Overview:
The Classics course at the University of Cambridge comprehensively explores classical antiquity. It covers various subjects such as history, culture, archaeology, art, philosophy, and linguistics.
Students can specialise in a particular area or maintain a broader approach to the subject. The Faculty of Classics at Cambridge has a stellar reputation for both teaching and research. It welcomes students with varying levels of experience in ancient languages.
There are two primary course options. The four-year course is designed for students with little to no Latin background. This offers a preliminary year focused on Latin language and Roman culture. Students then proceed to years 2, 3, and 4, which are identical to the three-year course.
The three-year course is typically for students with A Level/IB Higher Level Latin or equivalent, with an option for intensive ancient Greek instruction for those with limited or no background in Classical Greek. Students with A Level/IB Higher Level Classical Greek but not Latin may be advised to consider the four-year degree based on individual circumstances.
The Faculty offers excellent facilities, including a well-stocked library and the Museum of Classical Archaeology. Students also have access to the Fitzwilliam Museum’s resources and a vibrant student society. The renowned Cambridge Greek Play is performed in the original language. Various undergraduate prizes, bursaries, and travel grants are available for eligible students.
| UCAS Code | Q800 (3 year course) Q801 (4 year course) |
| Minimum Entrance Requirements | A-levels – A*AA IB – 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level |
| Admission Test for Classics at Cambridge | All colleges ask that students take a Classics Admissions Assessment. For the 3-year course, this comprises a Latin or Greek skills assessment interview. This lasts approximately 20 minutes. For the 4-year course, students must attend a Language aptitude assessment interview. This also lasts around 20 minutes. For more information, please see the College admission assessment page. |
| Subject Requirements – Classics at Cambridge | Classics three-year course: A Level/IB Higher Level Latin (A Level/IB Higher Level Classical Greek is accepted as a substitute at some Colleges) Classics four-year course: Colleges do not ask for any specific subjects Classical Civilisation, English (Language or Literature), History, a language (ancient or modern) are advantageous. |
| Extras things admission tutors look for | Colleges (for both the three and four-year courses) ask applicants to submit two pieces of written work prior to the interview. |
| Duration | 3 or 4 years – BA (Hons) |
| Admissions Statistics | Applications per place: 2 Number accepted: 90 |
| What is Classics at Cambridge? | Classics at Cambridge is an academic programme that offers students a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of classical antiquity. It encompasses subjects like history, culture, archaeology, art, philosophy, and linguistics. This course is exceptionally inclusive, welcoming students with varying levels of experience in ancient languages. Furthermore, it offers both three-year and four-year study tracks to accommodate different language backgrounds. Students have access to a well-stocked library, a Museum of Classical Archaeology, the Fitzwilliam Museum’s resources, and a thriving student community. Classics at Cambridge provides a rich learning environment to help students gain a deep understanding of the classical world. |
| Cambridge Colleges that offer Classics | Available at all Colleges |
| Structure of Classics at Cambridge | In Part II, you may have Faculty seminars as well as lectures, and an opportunity to research essay topics of your choice in depth. Preliminary Year (four-year course): You learn to read Latin confidently through language study and the reading of texts from the Roman world. You also study Roman literature, two disciplines in preparation for IA. Finally, you will submit an essay for assessment, and start work on Ancient Greek. Year 1 (IA) & 2 (IB): During Part IA and Part IB, you have an average of eight to 10 lectures a week, and language classes as needed. You also have at least two supervisions a week in which you discuss your work. In Year 2 (Part IB), you have a choice of papers – Two are compulsory: Greek translation, Latin translation. The remaining papers are chosen from a range of subjects. Finally, end of year exams test your linguistic and literary comprehension as well as your essay writing skills. You also submit two coursework essays for assessment for Part (IA) and some for Part (IB). Year 3: You can specialise within one discipline (eg archaeology) or construct a wide-ranging course particular to your strengths and interests. You choose four papers from a broad range of options. Furthermore, at the end of the year, you take exams in these subjects or you can substitute one paper with a dissertation on a subject of your choice within the field of Classics. |
| Common Careers after Classics at Cambridge | Graduates of Classics at Cambridge secure opportunities in: Research and teaching, Libraries and museums, Law, Media, Accountancy, The Civil Service, Industry and business. |
