Classics involves the study of the literature, history, art and material culture of ancient Greece and Rome. Study of Latin and/or Greek language is possible at any level.

Programme structure

Year 1

In first year you will study classical civilisation, covering the history, literature and culture of archaic Greece and republican Rome. You will read the Odyssey and the Aeneid alongside the histories of Herodotus and Sallust and the plays of Plautus.

You will also study two other subjects of your choice in year 1: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Year 2

The second year covers the literature, culture, history and politics of democratic Athens and of the Roman empire at its height. The set books include plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes; a dialogue by Plato; the histories of Thucydides and Tacitus; the satirical writings of Juvenal; and Petronius’ extraordinary novel.

You will also study two other subjects in year 2: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Years 3 and 4

If you successfully complete the courses in first and second year, you may progress to Honours (years 3 and 4). At Honours, you will choose options from a wide range that reflects the research interests of members of staff. Courses may include

• Interpreting Greek tragedy
• The Roman stage
• Roman afterlives
• Gender and sexuality in ancient Rome
• Greeks and Romans: identity and representation
• Homer and his readers
• Roman poetry and the visual arts
• The classical tradition in Scotland.

There is also the opportunity with the Honours programme to start or continue study of Latin and/or Greek.

Special features

Our international links

Career prospects

Note

Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014

MA

Highers: AAAA or AAABB (including English and a humanities subject or a language (including Gaelic) at grades A/B or B/A) in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved AAAB or AABBB (including English and a humanities subject or a language (including Gaelic) at grades A/B or B/A) at their first sitting WILL receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.

Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved AABB or ABBB at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed.

A-levels: AAB.

IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.

Scholarships

We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
 
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see:

• Scholarships