying in the Department of Classics).

As with all our degrees, we offer you the flexibility to choose modules from other departments such as Archaeology, English Literature, and Philosophy. You can also choose to take a modern foreign language – Classics students often find this complements their study of Latin and Greek.

You can apply to study abroad on all our degrees, with bursaries for independent travel available, as well as popular departmental trips. The British School at Athens and the British School at Rome both offer summer school opportunities. We also have close links to overseas institutions in Europe, Canada, the USA and Australia. You can apply to spend one term or one academic year abroad as part of your degree.

Placement

We encourage you to undertake placements as part of your course. You will receive professional training to help you secure a top-quality placement and prepare you for the experience. Placements provide the chance to put your newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice and to gain valuable real-world experience. Students can transfer to a four-year degree in order to benefit from a Professional Placement Year, or you can apply to spend a full academic year studying abroad.

Students in previous years have gained work experience in charities, barristers' chambers, the government's Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, in foreign countries, and in commercial units such as Oxford Archaeology. The University's museums, including the Department's own Ure Museum, also provide a number of voluntary work placements, ranging from helping with school visits to preparing displays and exhibitions.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £22,350

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Flexible courses (price per 10 credit module)

UK/Republic of Ireland students: £750

International students: £1275

A degree in Classics will provide you with a range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, researching, written and oral communication, adaptability, and the ability to understand different cultures. Studying Latin and Greek also demonstrates linguistic flair and provides a firm foundation for learning other languages. Our degrees incorporate specific careers and employability training.

Graduates have gone on to a wide variety of careers, including work in accountancy and banking, the government and the civil service, law, heritage and museums, teaching, publishing, public sector management, libraries and archives, and media research and production. Recent employers include Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, University of Oxford, the British Museum, the BBC, the Museum of London Archaeology and the Natural History Museum.

The skills you'll develop through studying for a degree in Classics are highly transferable and will prepare you well for whatever career path you choose to pursue.