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Qualification type
BA (Hons)

Classics

UCAS code Q800

Entry requirements
A level: BBB
View full requirements
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 years
Start date and application deadlines
Start date
September 2025
Apply by:
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We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom.

How to apply

Although the UCAS equal consideration date has now passed, many of our courses are still accepting applications from UK students for 2025 entry through UCAS.

The deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.

Combine this subject

With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.

  • Choose from 30 subjects and over 300 combinations
  • Choose joint or major minor subjects
  • Adjust the weight of your subjects at the end of your first year
  • Same number of credits as single honours students
  • Same classes as single honours students
  • Appeal to a wide range of employers

Explore combined degrees for Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology courses

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About this course

Study the Greeks and Romans and the languages in which they thought and wrote, whether you are a beginner or already studying Greek or Latin. In the language modules, your language skills and literary awareness will be developed through a wide range of texts (in poetry and prose) from the Graeco-Roman world.


Introduction

The degree allows you to study the society and culture of antiquity, including its literature, art, history and archaeology. If you have no previous experience of either Greek or Latin, the introductory level modules are designed to move you towards reading texts in their original languages as swiftly as possible. The more advanced modules allow for in-depth study of a wide variety of authors. You will have the advantage of expert tuition, often in very small groups, and the opportunity to develop specialist interests. Classics students also acquire the critical skills necessary for the interpretation of written evidence, to understand methodological issues and contemporary theories relevant to the study of ancient languages and societies.


What you'll learn

  • Ability to read and analyse ancient texts in their original language
  • A systematic understanding of the literature of the Greek and Roman worlds, and through it, aspects of society, politics and history
  • Development of critical skills required in the interpretation of a range of literary and documentary evidence in studying the Graeco-Roman worlds
  • A grounding in a wide range of critical theories, concepts and perspectives currently in use across the humanities
  • Development of linguistic competence in Ancient Greek and Latin languages
  • Opportunity to undertake a work placement
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We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.


Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

In year one you will study Greek and Latin language at levels depending on your previous experience. Other modules are on Greek and Roman literature in translation (the cultural cornerstones of the Odyssey and the Aeneid), ancient history, and visual culture.

Students are required to take both Latin and Ancient Greek language modules. The choice of Latin or Ancient Greek language modules is dependent on level of ability.  As a general rule: beginners join CLAH401/2 and CLAH501/2; students with an AS join CLAH403/4 and CLAH503/4; and those with an A level join CLAH405/6 and CLAH505/6.  Students with other qualifications must seek guidance from the subject lead on the appropriate entry point for their studies.   Language modules must be taken in pairs across the session.

Students also take 30 credits of optional modules in each semester.

 

ALGY109 and ALGY116 are pre-requisite modules for Egyptology modules in years two and three.

Year two

In year two, you will continue to develop both your skills in Latin and Greek, and your awareness of how Greek and Roman authors were using their languages. Your optional modules can be in Greek and Roman culture, classical literature in translation and ancient history.

Students take 15 credits of Latin modules and 15 credits of Ancient Greek modules in each semester. Language modules must be taken in pairs across the session and will normally continue from those taken in year one.

Students also take 30 credits of optional modules in each semester. Students must ensure they meet any pre-requisites.

CLAH222 requires prior approval and is subject to a suitable placement being sourced.  Students will not be able to register directly for this module.

Students may take 15 credits of optional cognate modules outside of their degree programme with permission from the subject lead.

Registration onto HLAC220 is only for students planning to undertake a Work Placement Year.

Year three

In year three, your dissertation will give you the opportunity to undertake detailed and independent research under the guidance of an expert adviser. The subject matter itself will be your own choice. You will also continue with Greek and Latin and will read key authors in the original language. The optional modules on offer draw directly on the areas of particular expertise of the Liverpool teaching staff.

Students take 15 credits of Latin modules and 15 credits of Ancient Greek modules in each semester. Language modules must be taken in pairs across the session and will normally continue from those taken in year two.

Students also take 15 credits of optional modules in each semester and a required dissertation (CLAH450).  Students must ensure they meet any pre-requisites.

Students wishing to take CLAH310 must have taken either CLAH105, ALGY109 or ALGY131 in year three. Students cannot register directly for this module.

Students wishing to take ALGY342 must have taken ALGY106 in year three.

CLAH450 is a ‘year-long’ module and which represents 15 credits in each semester.

Students may take 15 credits of optional cognate modules outside of their degree programme with permission from the subject lead.

Combined degree

Choosing this subject as a combined degree

There are five levels for each language in this programme, and you are slotted in at the appropriate level for your language experience. It may be that you will do Greek I at the same time as Latin III if you have an A level in Latin and not in Greek.

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

Modules are delivered by a mixture of lectures and seminars in year one, in year two the lecture element within modules is complemented by student led seminars. Finally, in year three, most modules are delivered by a short series of lectures with a focus on student-led seminars thereafter.

Self-directed study is also expected through the course reading list and conducting research for your essays and projects. Academic staff are regularly available via their office hours for one-to-one feedback and support. Course material is available 24-hours a day on Canvas, our online learning platform, and study support is available from our dedicated student services team.

Lectures combine the delivery of information and themes with discussion and demonstration of method and analysis, to address core topics and questions.  These are lecturer-led, and may involve class discussion and group work.

Seminars are small class discussion groups at which students have an opportunity to explore evidence and scholarship to answer questions, building on independent research or other relevant preparation.  In seminars, the teachers act as a facilitator and guide, co-ordinating, guiding, and reacting to student contributions.

Language classes follow a seminar format.  Seminars may include oral presentations by individuals or groups of students.

Independent study: students support and prepare for their in-class learning by undertaking independent study.  This normally involves reviewing lecture content, follow-up reading of sources and scholarship relating to lecture topics, preparing answers to questions set for seminar discussion through prior reading of sources and scholarship.

How you're assessed

Classics is assessed in a variety of ways.

Examination: learning outcomes are demonstrated in student performance through preparation for and the sitting of an examination. Such examinations may cover essay-based work (usually by selection of a set number of questions), source analysis (usually by selection of questions or a commentary on an ancient source) or language work (mostly translation and commentary of set passages).

Assessed coursework, including essays, commentaries, posters, and projects: learning outcomes are demonstrated in student performance through the preparation and delivery of a piece of work as an act of self-directed learning with full access to all the relevant learning and research tools and supports.

Seminar portfolio: a critical summary of seminars presented by students reflecting on the material discussed in seminars and subsequently researched and presented as a discussion of the topic or theme.

Class tests, primarily in language modules: learning outcomes are demonstrated with regards to understanding, analysing and applying structures and concepts of grammar and syntax.

Oral presentations: modules summatively (and formatively) assess presentation skills and in several modules require the use of Microsoft PowerPoint.

Liverpool Hallmarks

We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

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Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

  • Learn Chinese
  • Study in a bustling world heritage city
  • Improve employment prospects
  • Study Chinese culture
  • 30 minutes from Shanghai
  • Learn new skills

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

Year abroad

Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.

  • Choose from up-to 26 countries
  • Experience another way of life
  • Inspire your future career or studies
  • Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
  • More likely to earn higher salary
  • More likely to be employed after graduating

Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Hong Kong
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • USA

More about taking a year abroad

Semester abroad

Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

  • Inspire your future career or studies
  • Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
  • More likely to earn higher salary
  • More likely to be employed after graduating

More about taking a semester abroad

Summer abroad

Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

  • Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
  • Study abroad without adding an extra year
  • Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
  • Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline

Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?

  • Hong Kong
  • Japan
  • South Korea

More about taking a summer abroad

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

  • A dedicated languages degree
  • A language as a joint or major/minor degree
  • Language modules (selected degrees)
  • Language classes alongside your studies

Read more about studying a language

Combine this subject

With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.

