Classics

The Classics program at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and in-depth study of the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, their languages, literature, history, philosophy, and archaeology. Students enrolled in this program will engage with a rigorous curriculum designed to develop analytical and critical thinking skills, while gaining a thorough understanding of the cultural and historical contexts that shaped Western civilization. Throughout the course of the degree, students have the opportunity to study Classical Greek and Latin, progressing from basic principles to advanced proficiency, enabling them to read original texts in their original languages. The program emphasizes not only linguistic mastery but also encourages students to explore literary, philosophical, and historical sources, fostering a holistic understanding of the ancient world.

In addition to language studies, the program incorporates modules on Classical Archaeology, providing insight into ancient art, architecture, and material culture. Students will examine archaeological findings, learn about the methods used in excavations, and analyze artifacts to gain a better understanding of ancient societies. The curriculum also covers diverse topics such as mythology, religion, political systems, and daily life in Greece and Rome, which are essential for contextualizing primary texts and archaeological finds.

Designed to suit a wide range of interests within the field of Classics, the program offers optional modules that allow students to specialize in particular areas such as Philosophy and Literature, Ancient History, or Archaeology. This flexibility enables students to tailor their studies to their personal academic goals and future career aspirations. The program also encourages participation in seminars, workshops, and research projects, facilitating active engagement with faculty experts and peers.

Beyond classroom study, students have access to Cambridge’s rich resources, including extensive library collections, digital archives, and archaeological materials. Opportunities for external fieldwork and study abroad programs are also available, providing practical experience and immersive learning environments. Graduates of the Classics program are well-equipped for careers in education, research, publishing, museum work, journalism, and other fields requiring strong analytical and communicative skills.

Overall, the Classics program at the University of Cambridge aims to develop students into critical thinkers, knowledgeable scholars, and effective communicators, capable of engaging with the ancient world and applying its lessons to contemporary issues. With a history of academic excellence and a vibrant intellectual community, the program offers an inspiring environment for anyone passionate about exploring the foundations of Western culture through language, history, and archaeology.

During Part I, you have an average of 12 lectures a week, and two or more language classes (as needed). You also have at least two supervisions a week in which you discuss your work.

In Part II, you may have Faculty seminars as well as lectures, while your College supervisions give you the opportunity to research essay topics of your choice in depth.

Assessment is by end of year exams.

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 culture, submit essays for assessment, and undertake some preparatory work for taking up Ancient Greek at the beginning of the next year.

Year 1 (Part IA)

Written texts are a major source of evidence for classical antiquity, so you study texts in the original Greek and Latin from the most familiar periods of ancient literature by central authors such as Homer, Euripides, Plato, Virgil, Ovid and Cicero.

You also study elements of ancient history, archaeology, art, philosophy, philology and linguistics to build the broadest possible understanding of the ancient world and our relationship to it. Reading and language classes directed by specialist language teachers, as required, extend your knowledge of the ancient languages. End of year exams test your linguistic and literary comprehension and essay writing skills.

Year 2 (Part IB)

You take six papers, including a paper from each of the following four compulsory groups:

• Greek translation
• Latin translation
• Greek literature, eg Athens on Stage
• Latin literature, eg Roman Youth

The remaining two papers are chosen from four on other subjects:

• history
• philosophy
• art and archaeology
• philology

Further optional papers on prose or verse composition in both languages are available if you wish to develop your confidence and creativity in manipulating language.

Year 3 (Part II)

You can specialise within one discipline (eg archaeology) or construct a wide-ranging course particular to your individual strengths and interests. You choose four papers from a broad range of options, including:

• literature, eg Apollo and Dionysus
• philosophy, eg Aristotle’s World, from Turtles to Tragedies
• history, eg Popular Culture in the Roman Empire
• archaeology, eg The Poetics of Classical Art
• language, eg Greek from Mycenae to Homer
• a multidisciplinary paper, eg The Art of Care: the Body and the Self
• papers from another degree course

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. Past dissertations have covered:

• cross-dressing in antiquity
• the phenomenon of Asterix
• classical influences on contemporary American poetry
• Homer and Virgil
• Greek tragedy and politics
• comparative linguistics
• the nature and role of pleasure in human life
• art and archaeology in Roman Egypt

• All applicants to the University of Cambridge must submit an application to UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) by the relevant deadline.
• The Attestat o (polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) is not considered to be suitable preparation for a competitive application to the University of Cambridge. We strongly recommend that you undertake further study if you wish to apply for an undergraduate degree. Examples of the qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge are A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or possibly the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK. We recommend that you contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance.
• IELTS – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
• Cambridge English: Advanced – grade A or B.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency – grade A, B or C.
• Required by all Colleges: A Level/IB Higher Level Latin (A Level/IB Higher Level Greek is accepted as a substitute at some Colleges)
• All applicants for Classics are required to take an assessment at interview, if interviewed.

The Finance studies for the Classics program at the University of Cambridge typically encompass a range of funding options designed to support students throughout their academic journey. Students are encouraged to explore various financial resources, including university scholarships, bursaries, and external funding opportunities. The University of Cambridge offers numerous scholarships specifically targeted at students pursuing arts and humanities degrees, which may include the Classics program. Applicants are advised to consult the university’s official scholarship database and the Faculty of Classics website for detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures. Additionally, students can consider external funding sources such as government-sponsored loans, grants, and private bursaries.

Tuition fee arrangements vary depending on residency status, with UK, EU, and international students potentially facing different fee structures. For UK students, tuition fees are set annually by the university, with possible support through government funding schemes such as student loans, which can cover both tuition and maintenance costs. International students should budget for higher tuition fees and explore scholarship opportunities targeted explicitly at overseas students. The University also offers a range of bursaries and grants to help with living expenses, often based on financial need or academic merit.

Students are advised to prepare comprehensive financial plans before beginning their studies, considering both tuition costs and living expenses. The university’s Financial Support Office provides guidance and assistance in navigating available funding options. Furthermore, research students, including those undertaking postgraduate studies in Classics, may have access to research grants, stipends, or assistantships, which provide additional financial support. Some programs may also have teaching or research assistant roles, offering stipends in exchange for teaching or research duties.

Overall, financial planning is a crucial aspect of pursuing a Classics degree at the University of Cambridge. While the university offers numerous support mechanisms, applicants are encouraged to proactively seek out and apply for all relevant funding opportunities early in the admissions process to ensure comprehensive financial coverage for their studies.

Your living expenses may be higher than for a Home student (eg if you stay in Cambridge/the UK during vacations). The minimum resources needed in Cambridge for the year (excluding tuition and College fees) are estimated to be approximately £10,080 in 2017-18 and £10,310 in 2018-19, depending on lifestyle (you should allow for increases in future years).