Affiliated students

Student on a computer at the University Library

Study Classics at Cambridge as a Graduate with Prior Qualifications

The Faculty of Classics at Cambridge welcomes affiliated students—graduates with approved degrees from other universities who wish to study for a Cambridge BA degree in Classics. This pathway offers a unique opportunity to experience Cambridge's world-renowned classical education while building on your existing academic foundation.

What is an Affiliated Student?

Affiliated students are graduates who join Cambridge to study for a BA degree, typically completing the course in a shorter timeframe than standard undergraduates. For Classics, affiliated students undertake a two-year program focusing on Part II of the Classical Tripos.

The Two-Year Program

As an affiliated student in Classics, you will:

  • Study for Part II of the Classical Tripos
  • Take five papers from the comprehensive range offered by the Faculty
  • Have the option to replace one paper with a thesis on a topic of your choice
  • Benefit from Cambridge's renowned supervision system
  • Access the same world-class resources as all Cambridge Classics students

The program offers exceptional flexibility, allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests across the full spectrum of classical disciplines:

  • Greek and Latin language and literature
  • Ancient philosophy
  • Ancient history
  • Classical art and archaeology
  • Linguistics and philology
  • Reception studies

Who Can Apply?

The affiliated student route is ideal for:

  • Graduates with a degree in Classics or a related subject
  • Students with substantial higher education experience who may not have a previous degree
  • International students seeking a Cambridge qualification in Classics

You will need to demonstrate appropriate knowledge of Latin and/or Greek, as you will be joining the course at an advanced level. The exact requirements depend on your academic background and the papers you wish to pursue.

College Membership

As an affiliated student, you will apply to and become a member of one of Cambridge's 31 colleges. Your college will provide:

  • Accommodation (in many cases)
  • Academic support through Directors of Studies and Tutors
  • Social and intellectual community
  • Additional facilities and resources

We strongly recommend making informal contact with your preferred college before applying to discuss your suitability for the affiliated student program in Classics.

How to Apply

The application process involves several steps:

  1. College selection: Research and identify colleges that accept affiliated students for Classics
  2. Initial contact: Reach out to your preferred college's admissions office to discuss your application
  3. UCAS application: Submit a standard UCAS undergraduate application
  4. Additional requirements: If you are living or studying outside the EU at the time of application, you will also need to complete a Cambridge Online Preliminary Application (COPA)

For detailed guidance on application procedures, deadlines, and college-specific requirements, please contact the Admissions Office of your preferred college or email access@classics.cam.ac.uk.

Course Structure and Content

The Classical Tripos Part II offers a wide range of papers across classical disciplines. You will select five papers in total, with the option to replace one with a thesis.

Papers typically cover:

  • Advanced Greek and Latin language and literature
  • Specialized topics in ancient history
  • In-depth study of classical art and archaeology
  • Focused exploration of ancient philosophical texts and traditions
  • Specialized linguistic and philological studies
  • Reception of classical antiquity in later periods

The course structure allows you to either specialize in a particular area or create a diverse program spanning multiple aspects of classical studies.

Academic Experience

As an affiliated student, you'll benefit from Cambridge's distinctive teaching methods:

  • Supervisions: Regular small-group or one-to-one teaching sessions with academic specialists
  • Lectures: Delivered by world-leading experts in their fields
  • Seminars: Discussion-based sessions exploring specialized topics
  • Independent research: Developing your own scholarly interests with expert guidance

Resources and Facilities

Cambridge offers unparalleled resources for classical study:

  • Faculty of Classics Library: Extensive specialized collection with 24-hour access for students
  • University Library: One of the world's greatest research libraries
  • Museum of Classical Archaeology: Housing one of the largest collections of plaster casts of Greek and Roman sculpture
  • Fitzwilliam Museum: Exceptional collections of classical art and antiquities
  • Digital resources: Access to specialized databases and research tools

Career Prospects

A Cambridge Classics degree is highly regarded by employers across sectors. Our affiliated students go on to successful careers in:

  • Academia and research
  • Education
  • Heritage and museums
  • Law
  • Civil service
  • Media and publishing
  • Business and finance

The analytical, linguistic, and critical thinking skills developed through classical study are valuable in numerous professional contexts.

Contact Us

For more information about studying as an affiliated student in Classics at Cambridge:

We welcome inquiries from potential affiliated students and are happy to provide guidance on the application process and course content.