Classics

  • UCAS Code: Q800 BA/CGL (3 yrs) or Q801 BA/CGL4 (4 yrs)
  • Campus Code: 4
  • Duration: 3-4 Years
  • Places per year: 2-4

Trinity Hall welcomes Classicists, as well as candidates who wish to take Classical Greek or Latin with a modern language. The four-year Classics course is intended for those applicants who have not had the opportunity to study Latin to A level at school, or those who did not take this subject at A level (or equivalent) but now feel that they want to study Classics at Cambridge. Even those with no Latin or Greek at all are encouraged to apply.

Course Overview

The number of students admitted is about two to four per year and the standards we require of them are high, but if admitted you will be well looked after. The Director of Studies will act as your guide in the choices you make during your course at Cambridge. The libraries at the College and at the Faculty are excellent, and the general atmosphere and surroundings are simply beyond compare. There is a thriving University society (The Herodoteans), which holds regular meetings and social events; every three years a Greek play is staged in the original language by a cast composed largely of undergraduates.

Some classicists go on to research and teaching in schools and universities, or to work in archives, libraries and museums. However, most go into other careers – in Law, commerce, accountancy, the Civil Service, the media, industry and business. In short, they readily find employment in many varied careers. Recent interviews with major employers have confirmed that they have a high opinion of classicists as potential employees.

How You Learn

All students in Classics benefit from tuition which is organised centrally by the Faculty and, on a more individual basis, by the College through your Director of Studies. This variety of provision allows us to offer a unique level of care and flexibility. Lectures are offered on all parts of the course as well as in some areas that cut across the disciplines, while classes (especially in Part II) allow you to debate issues and formulate your own arguments.

Throughout your degree course supervisions will give you the chance to study the ancient world in depth, often emphasising a different angle from the lectures. Often you will write an essay in advance and then discuss it with your supervisor and one or two other students. Supervisions train you to think critically and independently, giving you a real opportunity to work on your intellectual development.

In addition to lectures and seminars the Faculty has excellent up-to-date facilities to support your studies. These include the Museum of Classical Archaeology, housing one of the finest collections of casts of classical sculpture in the world and a regular base for supervisions and art and archaeology teaching, and a Library, which houses an excellent collection of primary and secondary literature as well as providing a comfortable environment in which to study. The Greek and Roman galleries of the Fitzwilliam Museum are just up the road.

Going beyond what you learn at school and engaging with super-curricular resources is a great way to develop your knowledge of your subject and demonstrate your passion at interview.

Watch this video of Professor Mary Beard and Stephen Cox RA discussing art in antiquity to learn more about Classics.

Typical Offer Conditions

A-Level:

A*AA

IB

41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level

Other:

See the University’s Entrance Requirements page

Subject Requirements (3 year course)

Essential:

Latin or Classical Greek

Desirable:
None

 

Subject Requirements (4 year course)

Essential:

None

Desirable:
None, though a GCSE in Latin or Greek can be useful preparation

 

Written Work

Two school essays on any subject. For further information on submitting written work, please read our How to Apply page.

Admissions Assessment

All applicants for Classics are required to take a written assessment if shortlisted for interview. The College will register you automatically for this assessment.