Classical Studies MA (Honours) 2022 entry
The MA (Hons) in Classical Studies is a degree of remarkable range and depth. It includes not only the study of Greek and Roman literature but also the social and cultural history of the classical world, its philosophy, religion and art, and the reception of Greek and Roman culture in the modern world. Classical studies at St Andrews will allow you to discover and debate – among many other things – the power of Greek tragedy, the imposing beauty of Roman sculpture and the twists and turns of Platonic dialogue. The course encourages new ways of seeing both the classical world and the world of today.
All classical texts are studied in English translation. There is no requirement for ancient languages. There are opportunities to learn both Latin and Greek at beginner’s or more advanced levels and to take them further if you wish to. You will also be able to supplement your classical studies courses with complementary subjects such as ancient history, archaeology, and ancient philosophy.
Key information
UCAS code
Q811
Course type
Master of Arts (single Honours degree)
Course duration
Four years full time
- Start date: 5 September 2022
- End date: 30 September 2026
Entry requirements
These grades are the overall standards required to consider you for entry. Find out more about Standard, Minimum and Gateway entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator.
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes. Please see our entry requirements for more information.
For degrees combining more than one subject, the subject with the higher entry requirements determines the grades you need. You will also need to meet any further subject specific entrance requirements as outlined on their pages.
International applicants
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. Find out more about English language requirements.
How to applyDo I need to have studied this subject before?
No prior knowledge of classical studies is necessary.
General entry requirements
All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.
Other qualifications
More information on how to apply via other entry routes or accreditation of prior learning and experience can be found on the University’s entry requirements web page.
Reputation
The School of Classics at St Andrews has an international reputation for the diversity of teaching programmes offered. The School has expertise in history and archaeology from the archaic Greek period, through the Roman Republic and Empire, to Late Antiquity, and in Greek and Latin literature from archaic Greece to the Later Roman Empire. The School also has expertise in the reception of classics, that is, the study of later engagements with Greek and Roman culture and history from the Renaissance to the modern-day.
The School of Classics was ranked first in Scotland by the Guardian University Guide 2022 and by the Complete University Guide 2022 for overall student satisfaction and quality of teaching and research.
The University of St Andrews as a whole was voted top in the UK for student academic experience in The National Student Survey 2021. More than 93% of St Andrews final-year students gave the University top marks for the quality of the learning and teaching experience.
The School was ranked best in Scotland and second in the UK in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) for the quality and impact of its research.
Course information
The MA (Hons) in Classical Studies is a four-year course run by the School of Classics. The first two years focus on Greek and Roman literature, art and culture.
In your first year, you will start by exploring some of the most dynamic literary and artistic achievements of archaic and classical Greece, ranging from Homer’s epic poetry to the art and drama of classical Athens and the philosophy of Plato. You will learn how the Greeks used art, drama, myth and religion to express their sense of community and to navigate the turbulent world they inhabited. Then you will turn to the art and literature of Augustan Rome and learn how art, literature and the fabric of the city of Rome itself were reinvented by, and in response to, the new regime of the first Roman emperor.
In your second year, you will take modules that further extend and refine your knowledge of Greek and Latin literature. This year covers the art, literature and philosophy of two periods of dramatic social and political change, early Greece and the Late Roman Republic.
Rome in the Late Republic (first century BCE) experienced a series of brutal civil wars that tore the city and its empire apart and ushered in the age of the emperors. Yet the same period also produced some of Rome’s finest literature, from the seething passions of Catullus’ poetry to the slick rhetoric of Cicero’s speeches. You will study key authors of the period in their social, political and intellectual context, to learn – among other things – how they used their writing to work out what it meant to be Roman in such turbulent times.
To round off your second year, you will go back to the very beginning of the western tradition by studying the works of the earliest Greek poets and philosophers. You will learn how they sought to bring order to the human and divine worlds of the earliest Greek city-states, and how they used their works to explore themes of justice, love and relationships and to attack their enemies.
There is no compulsory language element in the Classical Studies MA (Hons), although you can choose to study Latin or Greek through optional modules. The classical studies programme is extremely flexible and also allows you to take sub-honours modules from the Ancient History (MA) programme, which will deepen and broaden your understanding of the historical background to Greek and Roman culture.
The analytical skills you gain in your first two years will prepare you to continue exploring a wide range of texts and topics at a more advanced level in your third and fourth years (Honours level).
Alongside classical studies, in the first year of your studies you will be required to study an additional two subjects. In the second year, you will usually continue to study at least one of these subjects, sometimes two. Find out more about how academic years are organised.
At Honours level, you will be able to branch out and explore a wide range of historical, cultural and philosophical topics and genres of art and literature which reflect your own particular interests. You will also have the opportunity to explore the relationship between the ancient and the modern world through a number of modules which focus on the reception of classical antiquity, that is, the use which later societies and cultures have made of the legacy of the Greeks and Romans. Recent topics have included:
- ancient religion and magic
- Greek and Roman art
- Greek philosophy, morality and ethics
- women in ancient societies
- Greek theatre
- major genres of Greek and Roman literature, from epic to history, rhetoric and novels
- the reception of Greek and Roman culture from the Renaissance to the present, in theatre, novels, education and film.
