Undergraduate Study in Classics
Explore the Ancient World at Cambridge
The Faculty of Classics at Cambridge offers a world-class education in the languages, literature, history, art, archaeology, and philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome. Our undergraduate programs are designed to be accessible to students from all educational backgrounds, whether you've studied classical languages before or are discovering them for the first time.
Three Exciting Courses
Four-Year Course (No Prior Latin Required)
Our four-year course welcomes students with no previous experience in Latin or Greek. You'll begin with an intensive introduction to Latin language in your first year, alongside modules exploring classical civilisation, before joining the three-year students in your second year.
Key features:
- Intensive Latin and Greek training from beginner level
- Exploration of classical literature, history, art, and philosophy
- No prior knowledge of classical languages required
Three-Year Course (For Students with Latin A-Level)
If you already have an A-Level or equivalent qualification in Latin, our three-year course allows you to build on this foundation while introducing you to Greek (if you haven't studied it before) and the broader classical world.
MML with Classics
If you want to combine a modern language with either Classical Latin or Classical Greek in the first and second years (Parts IA and IB), the MML and Classics course is for you. Both Latin and Greek may be studied as an ab initio or post A-Level, language.
Key features:
- Advanced Latin language and literature
- Greek language at appropriate level (beginner to advanced)
- Wide range of optional papers across classical disciplines
- Opportunity to specialize in your areas of interest
Course Structure and Content
Our courses offer exceptional flexibility, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests while developing core skills in language, analysis, and interpretation.
Core Elements
- Language and literature: Develop proficiency in Latin and Greek while studying some of the world's most influential literary works in their original languages
- Ancient history: Explore the political, social, and cultural developments of the Greek and Roman worlds
- Classical art and archaeology: Examine the material culture of antiquity through architecture, sculpture, pottery, and other artifacts
- Ancient philosophy: Engage with the foundational ideas that shaped Western thought
- Linguistics: Study the development and structure of the classical languages
- Reception studies: Investigate how classical antiquity has influenced later periods and cultures
Teaching Methods
You'll benefit from Cambridge's renowned teaching approach, combining:
- Lectures delivered by world-leading experts
- Seminars for discussion and debate in smaller groups
- Supervisions small-group or one-to-one teaching sessions
- Language classes at appropriate levels
- Museum and practical sessions using our exceptional collections
Beyond the Classroom
Your Cambridge Classics experience extends far beyond formal teaching:
- Faculty Library: Access our specialized collection of over 60,000 volumes
- Museum of Classical Archaeology: Study one of the world's largest collections of plaster casts of Greek and Roman sculpture
- Fitzwilliam Museum: Engage with original ancient artifacts in the University's principal museum
- Student societies: Join the vibrant Cambridge Classical Society and other related groups
- Greek Play: Participate in or attend our famous Greek play productions in the original language
- Travel opportunities: Join faculty-organized trips to classical sites or participate in archaeological excavations
Admissions Information
Entry Requirements
- Three-year course: A-Level or equivalent in Latin (typically grade A/A*)
- Four-year course: No specific subject requirements
- MML with Classics: A-Level or equivalent in at least one of the languages you want to study (typically grade A/A*)
- All applicants: Strong academic record and genuine enthusiasm for the ancient world
Assessment
All applicants invited to interview will take a language assessment:
- For the three-year course: Latin skills assessment (or Greek if you have Greek but not Latin A-Level)
- For the four-year course: Language aptitude assessment
Details and specimens of these can be found in the Classics Admissions Assessment Specification.
*References to the OCR Vocabulary lists in the Specification refer to the following:
To note: individual colleges may set additional tests to these. Do contact the Admissions Officer at your chosen college to see if this applies to you
Application Process
- Submit your UCAS application by the October deadline
- Complete any additional college-specific requirements
- If shortlisted, attend interviews in December
- Receive decision by January
Connect With Us
We welcome applications from students of all backgrounds who share our passion for the ancient world.
- Email: access@classics.cam.ac.uk
- Attend: Our open days and events throughout the year
- Visit: The Faculty of Classics and Museum of Classical Archaeology
- Follow: Our social media channels for the latest news and insights
Discover why Cambridge is consistently ranked as a leading institution for Classics in the UK, and how our undergraduate programs can provide you with both a deep understanding of the ancient world and the skills to thrive in the modern one.