Classical Studies BA Honours

 

Clearing - How to apply

What is Clearing?

Each year, universities may have spaces left on their courses after the application window has closed in June. 

UCAS Clearing is your opportunity to snap up one of these places, even if you didn't apply to the university prior to the June deadline. 

It also gives you a second chance to go to university if you didn't get the grades you needed for your firm and insurance offers. 

How do I get in touch?

Our Clearing entry requirements may differ from those advertised – contacting our friendly advisers is the best way to find out if you’re eligible for a place. 

You can get in touch through live chat or our hotlines. Call us on 0800 073 5050, or if you're an International student calling from outside the UK, call: +44 191 222 5000.

Not available in Clearing

This course is not available in Clearing 2026.

This means there are no spaces available for Clearing 2026. If you can't find vacancies in your original course or subject area, try exploring other subjects in a related field.

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Course overview

Immerse yourself in the study of the Greek and Roman world on this three-year Classical Studies BA Honours degree. You'll focus on developing your knowledge of how ancient societies thought about and presented their world through culture.

Exploring everything from literature, history and art, to science, architecture and religion, you'll learn about the impact Classical tradition has had on Western civilisation. You'll also learn about the range of approaches available to study it. You'll also have the option of studying Latin or Ancient Greek from beginners or intermediate level.

Alongside core modules in Greek and Roman literature, you'll explore a variety of topics, including:

• Greek and Roman religion
• slavery in Greco-Roman Antiquity
• the life and afterlife of Alexander the Great, and 
• women in the ancient world

You will have the opportunity to study ancient Greek and Latin language, from beginners’ to advanced level. You will also choose to specialise in subject areas of interest to you, preparing you for a broad range of employment opportunities in a wide variety of fields.

Download information about this course as a PDF

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

Professional accreditation review and recognition of professional qualifications in Europe

Professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by professional bodies to ensure they meet the latest industry practices and regulatory standards. This keeps your degree rigorous, relevant, and highly valued by employers, providing a clear pathway into your chosen career.

If you are studying an accredited degree and considering a career in Europe after graduation, it is important to stay informed about international standards. The best resource for current information is the UK Government's guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states.

This official resource provides essential details on:

• whether your profession is regulated in another country.
• the specific steps you need to take to practice abroad.
• which organisations you should contact to begin the process.

What you'll learn

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

You'll take the following compulsory modules:

Compulsory modules	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
The World of Latin Literature	20	20	-	4
Tragedy, Comedy, History: The World of Greek Literature	20	-	20	4

You'll also take 4 optional modules normally selected from the following list:

Module	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
One to four modules in Greek and/or Latin at Beginners’ or Intermediate level (see Appendix 8)	20-80	20-40	0-40	4 or 5
Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology	20	20	-	4
How Should I Live? An Introduction to Ancient Philosophy	20	-	20	4
West meets East: Greek History and Society, 776-200 BC	20	20	-	4
The Roman World from Romulus to Trajan	20	-	20	4

With the approval of the Degree Programme Director (DPD), alternative optional modules to those listed above may be selected from Stage 1 Archaeology, History or other subject areas (to a maximum of 40 credits). Recommended modules are:

Module	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
Prehistoric Britain	20	20	-	4
The Archaeology of Britain from the Romans to the 20th Century	20	-	20	4
Global Middle Ages	20	-	20	4
Stuff: living in a material world	20	-	20	4
Global Ancient Histories	20	20	-	4

Appendix 8

You can choose to take one or more Classical Language modules as set out in the regulations. Depending on your level of previous study you'll either start at Beginners or Intermediate level. You must take the Semester 1 Part 1 module before proceeding to the Semester 2 Part 2 module. Pre-requisite modules are set out in the Module Outline forms and indicated below.

An exemption from the University’s Qualifications and Credit Framework has been granted to allow the study of Beginners’ and Intermediate Latin and Greek at any stage. In the cases of Stages 2 and 3, the particular pathway selected is subject to the discretion of the Degree Programme Director.

Greek modules

Module	Pre-Requisite	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
Beginners’ Greek in Action Part 1	None	20	20	-	4
Beginners’ Greek in Action Part 2	CAG1001 taken in same or a previous year	20	-	20	4
Intermediate Greek Language and Literature Part 1	CAG1002 taken in a previous year unless DPD approval given due to prior learning	20	20	-	5

Latin modules

Module	Pre-Requisite	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
Beginners’ Latin in Action Part 1	None	20	20	-	4
Beginners’ Latin in Action Part 2	CLA1001 taken in the same or a previous year.	20	-	20	4
Intermediate Latin Language and Literature Part 1	CLA1002 taken in a previous year unless DPD approval given due to prior learning	20	20	-	5

Modules

You'll undertake a dedicated research training module, ‘Researching the Classics’, which places emphasis on helping you to develop your abilities to pursue independent research, in preparation for Stage 3.

The rest of your modules can be chosen from a wide selection of topics relating to Greek and Latin literature, Greek and Roman history or archaeology, including options to learn Greek and Latin language.