A wide range of other modules is available to complement classical studies and suit your interests; these modules include topics in ancient history, modern languages, medieval history, English literature, and philosophy.
The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits. More information on the structure of the modules system can be found on the flexible degree structure web page.
Modules
In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours), you will take the required modules in classical studies alongside modules in at least one other subject. Find out more about the modular Scottish degree system.
The Classical Studies programme is very flexible and can incorporate modules in ancient history, Latin and Greek alongside or even in place of specialist classical studies modules (though there are some minimum requirements), so that you can pursue your interests in the Greeks and Romans wherever they lead.
In the first year, most students take:
- Myth and Community in Ancient Greek Literature and Culture: explores some of the most dynamic literary and artistic achievements of archaic and classical Greek culture, from Homeric epic to Athenian tragedy, comedy and philosophy.
- Images of Augustan Rome: studies the works of art and literature that were produced during the lifetime of the first emperor of Rome, Augustus, and that react in different ways to the new regime that he established.
You can also choose from first-year modules in ancient history, Greek and Latin.
In the second year, most students take:
- Culture and Thought in the Late Roman Republic: studies the art and literature of Rome in the Late Republic (first century BCE). Key literary texts, such as the passionate poetry of Catullus and the stylish rhetoric of Cicero, are set against the broader backdrop of Roman political, cultural and social life in this turbulent period of civil war and dictatorship.
- Early Greek Poetry and Philosophy: studies the earliest phases of the Greek literary and philosophical tradition in the archaic and early classical Greek world. It explores the diversity of early Greek thought through the poetry and philosophy of the period, and explores themes of conflict, justice, love and the relationship between mortals and gods.
You can also choose from modules in ancient history, Greek and Latin.
If you decide to take Classical Studies in your third and fourth years, you will choose further modules for more advanced study of ancient texts, discourses and images.
Here is a sample of Honours modules which have been offered in previous years:
- After Virgil: The Aeneid and its Reception
- Animals in Greco-Roman Antiquity
- Art of the Roman Empire
- Classics for the Modern World: Interventions and Applications
- Gender and Sexuality in Greek Literature
- Greek Painted Pottery
- Greek Theatre
- Herodotus
- Modern Classics: Classics in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries
- Pleasure, Goodness and Happiness: Hellenistic Ethics
- Religions of the Greeks
- Roman Praise
- Travel and Marvels in the Graeco-Roman World
- Women in Ancient Societies.
You will also have access to Honours modules from the Ancient History and Ancient History & Archaeology programmes.
In fourth year, students also have the opportunity to undertake a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic of their choice. This independent project enables you to develop key research skills which are desired by both prospective employers and by graduate schools offering postgraduate degrees.
The compulsory modules listed here must be taken in order to graduate in this subject. However, most students at St Andrews take additional modules, either in their primary subject or from other subjects they are interested in. For Honours level, students choose from a range of Honours modules, some of which are listed above. A full list of all modules appropriate to the programme for the current academic year can be found in the programme requirements.
Teaching
Teaching format
Teaching at sub-honours level is delivered primarily through lectures (60 to 80 students) and small group tutorials (8 to 12 students). Tutorials are an opportunity for students to discuss and develop their thinking in a small and friendly atmosphere, guided by an expert tutor.
At Honours level, students are taught through seminars (10 to 20 students), with an emphasis on students’ own contribution in informal class discussion and in group or individual presentations.
In addition to lectures and tutorials, students are expected to undertake substantial independent, but guided, work outside of the classroom. Typically, this will involve:
- reading ancient texts in translation
- reading journal articles and books
- working on individual projects
- undertaking research in the library
- preparing coursework assignments and presentations
- preparing for examinations.
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team with expertise and knowledge of classical studies. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module coordinator.
You can find contact information for all classics staff on the School of Classics website.
In addition to your studies in the School of Classics, optional academic support is available through practical study skills courses and workshops hosted within the University.
The University’s student services team can help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities, long term medical conditions or learning disabilities. More information can be found on the students with disabilities web page.
Assessment
Most modules in classical studies are assessed by a combination of 50% coursework and 50% examination. Coursework includes:
- research essays
- learning diaries
- oral presentations
- creative projects
- literary criticisms
- analysis of art.
Most modules include a written examination held at the end of each semester during a dedicated exam diet with revision time provided beforehand.
The School aims to provide feedback on every assessment within three weeks to help you improve on future assessments.
Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews must achieve at least 7.0 on the St Andrews 20-point grade scale to pass a module. To gain access to Honours-level modules, students must achieve the relevant requisites as specified in the policy on entry to Honours and in the relevant programme requirements. Please note that some Schools offer qualified entry to Honours, and this will be clearly specified in the programme requirements. To find out the classification equivalent of points, please see the common reporting scale.
Meet us online
If you're interested in studying at St Andrews, join us on a visiting day or online information session to find out about our courses, how to apply, and to meet current students.
Fees
Tuition fees for entry
| Home-funded | £1820 |
|---|---|
| RUK (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) and Republic of Ireland | £9250 |
| Islands (Channel Islands, Isle of Man) | £9250 |
| EU and overseas | £26350 |
For overseas students, tuition fees will be fixed at this level for the duration of your programme.
More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.
Accommodation fees
Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation.
Funding and scholarships
The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.
Joint Honours degrees
You can take Classical Studies as part of a joint Honours degree alongside one of the following listed subjects.
It is also possible to combine a degree in Classical Studies with two modern languages. Any combination of Arabic, French, Italian, Persian and Russian is available. Triple degrees taken with Arabic, French, Italian, Russian are also available 'With Integrated Year Abroad'.
Joint degrees taken with French are also available 'With Integrated Year Abroad'.
In taking a joint degree, you are required to take core modules in all of your subjects. Find out more about joint degrees.
Your future
Careers
Classical studies students at St Andrews have traditionally moved into a very wide range of careers upon graduating. Some continue their academic careers via a postgraduate training degree or doctoral study either in St Andrews or at another university. Other students have often progressed to postgraduate qualifications in teaching, law or finance.
Recent classical studies graduates have moved into careers in:
- law
- marketing
- museums and heritage
- journalism
- the theatre
- civil service
- teaching
- finance
- applied computing.
A degree in classical studies will provide you with transferable skills that will equip you for a future career in many sectors. These skills include:
- understanding a range of viewpoints and critical approaches
- flexible thinking
- exercising reflection and critical judgment
- gathering, memorising, organising and deploying information
- time management
- project planning
- independent work
- group work
- oral and written expression.
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.
Study abroad
Classical studies students can apply to participate in the University-wide St Andrews Abroad programme. You may also have the opportunity to participate in the School Abroad exchange programme. For information about study abroad options, please see the study abroad site.
Student life
The University of St Andrews offers an array of events and opportunities which result in a truly unique student experience. Students participate in a range of traditions, notably, the red academic gown and the academic family, where older students adopt first-year students as ‘children’ and help guide them in a system of mentoring. These traditions, and the choice of over 150 sports clubs and student societies to choose from, ensure a community feel amongst students from first year onwards.
Students of classical studies may be interested in joining the following student societies:
- The Bacchae Society is the society for everyone with an interest in all things classical.
- The Student Archaeology Society is a student-run society that organises regular meetings, talks, events and sometimes field-trips.
- The History Society hosts guest speakers on a variety of topics as well as social events including pub nights, garden parties and trips abroad.
The School of Classics is housed in Swallowgate, an attractive building which overlooks the sea and is close to the University Library and St Salvator's Quadrangle. Students will attend tutorials, seminars and individual meetings with tutors in this building, while lectures are held nearby in St Salvator’s Quadrangle.
The Swallowgate building also houses the School of Classics’ class library. The class library contains books that supplement the extensive holdings in the main Library and closely support the School’s undergraduate programmes.
The town of St Andrews itself has lots to offer. As University buildings are located throughout the town, walking around you encounter ancient and modern buildings, parks and beaches, providing a rich, beautiful backdrop to learning. Find out more about the town of St Andrews.
Find out more about student life at the University of St Andrews.
"I enjoyed how broad the degree structure was in the first two years. I was able to enhance my knowledge of the ancient world with modules in Ancient History, Biblical Studies and Hebrew. The St Andrews experience is truly unique and I cannot imagine anywhere else that balances such a strong community with top-tier academics so well."
Joel (Herefordshire, England)
Contact
University of St Andrews
Swallowgate
St Andrews
KY16 9AL
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2600
Email: classics@st-andrews.ac.uk
Policies
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our admissions policy.
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
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Reputation
The School of Classics at St Andrews has an international reputation for the diversity of teaching programmes offered. The School has expertise in history and archaeology from the archaic Greek period, through the Roman Republic and Empire, to Late Antiquity, and in Greek and Latin literature from archaic Greece to the Later Roman Empire. The School also has expertise in the reception of Classics, that is, the study of later engagements with Greek and Roman culture and history from the Renaissance to the modern day.
The School of Classics was ranked first in Scotland by the Guardian University Guide 2022 and by the Complete University Guide 2022 for overall student satisfaction and quality of teaching and research.
The University of St Andrews as a whole was voted top in the UK for student academic experience in The National Student Survey 2021. More than 93% of St Andrews final-year students gave the University top marks for the quality of the learning and teaching experience.
The School was ranked best in Scotland and second in the UK in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) for the quality and impact of its research.