Newcastle University

Classical Studies BA Honours
UCAS Code: Q810 (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.

This degree is aimed at students who want to study Greek and Roman culture in all its manifestations – literature, history, art and architecture, myth and religion, philosophy, science and medicine, and the classical tradition.

Our degree allows you to explore the rich diversity of the classical world, as well as specialise in areas of particular interest. You can combine this with the study of a classical language if you wish, even if you have no previous experience.

Quality and ranking

Classics at Newcastle is highly regarded, achieving a 93% overall student satisfaction score in the 2013 National Student Survey.

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. Tutorials and workshops also form part of your timetable, and you will supplement your classes with a substantial amount of independent study, research and reading. 

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.

Visit our Teaching and Learning pages to read about the outstanding learning experience available to you at Newcastle University.

Classical language learning

We offer highly successful and nationally acclaimed beginners' Language in Action classes for students who wish to learn Greek and/or Latin. We also offer intermediate and advanced classes for students with previous experience in either language.

Our language classes are not a compulsory part of this degree so will form part of your optional modules at each Stage. 

They allow you to engage in literary study of original Greek and Latin texts from beginners’ right up to advanced level. You will enjoy small class sizes, allowing for a high level of interaction with teaching staff.

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.