You'll take the following compulsory modules:

Compulsory modules	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
The Researcher’s Toolkit: Sources, methods, and interpretations in Classics and Ancient History	20	-	20	5

You'll also take 100 credits of optional modules normally selected from Lists A and B, up to the maximum indicated for each.

List A (maximum 100 credits):

Module	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
One to four modules in Greek and/or Latin, (see Appendix 8)	20-80	20-40	20-40	4-6
The Classical Inheritance in Western Culture †	20	10	10	5
Approaches to Greek Mythology	20	20	-	5
Love, Death, and Longing †	20	20	-	5
Warlike women, one-eyed warriors and gold-guarding griffins: The World of Herodotus †	20	-	20	5
Slavery in Greco-Roman Antiquity	20	-	20	5

List B (maximum 60 credits):

Module	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
Hellenistic Empires from Alexander to Cleopatra	20	-	20	5
The Roman World from Hadrian to Heraclius	20	20	-	5
Greek and Roman Religions	20	20	-	5
Sacred words and dirty deeds: Thriving in Late Antiquity	20	-	20	5
The Mediterranean: a connected past	20	20	-	5

With the approval of the Degree Programme Director (DPD), alternative optional modules to those listed List B above may be selected from Stage 2 Archaeology, History or other subject areas (to a maximum of 40 credits). Recommended modules are:

Module	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
From Lascaux to Knossos: Prehistoric Europe	20	-	20	5
Archaeologies of the Roman Empire: The Roman World from Augustus to Diocletian	20	20	-	5
Colonial Worlds: History and Archaeology	20	-	20	5
Africa: History of a Continent	20	-	20	5
Destroying Nature: Disasters, Diseases and Environmental Injustice	20	-	20	5
Diversities of Sexuality and Gender in History	20	-	20	5

Appendix 8

You can choose to take one or more Classical Language modules as set out in the regulations. Depending on your level of previous study you'll either start at Beginners or Intermediate level. You must take the Semester 1 Part 1 module before proceeding to the Semester 2 Part 2 module. Pre-requisite modules are set out in the Module Outline forms and indicated below.

An exemption from the University’s Qualifications and Credit Framework has been granted to allow the study of Beginners’ and Intermediate Latin and Greek at any stage. In the cases of Stages 2 and 3, the particular pathway selected is subject to the discretion of the Degree Programme Director.

Greek modules

Module	Pre-Requisite	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
Beginners’ Greek in Action Part 1	None	20	20	-	4
Beginners’ Greek in Action Part 2	CAG1001 taken in same or a previous year	20	-	20	4
Intermediate Greek Language and Literature Part 1	CAG1002 taken in a previous year unless DPD approval given due to prior learning	20	20	-	5

Latin modules

Module	Pre-Requisite	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
Beginners’ Latin in Action Part 1	None	20	20	-	4
Beginners’ Latin in Action Part 2	CLA1001 taken in the same or a previous year.	20	-	20	4
Intermediate Latin Language and Literature Part 1	CLA1002 taken in a previous year unless DPD approval given due to prior learning	20	20	-	5

 

Modules

Please note that placement opportunities will be guided by national and institutional policy at the time.

On completion of Stage 2 and before entering Stage 3, you may as part of your
studies for the degree spend a year abroad at an appropriate exchange partner institution.

Permission to undertake a year abroad is subject to the approval of the Degree Programme Director. Students who are required to re-sit their Stage 2 assessment must delay the start
of their placement until they have done so.

Students who fail Stage 2 may not complete a year abroad.

If you take an international study year, you'll take the following compulsory modules:

Module	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
International Study Year Module	120	60	60	6

 

Modules

4. Stage 3

(a) All candidates shall take the following compulsory module:

Compulsory modules	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
Dissertation in Classics and Ancient History	40	20	20	6

(b) You'll take 80 credits of optional modules normally selected from lists A and B, up to the maximum indicated for each.

List A (maximum 80 credits):

Optional modules	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
One to four modules in Greek and/or Latin, (see Appendix 8)	20-80	20-40	20-40	4-6
The Classical Inheritance in Western Culture†	20	10	10	6
Approaches to Greek Mythology †	20	20	-	6
Love, Death, and Longing †	20	20	-	6
Warlike women, one-eyed warriors and gold-guarding griffins: The World of Herodotus †	20	-	20	6

† Note: candidates may not take at Stage 3 the CAC3***-coded version of any module whose CAC2*** coded version they took at Stage 2.

