Classics

The Bachelor of Arts in Classics at University College London offers students an in-depth exploration of the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, their languages, literature, history, philosophy, and culture. This programme provides a comprehensive understanding of the classical world and its enduring influence on contemporary society. Students will engage with original texts in Latin and Greek, developing proficiency in these ancient languages, while also studying the archaeological and historical contexts that shaped classical civilization. The curriculum is designed to foster a critical understanding of classical literature, philosophy, art, and politics, enabling students to analyze and interpret artifacts, texts, and historical sources with analytical rigor.

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to examine key themes such as the development of democratic institutions, the philosophical foundations of Western thought, mythological narratives, and literary genres. The programme encourages critical thinking, textual analysis, and cultural awareness, equipping graduates with skills in research, writing, and oral presentation. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme allows students to explore related fields including archaeology, art history, and ancient history, enhancing their understanding of the classical period from multiple perspectives.

Academic staff are experts in their fields, offering personalized supervision and guidance, and students are encouraged to engage with the extensive collections of classical artifacts and manuscripts available through UCL's libraries and museums. The programme also offers opportunities for study abroad and placements, enabling students to gain practical experience and further insights into classical studies. Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, archaeology, education, publishing, museum work, and other fields that require analytical and linguistic skills. Enrolling in the UCL Classics programme means joining a vibrant academic community dedicated to exploring the enduring legacy of the ancient world and developing skills that are highly valued across diverse disciplines.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The main emphasis of the programme is on the study of Latin and Greek texts in the original language. The choice of options is very wide, but the language element follows a set pattern. Students must take at least 1.0 credit of Latin-based modules, and at least 1.0 credit of Greek-based modules per year. In addition, there are some compulsory courses in the first and second years involving texts in translation. The wide range of optional modules includes philosophy and science, ancient history and the various branches of archaeology.

The programme also allows you to take modules from outside the Classical World area, for example in a modern language, medieval or modern history, history of science or computing (a maximum of 1.0 credit in the first year, and 1.5 and 2.0 credits in the second and third years respectively).

In the second and third years, in certain circumstances, you may drop either Latin or Greek to concentrate on one or the other, leading to a qualification title of Greek with Latin BA or Latin with Greek BA.

A levels

Grades

AAB

Subjects

Greek or Latin at grade A required.

GCSEs

English Language at grade B, plus Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

36

Subjects

A score of 17 points in three higher level subjects including Greek or Latin at grade 6, with no score lower than 5.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The financing of the Classics program at University College London is primarily covered through a combination of tuition fees paid by students, government funding, and additional financial support options. International students are required to pay the international tuition fee rate, which varies annually and is detailed on the university’s official website. Home and EU students benefit from subsidized tuition fees aligned with UK governmental regulations, which may also change over time. Students can explore various funding opportunities, including government-sponsored loans, scholarships, and bursaries provided directly by UCL or external organizations. UCL offers several merit-based scholarships specifically for students enrolled in Classics, which are awarded based on academic achievement and personal circumstances. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs and sometimes include living expenses. Furthermore, students might be eligible for government-backed student loans, such as the Student Loan Company loans for eligible UK and EU students, which can be repaid after graduation based on income levels. UCL also provides financial advice via its Student Support and Advice Service to help students identify and access these funding options. Part-time work opportunities within the university or in the surrounding London area are also available to supplement students’ income during their studies. Additionally, some students may qualify for hardship funds or emergency bursaries in exceptional circumstances. International students are encouraged to seek specific scholarships for international entrants and to consider exchange programs that might reduce overall costs. It is recommended that prospective students consult the official UCL website for the most current tuition fees and available financial support options to plan accordingly. Overall, the financing of the Classics program combines public funding, private support, and student contributions, enabling access to high-quality education in classical studies while offering pathways to financial assistance tailored to individual needs.

The Classics program at University College London offers a comprehensive study of the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, focusing on their languages, literature, history, philosophy, and archaeology. Students enrolled in this program gain a deep understanding of the cultural and historical foundations of Western civilization. The curriculum combines the study of Classical Greek and Latin languages with courses in ancient history, literature, philosophy, and archaeology, allowing students to develop a well-rounded knowledge of the ancient Mediterranean world. UCL's Classics program emphasizes both linguistic proficiency and historical insight, preparing graduates for diverse careers in academia, education, museums, publishing, and cultural heritage sectors. The program provides students with excellent resources, including access to extensive ancient texts, archaeological collections, and digital resources. Students are encouraged to apply their classical knowledge through active participation in seminars, research projects, and, where appropriate, archaeological fieldwork. The program also offers opportunities for study abroad, particularly in Greece and Italy, to immerse students in classical sites and enhance their understanding of ancient architecture and artifacts. Faculty members are distinguished scholars in their fields and actively involved in research, ensuring students learn from leading experts. The program aims to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and language fluency. Graduates of the Classics program at UCL are well-equipped for further academic pursuits or careers that require strong analytical, research, and communication skills. The program duration is typically three years for an undergraduate degree, with options for joint or combined degrees. The department also supports various extracurricular activities, including classical societies, conferences, and public lectures, which enrich the academic experience and connect students with broader intellectual communities. The university’s London location provides students easy access to museums such as the British Museum, the Museum of Classical Archaeology, and other cultural sites, offering invaluable real-world learning opportunities. The program's aim is to inspire a lifelong interest in the classical world, fostering appreciation of its influence on contemporary society and encouraging the development of skills applicable in various professional fields.