Latin MA
Latin involves the study of the Latin language and literature, as well as the history and culture of the Romans.
You will have the opportunity to visit archaeological sites and museums in Italy as part of your programme.
- September start
- Session dates
- Latin MA (Hons): Q600 4 year degree
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Degree options
- Study abroad available
Programme structure
Depending on options chosen, you will read Virgil, Ovid and other Latin poets, Roman drama (tragedy and comedy), orators, historians, biographers. You will also learn about Roman political and social history, philosophy, religion and art.
The level at which you enter depends on whether you have taken Latin before. If you are a complete beginner, or have studied only some Latin, you will enter our Level 1 class in semester 1. If you are more experienced, you will normally begin language at Level 1 but in semester 2.
If you have a very good A-level (or equivalent) grade in Latin, you may be able to start your degree at Level 2 (omitting the first year).
Year 1
You will be provided with a strong foundation of grammar and vocabulary, leading to the reading of simple passages of genuine Latin. You will learn to read elementary texts in Latin and to translate Latin into English.
Year 2
You will have the opportunity to increase your knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, enabling you to translate passages of literary Latin into English. You will read works by a range of authors, and study literary and social contexts as well as language and style, developing your critical skills, so that you may write well-argued and researched essays.
You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.
Years 3 and 4
If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will choose from a wide range of topics that reflects current key issues, debates and research on the ancient Roman world, and study texts and genres in detail. Courses currently include:
- The Roman stage: A history of Roman drama
- Roman art
- Ancient medicine
- Rhetoric at Rome
- Cleopatra: life & legend
- The later Roman Empire
- Women & witchcraft in antiquity
- The novel in antiquity: impotent heroes & damsels in distress.
There is also the opportunity to start or continue the study of Greek.
Course details
Courses you will take as part of a Latin programme may include:
Year 1
- Latin 1A: Basic Latin 1
- Latin 1B: Basic Latin 2
- and two other subjects at pre-Honours
Students with A-level or Advanced Higher Latin normally take only Latin 1B; direct entry into Year 2 also possible
Year 2
- Latin 2A: Intermediate Latin 1
- Latin 2B: Intermediate Latin 2
- and two other subjects at pre-Honours
Years 3 and 4 (Honours)
- Core travel course (Years 3 and 4)
- Advanced Latin for Honours (Year 3)
- Dissertation (Latin) (Year 4)
Across years 3 and 4, at least five options from:
- Ancient Technology in Context (Linguistic Pathway)
- Ancient Warfare (Latin)
- The Novel in Antiquity (Latin)
- Imperium Indivisum?: The Collapse of the West Roman Empire in the fifth century AD (Latin)
- The Roman Stage: A History of Roman Drama from the Republic to the Empire (Latin)
- Rhetoric at Rome (Latin)
Up to three further options from:
- Ancient Emotions
- Ancient Medicine
- Athenian Democracy: Model Or Mob-Rule?
- Basic ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs for Honours
- Cleopatra: Life and Legend (Hons)
- From the Gracchi to Sulla: the sources and the history 133-70 BC
- Hellenistic Poetry
- Heroes and Heretics (Egypt)
- The Histories of Trans People (UG)
- Interpreting Greek Tragedy
- The Later Roman Empire, 270-400 AD
- Literature in Fragments
- Lyric poems and their performance in ancient Greece
- The Material World in Greek Religious Thought and Practice
- Myths, Fictions, and Histories of Alexander
- Reasons To Be Cheerful: Theorising Comedy With Aristophanes And Menander
- Religion in Ancient Greece
- ROMAN ART
- Rome In Transition, 49-27 BC
- The Art of Divergence in Ancient Egypt (Hons)
- The Invention of History: Herodotus, Thucydides, Xenophon
- The Other Greeks: Sparta, Crete, Thessaly
- Women and Power? The extraordinary women of the ancient world
- Women, Witches & Witchcraft in Antiquity
- Writing Ancient Women (Honours)
- Basic Greek For Honours 1
- Basic Greek For Honours 2
- Intermediate Greek for Honours 1
- Intermediate Greek for Honours 2
- Advanced Greek for Honours
Honours options, apart from language courses, typically run every other year and can be taken in either Year 3 or Year 4. The list here is indicative only, since Honours options are subject to change. Particular levels of language have specific pre-requisites in terms of previous experience and achievement.
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Our international links
If you progress to Honours you will have the opportunity to spend up to three weeks (usually during the summer vacation after year 3) visiting archaeological sites and museums in Italy or another part of the ancient world. Financial support for this visit is available to all Single Honours students.
You may also spend year 3 studying at universities in Europe (for example, in Rome), Australia, New Zealand or North America. See Study abroad.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2027
Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
- English for Academic Study: Pre-sessional courses
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
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.
Further information about English language: English for Academic Study
Careers and future opportunities
Graduate destinations
From professional employment to further study and professional training, our graduates go into a wide range of destinations.
Job prospects
Graduate Outcomes data shows that:
- 93.3% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
- 75.4% of those in work are in graduate-level employment
- The average professional salary after 15 months is £29,161.
This university-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2023–24 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Skills development
As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:
- Translating Latin texts independently, both prepared and unseen, with accuracy and contextual awareness.
- Analysing Latin literature using close reading, linguistic expertise and classical scholarship.
- Interpreting ancient Roman culture, history and society using textual, philosophical and material evidence.
- Evaluating scholarly arguments, applying critical reasoning to both primary and secondary sources.
- Producing independent research through structured enquiry, argumentation and engagement with classical evidence.
Careers & employability support
Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.
You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
MA (Hons)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
The chief extra expense will be copies of set texts. We make every effort to minimise additional expense through the use of electronic texts supplied by the Library. The projected costs are (these are variable depending on courses chosen):
- £60 for each of years 1 and 2; and
- £120 for each of years 3 and 4 (Honours).
Please note: for Single Honours Classics, Ancient History, Greek and Latin students, the Honours Core Travel course is compulsory and involves planning, costing and experiencing travel to place(s) associated with classical antiquity. We have funds to support this travel and students can tailor your plans to the funding available, but some students choose to spend more money on implementing their plans. This year (2025-26) we were able to secure funds to support Joint Honours students choosing to take this course (for whom it is not compulsory). However, funding Joint Honours students in this way may not be possible in future, so Joint Honours students should expect to spend a minimum of £250 on travel between years 3 and 4, if you choose to take this course.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
The scholarships shown are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 13 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
How to apply for Advanced Entry
Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.
Subject ranking
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Classics & Ancient History]
Times Higher Education World University Rankings [Arts and Humanties]