List B (maximum 60 credits):

Optional modules	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
City of Athens: Power, Society and Culture	20	20	-	6
Roman Egypt	20	-	20	6
Businesswomen in the ancient world: Challenging Prejudices and Inequality	20	20	-	6

(c) With the approval of the Degree Programme Director, alternative optional modules to those listed List B above may be selected from Stage 3 Archaeology, History or other subject areas (to a maximum of 40 credits). Note that Stage 3 History modules are usually capped, with priority given to students on History programmes, so that places cannot be guaranteed. Recommended modules are:

Optional modules	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
Early Medieval Britain	20	20	-	6
Frontier Communities of Roman Britain	20	-	20	6
Early Prehistoric Europe: Origins and transformations	20	-	20	6
Sex, bodies and identities in Classical Greece	20	-	20	6
Homeric Archaeology: Greece from Palaces to City States	20	20	-	6
Fundamentals of Digital Humanities: Computer literacy, data analysis and GIS	20	20	-	6
Buddhism and Society in Medieval Japan	20	20	-	6

(d) With the approval of the Degree Programme Director, the following alternative optional module to one of those available under 4(c) above may be selected:

Optional modules	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
Career Development for final year students	20	10	10	6

Appendix 8

Students may choose to take (as set out in their regulations) one or more Classical Language modules as set out in their regulations. Depending on their level of previous study students will either start at Beginners or Intermediate level. Students must take the Semester 1 Part 1 module before proceeding to the Semester 2 Part 2 module. Pre-requisite modules are set out in the Module Outline forms and indicated below.

An exemption from the University’s Qualifications and Credit Framework has been granted to allow the study of Beginners’ and Intermediate Latin and Greek at any stage. In the cases of Stages 2 and 3, the particular pathway selected is subject to the discretion of the Degree Programme director.

Greek modules

Descriptive title	Pre-Requisite	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
Beginners’ Greek in Action Part 1	None	20	20	-	4
Beginners’ Greek in Action Part 2	CAG1001 taken in same or a previous year	20	-	20	4
Intermediate Greek Language and Literature Part 1	CAG1002 taken in a previous year unless DPD approval given due to prior learning	20	20	-	5

Latin modules

Descriptive title	Pre-Requisite	Total Credits	Credits Sem 1	Credits Sem 2	Level
Beginners’ Latin in Action Part 1	None	20	20	-	4
Beginners’ Latin in Action Part 2	CLA1001 taken in the same or a previous year.	20	-	20	4
Intermediate Latin Language and Literature Part 1	CLA1002 taken in a previous year unless DPD approval given due to prior learning	20	20	-	5

Modules

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2025-26.

Teaching time is made up of:

• scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
• structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision

How you'll learn

Teaching methods

You'll be taught through a range of teaching methods and activities, including: 

• lectures
• seminars
• workshops
• tutorials
• film-screenings

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Assignments – written or fieldwork

• 

  Coursework

• 

  Dissertation or research project

• 

  Essays

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Portfolio submission

• 

  Presentations

• 

  Seminar tasks/exercises

Skills and experience

Practical skills

During your degree, you will have the chance to take part in extracurricular 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

You will be able to take advantage of the resources of the Great North Museum, with its extensive ancient collections. 

These experiences support your theoretical understanding, helping you to evaluate artefacts and carry out archival research.

Business skills

You'll gain practical skills and experience working with the outstanding Greek, Roman and Etruscan collections and antiquities at the Great North Museum: Hancock.

Research skills

In your final year, using the skills developed during your degree, you’ll write a dissertation on a topic of your own choosing. During this, you’ll hone your investigative skills as you undertake independent research with access to extensive print and electronic resources, as well as archives and special collections.

Support

You'll be welcomed into a vibrant and supportive community. We will ensure you are well placed to achieve your highest potential and are equipped for career success.

You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as an academic adviser throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.

Opportunities

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You have the opportunity to study abroad in between Stage 2 and 3. You can study in an EU country as part of a study abroad exchange or further afield.

Find out more about study abroad

Work placement

Apply your practical skills, increase your confidence and gain real-life work experience to accelerate your career. Take a 9-12-month industrial placement in the UK or abroad. Work placements usually take place in stage 3 of your studies and extend your degree by one year.

Find out more about work placements.

Your future

You'll develop a mix of practical, intellectual and transferable skills desirable to employers. This will give you an excellent choice of further study and career opportunities open to you on completion of your studies.

Classics graduates find themselves in a diverse range of careers, including:

• Heritage and Museums
• Journalism and Publishing
• Education
• Law and Legal Services
• Marketing

Careers support

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Facilities and environment

Facilities

You'll be based in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology, located at the heart of campus in the historic Armstrong Building. You'll have access to excellent study resources including:

• the Philip Robinson University Library, which houses over 800,000 books and provides access to ca. 1.8m e-books
• Special Collections & Archives – a rich collection of archival material, historical medical texts and rare books
• The Great North Museum: Hancock, our on-campus museum which holds an extensive collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artefacts.
• a Material Culture Analytical Suite kitted out with microscopes, and 2D and 3D scanning equipment.

Find out more about the School of History, Classics and Archaeology

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for academic year 2027-2028

Qualification: BA Honours
Home students full time 3 years	Tuition fees (Year 1) £10,050
International students full time 3 years	Tuition fees (Year 1) 25,350

Home Fee Students

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course. These fee limits can change each academic year and are set by the government.  

Our 2027/28 full-time undergraduate fees for home-fee paying students are £10,050. 

These fees apply to new and continuing students in each academic year. 

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

International Fee Students

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

International students can apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages