Program Overview

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BA Classics (Q800)

2026 entry

Course summary

Classics at Bristol allows you to explore real-world issues like gender and sexuality, law and crime, and health and wellbeing, through an in-depth understanding of the Greek and Latin languages.

Classes are taught at all levels, so you are welcome to begin your journey into Greek and Latin at Bristol or to expand your knowledge of the languages and literature through intermediate and advanced study.

As Bristol is close to ancient sites like Bath and Caerleon, you will enhance your studies with field trips, and we run trips to cities rich in ancient heritage, like Rome or Pompeii.

Studying Classics means gaining a deep appreciation and knowledge of language, analytical skills and attention to detail. These are skills highly prized by employers, so our students go on to succeed in a variety of fields, including teaching, technology, finance and broadcasting. With our broad range of subjects and types of assessment, you will have the opportunity to use your creativity, follow your ideas and research independently, and build innovative team projects.

Whether you are completely new to the subject or you have been inspired by previous study, you will discover new ways of exploring the ancient Mediterranean which will expand your knowledge of Greco-Roman cultures while enriching your understanding of challenges facing us today.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: AAB
• A-level contextual offer: BBB
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 3 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £27400 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

Course structure

You will develop the core knowledge and language skills of a Classics scholar by combining mandatory units with optional ones. Our group first-year units are specifically designed to introduce you to Classics at university level, no matter your previous experience of the subject. You will explore a huge range of literary and material sources throughout your degree, including poetry, drama, art, and archaeology. You will also have the option to take other units from elsewhere in the Faculty of Arts, or beyond.

In your second year, you will advance your interpretive skills in Latin and Greek while also choosing units which help you to think more deeply about the malleability of Classics - where are the borders of the ancient Mediterranean? How has classical culture been represented in the past? In your third year, you can choose from an exciting range of specialist subjects based on our department's world-class research. You will refine your skills in independent research by writing a dissertation exploring a topic of your choosing. You will also take the Applied Classics unit, which involves planning, marketing and executing a project inspired by what you love about the ancient world.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

• A-level standard offer: AAB
• A-level contextual offer: BBB
• BTEC: DDD in any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level
• International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer: 31 points overall with 15 at Higher Level
• European Baccalaureate: 80% overall
• Scottish Qualifications Authority: Advanced Higher: AB, and Standard Higher: AAABB
• Access to HE Diploma: Access to HE Diploma in Humanities, Social Sciences, Law or History (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include 24 credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit or above.
• Welsh Baccalaureate: Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
• Cambridge Pre-U: Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B and M3 is C.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Classics can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

• GCSE profile requirements: No specific subjects required.
• English language requirements: If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 7.0 overall with 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in all other skills
  • GCSE English Language grade B or 6
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level B.

Related courses

See a list of all Classics degrees at Bristol, and find more information about the course, assessment and career prospects.

Related Subjects

• Ancient History
• Classical Studies
• English
• History of Art