Classics

The study of Classics focuses on the period known as classical antiquity. This period spans from the Bronze Age of Ancient Greece to the fall of the Roman Empire. In most courses, you will have a chance to explore the history, culture, art, archaeology, philosophy and linguistics of classical antiquity in order to understand the ancient world and our relationship to it today.

Depending on the type of course you choose to study at university, this may or may not include the studying of an ancient language.

The study of Classics at undergraduate level will equip you with a range of transferable skills. Those who graduate from the degree are seen to be analytical, logical and skilled in communicating. Those who choose to work within the field may become museum archivists or curators, academics or may work in the fields of education, arts, culture or heritage. Others who decide to pursue a career less relevant to the study of Classics may work in fields such as politics, law, PR and marketing, finance, media and many more.

Whilst the study of Classical Civilisation or an ancient language such as Latin or Greek is useful, many universities including Cambridge offer routes through which you can learn the foundations for studying Classics in your first year. This may include taking on a longer course, in order to dedicate your first year to studying a language(s) intensely.

Beyond this, having A levels or equivalent in essay based humanities subjects would set you up well for the course. Useful subjects may include English, History or a language.