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Classics

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Classics

Classics tries to understand the writings, thoughts and culture of Greece and Rome, which have been so influential in the creation of the modern world. It’s a broad and exciting subject that looks at many different areas, including literature, history, archaeology, art history, philosophy, and linguistics.

“Churchill is a modern, informal, and friendly place, and our approach to Classics is the same. We have a great library, we’re a short bike-ride from the Classics Faculty, and the Classics students and tutors work as a close-knit team. You’ll find the culture supportive and helpful. You’ll always be pushed to dig deeper into whatever areas interest you most.”

– Dr Jerry Toner, Director of Studies

Entry Requirements

Churchill College’s standard A Level offer in Classics is A*A*A. For IB, our standard offer is 43 points overall with 777 at Higher Level.

There may be additional subject requirements depending on the duration of the course you apply to (see below).

Classics 3- or 4-year

The Classics course can be taken in either 3 or 4 years, depending on your experience in ancient languages.

To apply to the Classics 3-year course, you need A Level/IB Higher Level (or an equivalent qualification) in Latin.

There are no subject requirements for the Classics 4-year course. The following subjects are recommended:

  • Classical Civilisation 
  • English (language or literature) 
  • History 
  • Languages (ancient or modern)

For more information on both courses, see the University course page: Classics, BA (Hons) | Undergraduate Study

If you are taking other qualifications, please see the following University webpage for equivalent entry requirements: Check which qualifications we accept | Undergraduate Study

Admissions Assessment

All applicants to Classics 3- and 4- year are required to take an admissions assessment if they are invited to interview.

You can find more information about this assessment on the University webpage: College admission assessments | Undergraduate Study

Written Work

You will need to submit 2 pieces of written work, preferably classical subjects, though related subjects are acceptable, such as History or Literature. Ideally, each piece should be 1500 to 2000 words in length.

Director of Studies
A smiling man with dark hair stands amidst bookshelves adorned with green and some white books.

Dr Jerry Toner

Learn More

Studying Classics at Churchill College

You don’t need to have studied Latin or Greek to take Classics at Cambridge because the Faculty has several different degree programs depending on your experience. Some students have done lots of languages, others have none. What matters is that you are fascinated by the incredibly rich worlds of antiquity.

You’ll start by focusing on the languages and the core literature, but as you progress you’ll be really encouraged to pursue what interests you the most. By the final year you’ll be free to choose subjects ranging from the Late Roman empire and ancient Idols to the Aeneid and the art of collecting.

Full course details are provided on the Faculty’s Prospective Undergraduates webpage and the University’s Undergraduate Study webpage.

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