Classics,BA

The core of the Classics course is language, although how much language is studied and at what level, depends on you. The course is equally suitable for students who have A levels (or equivalent) in Greek and/or Latin and for those who have never studied an ancient language before. As such, we offer modules in both Latin and Greek, in both prose and verse, at every level appropriate to your experience or your particular interests.

The course also put these languages into context by exploring the culture of these ancient civilisations. In your first year, you will gain a grounding in the central periods of Greek and Roman culture. In your second year you will then study how the genre of epic developed in Greek and Roman antiquity and beyond.

In your final year you will bring together your studies and write a dissertation in your chosen area of interest. This will be supported by continuing language study and a choice of further learning which you can tailor to your own studies.

Explore all aspects of classical culture as you immerse yourself in the languages and society of ancient Greece and Rome.

A level offer – AAA.

Contextual offer – BBB.

We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD.

IB Diploma score – 37 with 666 in higher level subjects.

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. For more information contact our Admissions Tutor.

• Classical subjects are not essential, but selectors look for evidence of linguistic ability.

• If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre

• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.

Science A levels

Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

Our students acquire many skills which are readily transferable to a whole range of professions. You will learn to search for, gather, and process information, to evaluate evidence and to express yourself clearly and succinctly, both verbally and in writing.

Classics graduates have progressed to careers as diverse as computing, the Civil Service, gold dealing, teaching, journalism, law, accountancy, public relations and the theatre. A significant number of our students progress onto higher level study following their degree. Some remain within their academic field of interest and pursue a Master’s degree, either at Durham or elsewhere. Others choose professional postgraduate programmes in subjects such as law, finance and teaching.

Of those students who graduated in 2020-21:

• 83% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:

• 80% are in high skilled employment
• With an average salary of £26,500

(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)