Newcastle University

Classics BA Honours
UCAS Code: Q800 (3 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

Studying classics at Newcastle means exploring the worlds of ancient Greece and Rome from a variety of perspectives and uncovering their legacy in our culture and their impact on the way we think today.

It provides a fascinating way for you to pursue your passion for the ancient world while laying the foundation for a broad range of careers.

In this degree you focus on Greek and Latin language and literature, whilst also having the opportunity to study a variety of aspects of the classical world.  

Much of your work will be based around the study of literature in the original language by major classical authors, while also working on developing and enhancing your linguistic and translation skills.

To help you understand the context in which these texts were written, you complement your language study by selecting from topics covering the literature, art, philosophy, history and archaeology of Greece and Rome.

The flexibility of the degree means you can spend some of your time studying topics from Classical Studies, Ancient History, Archaeology or History, or another subject area should you wish to.

Teaching and assessment

Research-informed teaching shapes the content of our undergraduate degrees and makes sure that you have chance to cover the most up-to-date theories and discoveries in your subject. Our current research strengths include:

• the Persian Empire
• classical influence in European literature and art
• the history of Greek and Roman medicine
• the Emperor Hadrian
• Greek myth

You normally attend between seven and 10 lectures or seminars per week. Seminars and workshops also form part of your timetable, and you will also supplement your classes with a substantial amount of independent study, research and reading. Further information can be found on our undergraduate web pages about the approach to teaching and learning at Newcastle University.

You will be expected to produce between three and six pieces of written work of varying length each semester. Your work will be assessed through course work or end-of-semester examinations, or a combination of the two. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module, more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Classical language learning

Each year, you spend one third of your time studying Latin and a third studying Greek, leading to a command of both by the end of your degree. Both Greek and Latin can be studied either from beginners' or advanced level. See the Modules tab for more information.

Our language classes provide thorough grounding in the essential knowledge and skills required to read Greek and Latin texts.

Translation and textual study classes enable you to improve your fluency in reading, while developing skills of literary analysis.

Study visits

During your degree, you will have the chance to take part in extra-curricular field trips that take advantage of the North East’s rich history such as:

• the nearby World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall
• the classically inspired Belsay Hall
• Wallington Hall

Study abroad

UK and EU students have the opportunity to broaden their academic experience and study abroad as part of their degree, particularly at the historic Italian University of Bologna.

School of History, Classics and Archaeology

As a classics student, you will be based in our School of History, Classics and Archaeology in the Armstrong Building. You will join a close-knit group of staff and students in the study of a timeless subject, brought to life by our historically rich location.

We have our own Classics Library which is a good place to work as well as to borrow resources to support your study. We also have an active student society, ClasSoc, which organises a range of activities and events for classics students.