  • Choose from 30 subjects and over 300 combinations
  • Choose joint or major minor subjects
  • Adjust the weight of your subjects at the end of your first year
  • Same number of credits as single honours students
  • Same classes as single honours students
  • Appeal to a wide range of employers

Explore combined degrees for Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology courses

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Your experience

The Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures. Teaching takes place across campus, including in specialist facilities in the Central Teaching Hub.

Explore where you'll study

Abercromby Square Home to the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology
Environmental Sciences and Archaeology Laboratory
Garstang Museum of Archaeology
Special Collections and Archives
Central Teaching Laboratory
Female student painting ancient markings onto the wall of the Archaeology caveonto
Cave Painting

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Why Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology at University of Liverpool?

  • Fantastic on-campus facilities such as the Garstang Museum with its outstanding archaeological collections and GIS suite for archaeological drawing
  • Our extensive laboratories used for conservation, lithics, geomagnetism, stable isotope, trace elements, finds processing and sample preparation
  • An enviable library which has been built up since the Ancient World and Archaeology has been studied at Liverpool since the 1880s
  • Opportunities to learn ancient languages such as Greek, Latin, Akkadian, Sumerian, Egyptian and Coptic
  • Archaeological projects based internationally, in Egypt, Greece, Bulgaria, Jordan, Turkey, Italy, Zambia, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa, as well as in the British Isles
Two students chatting while walking through campus.

Chat with our students

Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

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Careers and employability

The skills learnt on a Classics degree offer a wide range of possibilities. Graduates of this programme which combines a range of analytical skills can expect to have good access to careers in industry, commerce, finance, education and public service. The programme will also prepare students for postgraduate study or further training.

Graduates of this programme have good access to careers in the following industries:

  • commerce
  • finance
  • education
  • public service.

Recent employers include:

  • The National Trust
  • English Heritage
  • Civil Service
  • Archaeology South East
employment

88% of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology students go on to work or further study within 15 months of graduation.

(Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.)

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My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £24,100
Year abroad fee - £12,050 (applies to year in China)

The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.


Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.


Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

The Liverpool Bursary

If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Asylum Seekers Scholarship

Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.

Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary

If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Estranged Students Bursary

If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship

Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.

Nolan Scholarships

Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.

Rigby Enterprise Award

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship

Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.

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My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

Qualification Details
A levels

BBB

Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBC with B in the EPQ.

You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work.

Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.

T levels

T levels considered in a relevant subject.

Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism.

GCSE

4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

BTEC applications are encouraged. We evaluate each BTEC application on its merits.

International Baccalaureate

30 points, with no score less than 4

Irish Leaving Certificate H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

BBB in Advanced Highers, combinations of Advanced Highers and Scottish Highers are welcome

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Accepted at Grade B including BB at A level.
Access Pass Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject (e.g. Humanities or Social Sciences), 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction, 15 at Merit
International qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.


English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

Qualification Details
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
TOEFL Paper Grade 7 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level
Duolingo English Test 125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 60
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced 176 overall, with no paper below 162
LanguageCert Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level

Pre-sessional English

Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Pre-sessional English in detail

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 6 weeks On campus
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.


Alternative entry requirements

  • If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
  • If you are returning to learning, have had a disrupted education or are switching career pathways, the one-year Go Higher diploma qualifies you to apply for University of Liverpool arts, humanities and social sciences programmes
  • Applications from mature students are welcome.
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Entry requirements: which qualifications do you need?

Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

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Last updated 27 September 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions

Changes to Classics BA (Hons)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

14 January 2025: Duolingo English Test requirements updated

Duolingo English Test requirements updated. See English language requirements for details of the revised requirements.

16 December 2024: Change to Year in Industry information

This course was updated to reflect the fact that an official “Year in Industry” option is not currently available.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.